Pro Driver Handbook

Saskatchewan Professional
Driver’s Handbook – 2019

A guide for the professional driver
You can view this handbook online at www.sgi.sk.ca/pro-driver. There you can
use the Tools function to have the handbook translated* into a language of your
choice.
This handbook is accurate as of March 2019. Please consult the online

version for a more up to date version. This handbook is a study guide for both
beginner and experienced drivers. It contains information about driver’s licence
qualifications, how to be a safe driver and many other important subjects that
will assist you in passing your tests. If you have been driving for many years, it
will remind you of your responsibilities as a professional driver and provide you
with new laws and changes to previous legislation.
References are made to portions of Saskatchewan’s motor vehicle laws, but

it is not a complete digest of the various acts and regulations, and may not be
used as the basis for any legal claim or action. Remember, laws, policies and
procedures change from time to time. It is your responsibility to keep up to date
with these changes.
The professional driver should consult the official statutes for the interpretation
and applications of the law.
Copies of various acts and regulations can, for a fee, be obtained from:
Publications Saskatchewan
Walter Scott Building
B19-3085 Albert St.
Regina, SK
S4S 0B1
Phone: 306-787-6894
They are also available on the Publications Saskatchewan website at

www.publications.gov.sk.ca/freelaw.
Please remember that if you’re thinking of becoming a truck driver, you must now
pre-qualify in order to obtain commercial driving privileges. For more information,
please see page 13.
* Google Translate is a third-party tool, and is not owned or administered by

SGI. SGI is not responsible for any errors or omissions as a result of the
translation. In case of a difference in interpretation between the translated
version and the laws and regulations governing Saskatchewan drivers and
vehicles, the laws and regulations prevail.
i
Before heading out on the road – read this!
Potential drivers should be aware that specific circumstances such as your
personal driving record or a medical condition may prevent you from securing
employment in the transportation industry even if you meet all requirements.
In extreme cases, you may be denied insurance or your employer will have to
pay substantial surcharges to employ you.
Before incurring the expense of medical, written and road tests as well as
possible training, you should take the following self check.
Self check
Yes or ¨
¨ No Do you have more than three moving traffic violations/at-fault
collisions combined in the three years preceding the date of hire?
Yes or ¨
¨ No Do you have a Criminal Code conviction in the three years
preceding the date of hire?
If you answered “yes” to one or both questions, SGI recommends that you
check with your potential employer and/or insurance broker about how your
record will affect your ability to gain employment.
Yes or ¨ No Has your medical report been completed and approved

¨
by SGI?
Yes or ¨ No Are you at least 18 years old and not a Novice driver in the
¨
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program?
If you answered “no” to either of these questions, you will be unable to start
testing for a higher class of licence.
Note: If you have a Criminal Code conviction or certain medical condition(s),

you may not be able to travel to the United States, making it that much more
difficult to secure employment.
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Table of contents
1. Saskatchewan’s classified driver’s licence program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Classified licence system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Licence Class 1 – minimum age: 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Mandatory Entry-Level Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Criminal Record Check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Farm-plated vehicles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Endorsements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Air brakes “A”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
G Endorsement – Heavy trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
School bus “S”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Learners “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Examinations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Knowledge exams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Vision test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Road tests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Restrictions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Trip Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Class 1-4 medical standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Canada/United States medical reciprocity agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Operating Class 5 vehicles in the United States. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2. Good driving habits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Attitude towards driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Emotional attitude. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Driver condition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Drinking, drugs and driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Night vision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Following distance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
The tailgater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Intersections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Railway crossings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Danger zones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
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Braking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Antilock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Passing and being passed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Alleys, lanes and side roads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Curves and jackknifing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Sharing the road. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Getting started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Visibility and safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Parking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Backing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Carbon monoxide poisoning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Fire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
A growing priority: fuel efficiency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
3. Vehicle weights and dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Interpretation and application of regulations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Vehicle dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Farm equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Weight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
4. Vehicle condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Periodic Motor Vehicle Inspection (PMVI) Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Other types of inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Trip inspection standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Driver’s responsibility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
5. A systematic trip inspection for vehicle roadworthiness . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Class 1 – Tractor/trailer combination unit trip inspection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Class 2 – Bus trip inspection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Class 3 – Truck single unit trip inspection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Class 4 – Bus, ambulance, taxi trip inspection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
G Endorsement – Heavy trailer trip inspection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
S Endorsement – School bus trip inspection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
En route Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Post-trip inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Lighting requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
6. Information for Class 1 and Class 3 power units,

