By Government of Saskatchewan

New Rules for Class 1A

Mandatory Training Coming For Drivers Of Semis Used In Agriculture Operations

Jun 5, 2019 | 9:26 AM

New training requirements for those wishing to drive a semi in agriculture operations will be phased in starting next year.

The changes follow the implementation of 121.5 mandatory training hours for Class 1 commercial semi drivers that came into effect March 15, 2019.

At the time, the government also introduced a temporary exemption for people who wanted to drive a semi in farming operations. Drivers could get an “F” endorsement on their existing licence by passing the Class 1 tests without taking mandatory training. Holders of an “F” endorsement were limited to driving semis within the province.

“We wanted to take some more time to consult with the farm sector on the impacts mandatory training would have on their industry, recognizing that vehicles used in farming operations are – in most cases – not on the roads as much as commercial semis; they also tend to travel shorter distances, and through areas with lower traffic volumes,” Minister Responsible for SGI Joe Hargrave said. “That consultation work is now complete. The majority of people we consulted in the agriculture sector agreed training was necessary to improve safety for everyone travelling on our roads.”

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Training impacts for the ag sector are as follows:

• Effective March 1, 2020, anyone wishing to obtain an “F” endorsement on their existing driver’s licence will be required to take 40 hours of commercial driver training. The “F” endorsement will include a restriction that the holder can drive a farm vehicle normally requiring a Class 1 driver’s licence only within a 100-km radius of the address on the vehicle registration, and is restricted to operating within Saskatchewan’s borders.
• Effective March 1, 2021, the “F” endorsement will be eliminated and anyone wanting to operate a semi will require a Class 1 driver’s licence, which will include taking the full 121.5-hour mandatory training program. This includes all “F” endorsement holders, who will need to complete the training program.* Drivers who have previously taken 40 hours of training toward the “F” endorsement will be given credit for those hours.

The changes mean that in 2021, mandatory training programs across the prairies will be completely aligned.

*Anyone who obtained a Class 1 licence before mandatory training was implemented is allowed to continue to drive a semi.