What does it take to drive a semi in Saskatchewan?

After the recent tragedy involving the Humboldt Broncos, many are wondering what it takes to get a Class 1 drivers license in order to legally drive a semi. 

While the process of upgrading your Class 5 license is fairly similar to the process of first acquiring it, those who want to upgrade to any commercial class of license have few hurdles to get past.

For all commercial driver's licenses, applicants must be at least 18 years old, must not be a novice driver and must past the following tests:

1. Basic knowledge exam
2. Sign exam
3. Endorsement exam(s)
4. Vision test
5. Pre-trip inspection (a circle check vehicle inspection to show vehicle safety knowledge and check the equipment’s operation and condition. The learner is responsible to point out and name the item or equipment inspected without any help. Both this and the road test are done in a vehicle that the learner provides which someone licensed to drive that vehicle class can drive it there or come with a supervising driver).

Then, the driver can apply for a commercial driver's licence if they have successfully completed the pre-trip and road test for that licence class.

Though it is recommended that you have previous driving experience before taking the tests, it is not required. 

While this process may seem comprehensive, Vice President of SGI Traffic Safety Services Kwei Quayi said they are still looking to make further improvements. He said they are looking at adding a 70-hour minimum training course as a requirement for those getting a commercial drivers license. 

"Out of that 70 (hours) I think 40 or so will be behind the wheel training," Quayi said. "about 18 will be in class, that kind of training and the rest will be in the yard where your legging about the vehicle and doing inspections on the vehicle."

He said they hope to bring the program into effect in early 2019, and told us what they hope to accomplish with the change. 

"It does a number of things," Quayi said. "One, there's a consistent provincial training standard created. The second is that it will produce qualified and trained commercial Class 1 truck drivers. And the last is that it will make the roads safer for all of us."

He said those who already have their Class 1 license would not have to go back and complete the 70-hour course.