Regulation - LGIC
Class A Manual Transmission Restriction
Regulation Number(s):
340/94
Instrument Type:
Regulation - LGIC
Bill or Act:
Highway Traffic Act
Summary of Proposal:
A Class A driver's licence is a commercial licence which authorizes the holder to drive heavy trucks and tractor-trailers. A person wishing to obtain a Class A licence may do so by taking a knowledge and road test at a DriveTest Centre after completing a training course.
MTO is proposing that if a driver successfully passes their Class A road test using an automatic transmission vehicle that their driver's licence be restricted to driving Class A automatic transmission vehicles only. For drivers that pass their Class A road test using a manual transmission vehicle, they can drive either automatic or manual transmission vehicles with no restriction placed on their driver's licence.
Automatic transmission includes any transmission not operating fully on the gear shift and clutch principles. Manual transmission must consist of at least 8 forward gears with a high-low range.
If a driver whose licence has been restricted to automatic transmission vehicles subsequently wishes to remove the restriction, the driver would be required to pass a Class A road test using a manual transmission vehicle.
If a driver from another jurisdiction is eligible to exchange an equivalent licence for an Ontario Class A licence, that licence would be made subject to any automatic transmission licence restriction from the licence that was exchanged.
The introduction of a manual transmission restriction is designed to ensure that commercial truck drivers are fully tested and demonstrate proficiency in the types of vehicles that they will drive once licensed.
MTO is proposing that if a driver successfully passes their Class A road test using an automatic transmission vehicle that their driver's licence be restricted to driving Class A automatic transmission vehicles only. For drivers that pass their Class A road test using a manual transmission vehicle, they can drive either automatic or manual transmission vehicles with no restriction placed on their driver's licence.
Automatic transmission includes any transmission not operating fully on the gear shift and clutch principles. Manual transmission must consist of at least 8 forward gears with a high-low range.
If a driver whose licence has been restricted to automatic transmission vehicles subsequently wishes to remove the restriction, the driver would be required to pass a Class A road test using a manual transmission vehicle.
If a driver from another jurisdiction is eligible to exchange an equivalent licence for an Ontario Class A licence, that licence would be made subject to any automatic transmission licence restriction from the licence that was exchanged.
The introduction of a manual transmission restriction is designed to ensure that commercial truck drivers are fully tested and demonstrate proficiency in the types of vehicles that they will drive once licensed.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
• No direct changes and costs to current business processes as this is a voluntary regulation where businesses can opt not to participate. Businesses have the option to continue to deliver the training using the vehicles they currently own.
• Manual transmission vehicles are more difficult and complex to operate. To enhance road safety and the safety of other road users, if approved will only be driven by drivers that have demonstrated their competency in passing the Class A road test using a manual transmission vehicle.
• From July 1, 2017 to February 29, 2020, 94 Training Providers (PCCs) entered student's training completions into the Ministry's ELT system. Of these:
o 53 training providers entered automatic transmission training only for approximately 13,000 students
o 8 training providers entered manual transmission training only for approximately 2,500 students
o 33 training providers entered both; total number of students entered approximately 9,400 (approximately automatic 4,700 and manual 4,700)
• Cost savings to Class A applicants that choose to complete their road test using a manual transmission vehicle.
• Manual transmission vehicles are more difficult and complex to operate. To enhance road safety and the safety of other road users, if approved will only be driven by drivers that have demonstrated their competency in passing the Class A road test using a manual transmission vehicle.
• From July 1, 2017 to February 29, 2020, 94 Training Providers (PCCs) entered student's training completions into the Ministry's ELT system. Of these:
o 53 training providers entered automatic transmission training only for approximately 13,000 students
o 8 training providers entered manual transmission training only for approximately 2,500 students
o 33 training providers entered both; total number of students entered approximately 9,400 (approximately automatic 4,700 and manual 4,700)
• Cost savings to Class A applicants that choose to complete their road test using a manual transmission vehicle.
Further Information:
Proposal Number:
20-MTO090
Posting Date:
November 17, 2020
Comments Due Date:
January 1, 2021
Contact Address:
87 William Hearst Avenue, Rm B-051
Downsview, ON
M3M 0B4
Downsview, ON
M3M 0B4