KYR_NationalSafetyCodeofCanada

A M ALGA M ATED TRANSIT UNION Know Your Rights NATIONAL SAFETY CODE OF CANADA

T

he National Safety Code presents minimum performance and safety standards, including medical standards for drivers, to the provincial and territorial licencing authorities. The Code was created as a means of achieving uniform standards across Canada with the result that a driver licensed in one province is considered licenced in all provinces.

The National Safety Code applies to motor carriers who operate public service vehicles and commercial trucks with a registered gross vehicle weight (RGVW) of 4,500 kilograms or more, and buses designed to carry 11 or more passengers including the driver, and including school buses.

The relevant standards affecting ATU members are summarized below:

Single Driver’s Licence This standard is designed to ensure that no driver holds more than one licence. In addition, a series of administrative procedures have been agreed upon to ensure driving infractions are assigned to a single licence and record:

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hold a licence in one jurisdiction only; and

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provide a current copy of driving record (abstract) before being hired, and annually thereafter. The driver may sign a waiver authorizing the employer to obtain a copy of the driving record.

Knowledge and Performance Tests This standard sets out the process for standardized testing of commercial drivers, and includes the criteria for both written and road tests.

Medical Requirements All commercial drivers must undergo a medical examination at the time of licence application and at recommended periodic intervals. This standard is intended as a guide to establish basic minimum medical qualifications, to be utilized by physicians, licencing administrators and medical review boards to assess an individual’s ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Under this standard, a driver must: •

make a written disclosure to the motor carrier, of any and all driver’s licences held, including the jurisdiction (province, territory or state);

Amalgamated Transit Union AFL-CIO/CLC 5025 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20016 202.537.1645 www.atu.org