New mandatory standardized training requirements take effect as of March 15, 2019 for those wanting a Class 1 commercial license in Saskatchewan to drive semi trucks.
The changes were announced in December by Minister Responsible for SGI Joe Hargrave, after consultation with those in the trucking industry, training schools, additional stakeholders, and other jurisdictions. Changes were the culmination of work SGI began mid-2017 to improve standards for training of commercial semi drivers.
“These changes will improve safety on our province’s roads by ensuring Class 1 drivers receive more rigorous standardized training, based on strengthened curriculum requirements,” Hargrave said.
Highlights of the changes:
- Drivers seeking a Class 1 commercial license in Saskatchewan to drive semi trucks will be required to undergo a minimum standardized 121.5 hours of training (in-classroom, in-yard, and behind the wheel) focusing on priority curriculum areas including basic driving techniques, professional driving habits, vehicle inspections, and air brakes.
- More rigorous driver’s tests, aligned with the new curriculum.
- A 12-month safety monitoring program is in place (as of Dec. 4, 2018) for all new semi drivers; SGI is monitoring semi drivers more stringently for a year post-testing so remedial action can be taken if there are safety concerns.
- Class 1 road tests will be undertaken with SGI examiners only (previously, certain accredited training schools were allowed to test students).
A standardized curriculum has been rolled out to training schools across the province since the changes were announced in December.
Existing Class 1 drivers are grandfathered in as of the implementation date.
Prerequisites
For the Class 1A (MELT), 3A, or 1G (Heavy Trailer) you will need to acquire a learner’s license before starting a course.
A commercial medical is required and can be done through your family doctor or any medical clinic.
Also, written exams for the appropriate class or endorsement of license you are in need of are done through an SGI testing office. Manuals are free of charge to study from.
Prior to course start, you must have:
- Deposit for enrollment
- A valid Class 5 license (no novice restriction)
- Commercial Drivers Medical
- Class 1A or 3A, 1G learner’s license
- Endorsed on license
- Proof of written air exam
***MELT Classroom portion must be completed before in-truck training. This can be done in person in class or (preferred method) online at your own leisure. Upon completing the online portion, there is a final exam that needs to be taken at SGI.
Basic Prerequisites
Minimum age: 18 years, and not a novice driver
Knowledge tests: Written or oral tests for appropriate class of license.
Medical: Individuals applying for a Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 driver's license or a Class 5 license with a 1, 2, 3, 4, or S endorsement are required to meet medical standards and file a medical report with SGI. For more information, contact SGI's Customer Service Centre in Regina at (306) 775-6900 or toll-free at 1-800-667-9868.
License Class 1
Permits the License Holder to Operate
- Class 1 Vehicles: power units, semi-trailers, and trucks that have one or more trailers or vehicles in tow where the gross weight of the towed units exceeds 4600kg (10,141lb).
- Motor vehicles in Classes 2, 3, 4, and 5.
Does not Permit the License Holder to Operate
- Vehicles with air-brakes, motorcycles, or school buses without appropriate endorsements.
License Class 3
Permits the License Holder to Operate
- Class 3 Vehicles: trucks with more than two axles, except trucks registered in Class F, and trucks with more than two axles that have one or more trailers or vehicles in tow, except trucks registered in Class F, where the gross weight of the towed units does not exceed 4600kg (10,141lb).
- Motor vehicles in Classes 4 and 5.
- Power units with more than two axles, when not towing a semi-trailer.
- Class 1 or 2 vehicles as a learner with appropriate endorsement.
Does not Permit the License Holder to Operate
- Vehicles with air-brakes, motorcycles, or school buses without appropriate endorsements.
- Persons with Class 3 or 5 vehicles (registered farm only) with air-brakes are not required to have the air-brake endorsement.
Requirements: Above prerequisites and road test in appropriate class of vehicle.
All minimums are based on SGI standards. This page is for reference purposes only.
