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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
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.
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
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.
Last update: November 7, 2025