(file photo/CKOM News Staff)

By Andrew Shepherd/CKOM News Staff

Mandatory training for semi drivers takes effect in Sask.

Mar 15, 2019 | 11:31 AM

As of today, semi drivers in Saskatchewan are required to comply with new mandatory, standardized training requirements.

Friday is the first day the requirements are in place.

Drivers who want to get their Class 1 licence must now complete 121.5 hours of more rigorous driver’s tests. That includes in-classroom, in-yard and behind the wheel training focusing on basic driving techniques, professional driving habits, vehicle inspections and air brakes.

SGI began work on the mandatory training in 2017 but there was an increased focus on semi training following the Humboldt Broncos crash that killed 16 people and injured 13 others in April last year.

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Saskatchewan is the third province to introduce mandatory standardized semi training, following similar rules which took effect in Alberta on March 1. Ontario was the first province.

“We’re optimistic and we’ve been working with the federal government about looking at standardized training right across the country,” said Joe Hargrave, minister responsible for SGI.

Under these changes, existing Class 1 drivers are grandfathered in.

With reports that SGI saw a spike in drivers rushing to get their Class 1 licence before the new rules kicked in, Hargrave explained why the province won’t force all semi drivers to take the new mandatory training.

“Ninety per cent of the people that examine with us have already taken training. We’ve had drivers on the road that have been driving on the road for twenty, thirty years,” said Hargrave. “They’re safe, secure drivers.”
SGI is also monitoring the safety record of all new semi drivers for one year after testing. The 12-month safety monitoring program was put in place in December 2018.

“Just as we do with your Class 5 licence. If you get too many points on your Class 5, we’re going to pull you aside and have a little chat with you,” he said.

The new requirements also introduce what could be temporary changes for drivers in the farming industry.

Until a decision is made for the sector, any driver using a semi in farming operations must pass the same rigorous tests to receive the “F” endorsement on their licence. They will also be restricted to driving within Saskatchewan and will be part of the same year-long monitoring program as Class 1 drivers.

Minister Hargrave said the province is still consulting with farmers about the impacts of mandatory training, given they tend to drive semis less often, in shorter distances.

When it comes to foreign-born drivers, landed immigrants will need to take the mandatory training like everyone else. However, because temporary foreign workers are considered visitors to Canada, their foreign licences are recognized in Canada until they become landed immigrants.

— With files from 980 CJME’s Jessie Anton