18-year-old drivers in P.E.I. can now get heavy truck licences

CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – A new government rule change for driver’s licences will help address a crucial labour shortage in the agriculture industry, says the P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture.

['Prince Edward Island licence plate']

New amendments to the Highway Traffic Act permit 18-year-olds in the last stages of their graduated driver’s license to receive a Class 3 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 federation asked government for the change to help alleviate the industry’s shortage of heavy truck drivers.

“The agriculture industry is pleased to see this change,” said federation president David Mol. “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 change places the Island’s age of entry for tractor-trailer drivers on par with other provinces and territories, which all allow people 18 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.

The minimum age in P.EI. for leaving the graduated licence program is 18 years and nine months with completion of a driver education program, and 19 years without.

Other restrictions under the program will remain in place, including zero blood-alcohol, passenger restrictions and reduced demerit points.