Transportation Outside Québec

Driving a Heavy Vehicle in the United States

To drive a heavy vehicle in the United States, you must undergo medical assessments more frequently. If condition W appears on a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4B driver's licence, it means that its holder is not authorized to drive in the United States.

More frequent medical assessments

Driving a heavy vehicle in the United States involves undergoing medical assessments more frequently.

You will be required to consult a physician to obtain a medical examination report:

  • when applying for a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4B licence
  • at age 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45
  • at age 48, 51, 54, 57, 60, 63 and 65
  • every year thereafter
    • Depending on your medical condition, these assessments could be required more frequently.

Fees charged by the physician who completed the medical report are at your expense.

Condition W: prohibition from driving a heavy vehicle in the United States

If condition W appears on your Class 1, 2, 3 or 4B driver's licence, it means that you are not authorized to drive a heavy vehicle in the United States.

Condition W appears on a driver's licence if its holder:

  • suffers or has suffered from epilepsy
  • suffers from a moderate or total hearing loss that cannot be corrected with hearing aids
  • holds a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4B driver's licence under the SAAQ's discretionary power
  • has refused to undergo medical assessments at the frequency specified in the American regulations
  • has failed to undergo a medical examination requested by the SAAQ

If the holder of a driver's licence bearing condition W is pulled over by an American peace officer

The holder is liable to penalties in accordance with the laws in effect in the United States.

Condition W: you may drive a heavy vehicle anywhere in Canada

Having condition W on your Class 1, 2, 3 or 4B driver's licence does not prevent you from driving a heavy vehicle anywhere in Canada.

You must notify the SAAQ of any changes in your state of health

Any illness or impairment must be declared to the SAAQ within 30 days of the change in your state of health.

Last update: May 17, 2022