It will soon be more difficult for commercial semi truck drivers to get licensed in Saskatchewan.
New Class 1 commercial license drivers in the province will have to undergo a minimum if 121.5 hours of training as of March 15th 2019.
Minister Responsible for S-G-I Joe Hargrave announced the change Monday morning at the Saskatchewan Trucking Association headquarters in Regina.
Hargrave said the regulations include in class, in the yard and behind the wheel training with a focus on basic driving techniques, professional driving habits, vehicle inspections and air brakes.
The minister indicated schools and instructors will be trained on the new curriculum and will be held to higher standards. Drivers’ tests will also be based on the new curriculum.
A 12-month safety monitoring program is also now effect for all new semi drivers.
Existing Class 1 drivers will be grandfathered in as of March 15th.