Stakeholder Input on New Entry-Level Training (ELT) Regulations
Prepared by the Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO)
The Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO), together with a coalition of diverse industry stakeholders, has undertaken a rigorous review of Ontario’s Entry-Level Training (ELT) regulations for commercial drivers. This effort aims to modernize and improve training standards to foster a safer and more competent workforce, reinforcing Ontario’s leadership in commercial driver education.
Key Stakeholder Involvement
The stakeholder group included respected organizations such as the Ontario Trucking Association, Insurance Bureau of Canada, Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada, and other industry leaders, along with TTSAO-member school operators. Together, these groups contributed critical insights drawn from studies, surveys, and frontline training experiences, culminating in comprehensive recommendations.
Proposed Recommendations
1. Expanded Training Hours:
– Increase Behind-The-Wheel (BTW) training to 145 hours, including mandatory segments for highway driving, night driving, and hauling weighted trailers.
– Dedicate 35 hours to Yard Training, covering essential skills like Pre-Trip Inspections (PTI), backing maneuvers, coupling/uncoupling, and load securement.
2. Instructor Standards:
– Require a minimum of 5 years of verifiable AZ driver experience, clean driving records, and instructor certifications.
– Allow retired, experienced drivers to re-enter the industry as instructors within one year of retirement, ensuring their knowledge is passed to new generations.
3. Theoretical Curriculum Improvements:
– Allocate 60 hours for instructor-led courses on critical topics like Hours of Service, Trip Planning, and Driver Rights, including a new module to address drivers’ workplace rights and responsibilities.
– Mandate completion of all tests with an 80% pass rate, with instructor-student accountability through signed documentation.
4. Harmonized Testing Standards:
– Align testing equipment at DriveTest Centres with training standards, requiring trailers 48–53 feet long and properly weighted loads for road tests.
– Advocate for harmonization across provincial and national guidelines to ensure consistency and fairness in assessments.
5. Transparency in Training and Audits:
– Joint audits by MCU and MTO inspectors to ensure compliance with yard, equipment, and BTW training.
– Publicly disclose pass rates of training organizations to enhance student decision-making and increase accountability.
6. Addressing Industry Challenges:
– Tackle the proliferation of low-cost training academies by advocating for stricter audits to eliminate substandard training practices.
– Encourage post-MELT mentorship programs, onboarding initiatives, or finishing schools to bridge the gap between basic training and real-world job demands.
Supporting Data and Real-World Impact
Surveys consistently reveal a demand for increased training hours, with over 60% of drivers advocating for 250 hours of instruction. These proposals respond to gaps identified in ELT, such as insufficient highway or night driving preparation, which are critical for safety and employability. By emphasizing collaboration and the importance of well-qualified instructors, the recommendations promise to uplift training standards while addressing industry issues like driver retention, equipment consistency, and student support.
Call to Action
Members are encouraged to advocate for the proposed changes and support initiatives that strengthen Ontario’s leadership in commercial driver education. Together, we can ensure that new drivers are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence required for success on the road.