The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has changed the implementation date for the Class A Manual Transmission Restriction to July 1st, 2022. The change of date was done to ensure that truck driver training schools are prepared to transition to manual training if they choose and to adequately prepare students for their road tests.

As of July 1, 2022, anyone completing the Class A or Class A restricted (AR) road test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, semi-automatic or automated-manual transmissions,  cannot drive Class A/AR vehicles with a manual transmission. These drivers will only be permitted to operate automatic, semi-automatic and automated-manual transmission Class A/AR vehicles. This restriction will be noted on the driver’s record and driver’s license. It will not apply when operating lower-class vehicles such as class G or D. 

A motor vehicle is considered to have a manual transmission if it has a driver-operated clutch that is activated by a pedal or lever and a driver-operated gear-shift mechanism that is operated by hand or foot and does not use the assistance of automation. After the implementation date, in order to drive Class A/AR vehicles with a manual transmission, driver’s will be required to complete the road test in a vehicle with a manual transmission that consists of at least eight forward gears with a high-low range. 

For more details please visit the Ministry of Transportation: Get a Truck Driver’s License page.