Quebec began requiring road tests for some Ontario Class 1 licence exchanges

In July 2026, the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) began requiring some Ontario truck drivers who move to Quebec to pass practical road exams before exchanging their Class 1 licence for a Quebec one.

Quebec Transport Minister Benoit Charette announced the temporary measure, which followed a May 12, 2026, report by Ontario's auditor general on commercial driver's licences. Quebec said that report highlighted the need for stronger oversight of training and licensing programs to make sure drivers are properly qualified.

Who is affected

• Ontario Class 1 holders with less than 24 months of Class 1 experience must pass Quebec's practical exams.
• Drivers who fail the practical exams twice must complete Quebec's mandatory Class 1 training program.
• According to Inside Logistics, drivers with 24 months or more of experience, whose licence is valid or expired by less than three years, can exchange their licence after a medical examination. Drivers with less experience also need the medical.

Other measures

Quebec also set up a working group of government departments, industry and associations that hire or support temporary foreign workers, to develop a co-ordinated approach to road safety requirements for those workers and to propose regulatory changes.

The government noted the measures added to its mandatory Class 1 training, in place since Dec. 15, 2025, and to zero tolerance for alcohol among learner and probationary heavy-vehicle drivers, in effect since June 15, 2026.