semi trailers and trucks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Steering forward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Steering backward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
iv
U-turn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Highway “turn-about” (three-point turn) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Highway “turn-about” (two-point turn). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
About loads and loading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Securing loads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Load projections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Special cargos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Prohibited shipments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Bills of lading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Coupling a tractor and trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
“Train” or “pup-train” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Connecting vehicles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
7. Information for Class 2 and Class 4 – passenger carrying vehicles.117

Emergency vehicles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Recovery vehicles (tow trucks). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Taxis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
8. School buses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Becoming a school bus driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
School bus inspections and maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
School bus driver regulations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Railway crossings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Driver to notify employer of certain matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Driving techniques. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
9. Winter driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Essential items to inspect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
The six primary hazards of winter driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Winter driving tips for the professional driver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
10. Transporting dangerous goods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Safe transport of goods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Classifying dangerous goods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Safety marks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Dangerous goods routes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Documentation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
11. Appendix A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Sample Trip Inspection Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
v
1. Saskatchewan’s classified driver’s
licence program
The classified driver’s licence program establishes minimum standards of
skill, knowledge, physical and mental fitness for the operation of each class
of vehicle. You must be licensed according to the class of vehicle you will be
operating.
When you apply for a Saskatchewan driver’s licence, you must complete the
prescribed examinations if:
• you have never been licensed as a driver; or
• you have not held a Saskatchewan driver’s licence of the class for which you
are applying within five years of the date of application; or
• you hold a current licence from any state or country which is not honoured in
Saskatchewan; or
• you wish to change to a higher class of licence or to obtain an endorsement; or
• your licence is not current and valid.
You will be considered a novice driver if you hold a:

• Class 7 driver’s licence; or
• Class 5 driver’s licence with a Novice 1 or Novice 2 restriction noted on the
driver’s licence; or
• licence issued by another jurisdiction that is equivalent to a driver’s licence
described in either clause above.
Novice drivers may not obtain a Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or school bus endorsement

or a heavy trailer endorsement.
Note: Not being paid to drive or not owning the vehicle you are driving does not
exempt you from holding the appropriate class of driver’s licence for the class of
vehicle you will be operating.
1
Classified licence system
Licence Class 1 – minimum age: 18
Permits the licence holder to operate
• Class 1 vehicles – that is, power units and semi
trailers, and trucks which have a trailer(s) or vehicle(s)
in tow where the gross weight of the towed unit(s)
exceeds 4,600 kg
• Motor vehicles in classes 2, 3, 4 and 5
Does not permit the licence holder to operate
• Vehicles with air brakes, motorcycles or school buses without an appropriate
endorsement(s)
Requirements
Minimum age 18 years and not a novice driver
Medically fit See page 13
Vision test See page 11
Knowledge tests Class 1 knowledge tests include: Class 1, 2, 3, 4, Basic and Sign
Training Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT)
Trip inspection Must demonstrate a trip inspection on a Class 1 vehicle
Road test Must take a road test in a Class 1 vehicle
Mandatory Entry-Level Training

Effective March 15, 2019, drivers seeking a Class 1 commercial licence in Saskatchewan
to drive semi trucks will be required to complete a minimum 121.5 hours of training prior to
taking the road test. The new training program consists of instruction in the classroom (47
hours), in the yard (17.5 hours) and behind the wheel (57 hours). There are 11 modules
included and the student must pass each one to complete the training course.
Class 1 Driver Training will be mandatory effective March 15, 2019. You can find a list of certified driving
instructors at www.sgi.sk.ca/onlineservices.
2
• Class 2 vehicles – that is, buses having a seating
capacity in excess of 24 passengers, while carrying a
passenger or passengers
• Motor vehicles in classes 3, 4 and 5
• Class 1 vehicles as a learner with appropriate
endorsement
endorsement(s)
Requirements
Knowledge tests Class 2 knowledge tests include: Class 2, 3, 4, Basic and Sign

