Ontario’s Bill 60 is a major legislative initiative designed to strengthen the province’s driver licensing system, with a particular focus on commercial Class A licences used by truck drivers. The bill introduces stricter requirements for applicants, including mandatory proof of legal presence in Canada, verified work authorization, and documented residency before a licence can be issued or renewed. In addition, Bill 60 establishes a waiting period that must be observed by drivers before they can upgrade from a standard licence to a commercial Class A licence, while also limiting the automatic recognition of foreign driving experience for applicants from countries without reciprocal agreements. These measures are framed by the provincial government as a crackdown on fraudulent or improperly obtained licences, following investigations that led to the suspension of hundreds of commercial licences suspected of being acquired dishonestly. The intention behind these reforms is to improve road safety by ensuring that all truck drivers meet rigorous training, legal, and residency standards.
While Bill 60 aims to close loopholes and prevent fraud, it has raised concerns among critics and industry stakeholders. Some argue that the mandatory waiting periods and additional documentation requirements could delay the entry of new drivers into the trucking workforce, potentially exacerbating existing driver shortages. Others contend that the bill may not fully address systemic weaknesses in the licensing and testing process, such as inconsistent oversight of driver training schools or fraudulent activity in private testing centers. Trucking companies and driver-training programs will also need to adapt their procedures to comply with the new rules, verifying eligibility and documentation for prospective drivers more thoroughly than before. Despite these challenges, proponents of the bill emphasize that the reforms are necessary to uphold the integrity of the licensing system and protect both drivers and the public from unqualified operators.
Overall, Bill 60 represents a significant shift in how Ontario regulates commercial driving, with broad implications for truck drivers, training institutions, employers, and road safety initiatives. By tightening oversight, introducing verification processes, and establishing clearer rules for the issuance of commercial licences, the legislation seeks to ensure that only qualified, legally authorized, and properly trained individuals are permitted to operate large commercial vehicles. At the same time, it highlights the delicate balance policymakers must strike between enhancing safety and supporting the practical needs of the trucking industry, particularly in a sector already facing labor shortages and high demand for skilled drivers. The passage and implementation of Bill 60 will likely have lasting effects on Ontario’s transportation landscape, reshaping the standards for driver eligibility, accountability, and professional conduct in commercial trucking.
