License rules amended to allow 18-year-old truckers
PEI Federation of Agriculture President David Mol says a new government rule change will help address a crucial labour shortage in his industry.
New amendments to the Highway Traffic Act permit an 18-year-old individual in the last stages of their Graduated Driver’s License to receive a Class 3 driver’s license to operate a heavy truck. The change allows Islanders aged 18 and older to train to fill in-demand jobs as commercial truck drivers.
“The agriculture industry is pleased to see this change,” Mol said. “As spring planting gets underway and we enter another busy season, it is important we have qualified heavy truck operators available across the Island.”
The federation asked government for the change to help alleviate their industry’s shortage of heavy truck drivers. The change places the Island’s age of entry for heavy truck drivers on par with other provinces and territories, which all allow individuals 18 years or older to apply for the Class 3 license.
Applicants must write an air brake exam, pass a medical test and complete a road test before obtaining the Class 3 license.
“Prince Edward Island is an export-based economy and our traditional industries rely on trained drivers for access to markets,” Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Paula Biggar said. “By placing our system on par with the other Canadian provinces, we may encourage young Islanders to consider entering the transport industry.”
Currently the minimum age in Prince Edward Island for leaving the GDL is 18 years, 9 months with completion of a driver education program, and 19 years without. Other restrictions under the GDL will remain in place – including zero blood alcohol, passenger restrictions and reduced demerit points.
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Media contacts:
Ron Ryder
Communications Officer
Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy
rrryder@gov.pe.ca
(902)368-5112
Robert Godfrey
Executive Director
PEI Federation of Agriculture
rgodfrey@peifa.ca
(902)368-7289