In a significant move aimed at bolstering road safety, Alberta’s government is contemplating a requirement for prospective truck drivers to possess two years of general driving experience before qualifying for a commercial licence. Transport Minister Devin Dreeshen emphasised that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance safety standards and address issues within the trucking industry.
A Call for Experience
During an interview with The Globe and Mail, Dreeshen articulated the rationale behind the proposed regulation. He noted that having two years of experience driving a regular vehicle would equip aspiring truck drivers with vital skills, especially in navigating Alberta’s diverse and often challenging seasonal weather conditions. “When you have two years of experience of driving a regular vehicle, you can at least experience the four seasons of weather that we have here in Alberta, as well as just being comfortable with how people drive in the province,” he explained.
The initiative is expected to be reviewed alongside Alberta’s road safety laws in the upcoming autumn, with potential implementation as early as this year. Dreeshen’s remarks underscored the need for exceptional driving standards among those operating heavy-duty vehicles: “We’ve seen lots of statistics of accidents as well as anecdotal evidence of seeing bad truck drivers on Alberta roads.”
Industry Concerns
Despite the potential safety benefits, the proposed two-year experience requirement has raised concerns within the trucking industry, which is already grappling with a shortage of drivers. Robert Harper, president of the Alberta Motor Transport Association, cautioned that such a rule might deter new entrants into the profession. “I don’t think it’s something that industry’s been looking for,” he stated. Harper further indicated that without similar regulations in other provinces, Alberta could risk losing young job seekers to neighbouring jurisdictions that do not impose such stringent requirements.
Dreeshen reflected on whether the two-year experience mandate would apply only to those who have driven with an Alberta standard licence or if driving experience from other provinces would also be recognised.
Addressing Unsafe Practices
The government’s focus on enhancing road safety comes amid ongoing issues with safety compliance in the trucking sector. Since October 2025, Alberta has shut down 20 unsafe trucking companies, including Conquer Transport, which had previously been decertified in Manitoba due to safety violations. The company’s re-emergence in Alberta under a different name and its involvement in a fatal accident have sparked calls for a national registry to monitor unsafe trucking firms more effectively.
A recent investigation highlighted that inadequate information sharing and insufficient penalties have hampered enforcement efforts across Canada. In June, it was revealed that Conquer Transport had been allowed to recruit temporary foreign workers despite its revoked safety certification. Alberta has also taken proactive measures against approximately 40 “chameleon carriers”—companies that shift operations to evade regulatory scrutiny—and has closed five fraudulent driving schools.
Regional Variations in Licensing Requirements
Across Canada, the regulations governing the experience needed to obtain a commercial licence vary significantly. While Alberta considers a two-year requirement, neighbouring provinces like Quebec and Prince Edward Island have already implemented similar rules. Nova Scotia and Newfoundland require a year of general driving experience, while Ontario plans to enforce a six-month requirement starting in January 2027.
Support for stricter licensing measures has emerged from industry advocates like Vijaydeep Singh Sahasi, president of the West Coast Trucking Association. He expressed strong support for Alberta’s proposed policy, recognising the importance of ensuring that aspiring truck drivers have adequate experience before they receive their accreditation. “I would second it very strongly,” he affirmed.
Why it Matters
The potential introduction of a two-year driving experience requirement for truck drivers in Alberta is more than just a regulatory adjustment; it is a crucial step towards enhancing road safety and professionalising the trucking industry. This initiative reflects a growing awareness of the need for greater accountability and improved standards in a sector that is pivotal to the economy. As the province grapples with safety concerns and a driver shortage, the outcome of this proposal will have lasting implications for both the trucking industry and the safety of Alberta’s roads. In the face of evolving challenges, a commitment to higher standards could ultimately protect workers and the broader community alike.
