Background Information

In 2020, the Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety approved a Canada-wide standard for basic entry-level training for Class 1 heavy vehicle drivers (National Safety Code 16). So far, eight Canadian provinces and one territory have adopted the standard.

Several consultations were held with heavy vehicle industry partners (schools and businesses) in order to develop Québec’s training model. 

The roll out of mandatory Class 1 training achieves Measure 26 set out in the government’s 2023-2028 road safety action plan: Plan d’action en sécurité routière 2023-2028⁠ ⁠ (in French only). 

The SAAQ consulted around twenty partners while developing its new training program. Furthermore, in the fall of 2023, in collaboration with the Centre de formation en transport de Charlesbourg and the Centre de formation du transport routier de Saint-Jérôme, the training program was offered on a trial basis at two private driving schools and two transportation companies. The results were very positive, notably as a result of making the safe driving skills required to pass the Class 1 knowledge and road tests an integral part of the course, which led to a significant increase in the number of candidates who passed the tests. 

In May 2024, Bill 48 was adopted, which introduced provisions regarding mandatory training under the Highway Safety Code. On November 12, 2025, mandatory training for anyone wishing to obtain a Class 1 licence became official with the publication of the Regulation to amend the Regulation respecting licences in the Gazette Officielle du Québec. As of December 15, 2025, mandatory training is in effect. 

Becoming a Class 1 Road Safety Education Program Service Provider - SAAQ (in French only)