Financial assistance for mandatory truck driver training

Mandatory training

In 2020, Canada’s ministers responsible for transportation and highway safety approved a minimum training standard for obtaining a Class 1 driver’s licence (heavy vehicle), known as Standard 16. Mandatory training for obtaining a Class 1 driver’s licence was added to the Highway Safety Code in 2024, and is scheduled to come into effect in Québec on December 15, 2025.

To become a truck driver, you must complete a mandatory training program to obtain a Class 1 driver’s licence (heavy vehicles).

Mandatory training programs offered

Starting December 15, 2025, two programs will be available to obtain a Class 1 driver’s licence (heavy vehicles):

the Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS) in Trucking. If this program interests you, you may be eligible for financial assistance, under certain conditions, through the Manpower Training measure.
the Class 1 Road Safety Education Program given by training providers recognized by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). For more information, please visit the SAAQ website.

Eligibility for financial assistance for the Class 1 Road Safety Education Program

You may be eligible for financial assistance if you take the full-time training program given by a training provider recognized by the SAAQ. You must also be

unemployed
referred to the training program by an employment assistance officer

The financial assistance is $1,425 per person and is intended to cover part of the training costs. To obtain it, you must complete the training and submit your course attestation.

Requesting assistance

You must meet with an employment assistance officer at a Services Québec office. The officer will assess your situation and determine the service best suited to your needs.

Request Information and Employment Assistance Services

There are different ways to request more information about employment programs, get assistance and check your eligibility.

Online

To submit an application online, sign in or log in to My Account — Employment Assistance — Social Assistance. This account allows you to submit your documents more easily and to receive government communications online.

Access My Account

Submit an application without logging in to My Account

You can submit an application for employment assistance services without having to log in to My Account. You can fill out the online form.

Other ways to submit an application

See the various ways of applying for information and employment assistance services. You can also visit an employment assistance organization near you.