Product Ontario has revised its commercial driving licence regulations as of October 2025, such that a year of Canadian on-road driving experience will be required for all new Class A licence applicants. The move follows a series of fatal truck accidents attributable to incompetent or illegal immigration into the U.S. and the increased public attention to commercial road safety. The new policy is included in the Fighting Evers, Building Faster Act of 2025, which is also aimed at infrastructure efficiency and regulatory changes in the housing, transport, and safety sectors.
New Driving Rules Under Ontario’s 2025 Safety Overhaul
The law, as announced by MPP Hardeep, establishes new eligibility standards to make sure that only trained, experienced drivers drive heavy trucks. The most important requirements are now:
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Weakness is one year of verifiable Canadian driving record before seeking a Class A licence
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Checking the visa and work permit of all the applicants
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Abortion of the commercial licence issue for short-term visitors
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The non-partner countries have their reciprocity of foreign licences terminated
|
Licence Category |
Vehicle Operated |
New Experience Rule |
Air Brake Eligibility |
|
Full Class A |
Any tractor-trailer |
1 year of Canadian driving required |
Yes |
|
Restricted Class A |
Small tractor-trailers (no full air brakes) |
1 year of Canadian driving required |
No |
Also Read: Cost of Study in Canada for Indian Students
Why the Change Now?
The changes in Ontario are based on the road accidents in the United States that occurred with drivers having a foreign training background. The policymakers in Canada reacted to the two fatal crashes involving Punjabi truckers in the United States in 2024 and started discussing how cross-border driver checks were poorly established.
The Ontario government decided that there is a need to have domestic driving experience in order to have consistency in testing, training, and liability standards. The truck driver salary in Ontario averages between CAD 55,000 and CAD 85,000 annually in 2025, positioning Canada among the most rewarding destinations for skilled transportation professionals worldwide. With ongoing logistics growth and provincial reforms enhancing Class A licence standards, trucking remains one of the most in-demand career paths for newcomers to Canada.
How the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act Ties In?
The wider act is meant to update the Ontario transportation and construction infrastructure, streamline the driver approvals, and establish a single road safety system. Basic transport amenities will include:
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Unifying road-building regulations.
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Prohibition of lane deprivation of bike lane developments to avoid congestion.
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Enforcing driver licence checks and pre-commercial waiting period enforcement.
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Maximum towing charges should be introduced to curb exploitation.
Also Read: Latest Eligibility for Canada PR from India: Experts' Guide
Impact on Foreign and New Immigrant Drivers
New rules particularly impact new entrants who want to work commercially. The Ontario.ca states that an applicant to a non-reciprocal country can still receive up to one year of credit with a foreign licence, but must provide an Authentication Document of the issuing authority to prove legitimacy.
|
Province |
Minimum Domestic Experience |
Reciprocity Permitted |
Visitor Eligibility |
Effective Date |
|
Ontario |
1 year (mandatory) |
Limited to partner nations |
Not allowed |
Oct 2025 |
|
Alberta |
6 months recommended |
Yes (reciprocal only) |
Allowed |
2024 |
|
British Columbia |
1 year recommended |
Selective |
Allowed with restrictions |
2024 |
|
Quebec |
Varies (3–12 months) |
Yes |
Allowed |
2023 |
Reactions from the Trucking Community and Public Safety Officials
The decision is popular among public safety experts, who refer to it as a common-sense measure to avoid the presence of unqualified drivers in control of the large trucks.
Fears of the trucking associations are that the smaller logistics companies will be faced with shortages of drivers because the foreign-trained applicants will now take a longer period of qualification before they qualify under the home standards.
What Existing Commercial Drivers Should Know?
Those drivers who are already licensed before October 2025 continue to be valid under the grandfather clause. Nevertheless, after the expiration period, they will be required to renew according to the new verification policy. The renewal assessment would look into the history of accidents, residence status, and maintenance of the Canadian driving record.
Also Read: Canada Ends Policy Allowing Visitors to Apply for Work
Digital Verification and Future Technologies
Ontario is moving towards the use of digital driver credentials combined with automated verification. This is reflective of national trends toward AI-based speed monitoring and electronic logging devices, which are mandated by the New Canada Driving Law of 2025.
Conclusion
The Ontario commercial driving licence rules under the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act 2025 reflect the province’s determination to tighten standards, close regulatory gaps, and ensure public road safety. The new one-year Canadian experience mandate reshapes how new immigrants and foreign licence holders can access truck driving opportunities, marking another major step in professionalising Canada’s transport industry.
For official eligibility requirements, licence exchange rules, and Class A application details, visit the Government of Ontario Driver Licensing Portal or contact the Ministry of Transportation directly. To know more about Ontario commercial driving licence rules, visit TerraTern now!