• Class 3 vehicles – that is, trucks with more than two
axles, except trucks registered in Class F, and trucks
with more than two axles which have a trailer(s) or
vehicle(s) in tow, except trucks registered in Class F,
where the gross weight of the towed unit(s) does not
exceed 4,600 kg
• Motor vehicles in classes 4 and 5
• Power units with more than two axles, when not towing a semi trailer
• Class 1 or 2 vehicles as a learner with appropriate endorsement
• Vehicles with air brakes1, motorcycles or school buses without an appropriate
endorsement(s)
Requirements
Knowledge tests Class 3 knowledge tests include: Class 3, Class 4, Basic and Sign
1 –P
ersons with Class 3 or 5 vehicles (registered farm only) with air brakes are not required to have
the air brake endorsement
3
• Class 4 vehicles – that is,
• buses that have a seating capacity of not more than
24 passengers, when transporting passengers
• vehicles registered in Class PT and Class LV
(rideshare) when transporting not more than
9 passengers
• vehicles registered in Class PB or PC
– when transporting not more than 24 passengers for hire; and
– when not used exclusively to transport passengers with a disability and any
attendants to those passengers
• ambulances when being used for hire
• motor vehicles in Class 5
endorsement(s)
Requirements
Knowledge tests Class 4 knowledge tests include: Class 4, Basic and Sign
Road test Must take a road test in a Class 4 or 5 vehicle
Criminal Record Check

If you operate taxi, limousine or rideshare vehicles, you must file a satisfactory
criminal record check with the company you drive for on an annual basis. An
unsatisfactory criminal record check may result in a T restriction being placed on
your driver’s licence. A T restriction means: No passengers for hire.
4
• Class 5 vehicles – that is, cars, vans2, two-axle trucks,
two-axle vehicles having a trailer(s) or vehicle(s) in
tow where the gross weight of the towed unit(s) does
not exceed 4,600 kg, buses when not transporting
passengers, three-axle motorhomes, and taxis and
ambulances when not used for hire
• School buses when not carrying more than 15 students
• A taxi, limousine or vehicle as part of a vehicle-for-hire service, if the driver:
1. is an experienced driver, not in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program;
2. has at least two years post-GDL driving experience in Canada or a recriprocal
jurisdiction; and
3. has a satisfactory driver history (meaning less than 12 points under the Driver
Improvement Program in the last two years, and no impaired driving-related
suspensions in the last 10 years).
• Law enforcement vehicles when being used for law enforcement purposes
• Two-axle farm trucks towing vehicles which have a gross weight that exceeds
4,600 kg
• Farm trucks with more than two axles
• Vehicles registered in Class PB or PC when used exclusively to transport, for
hire, not more than 24 passengers with a disability and any attendants to these
passengers
• Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 vehicles as a learner with appropriate Endorsement 1, 2, 3 or 4
(minimum age 18 and not a novice driver)
• Three-wheeled vehicles (e.g., has a steering wheel, automotive seating and floor
controls – not a three-wheeled motorcycle)

• Vehicles with air brakes3, motorcycles without an appropriate endorsement(s)
Requirements
Knowledge tests Class 5 knowledge tests include: Basic and Sign
Road test Must hold a Class 7 licence for nine months
Must take a road test in a Class 5 vehicle
Licence Class 5 and 7:

Note: Persons under age 18 require parental consent to obtain driving privileges. Once consent has
been granted it cannot be withdrawn.
2 –V
ans with a seating capacity of 15 or less while carrying passengers. If transporting more than
12 passengers, the driver must be at least 18 years of age and not a novice driver
3 – Persons
with Class 3 or 5 vehicles (registered farm only) with air brakes are not required to have
the air brake endorsement
5
15 with High School Driver Education
• Class 5 vehicles as a learner
Note: Does not permit the licence holder to obtain a motorcycle
endorsement or operate three-wheeled vehicles as a learner.
Requirements
Identification You are required to show your full name and date of birth by a
birth certificate, passport or immigration documents. You will
also be required to provide a signature from a Saskatchewan
Health card, passport or a driver’s licence from a Canadian
jurisdiction or any document acceptable to SGI. Any first-time
driver between the ages of 15 and 18 is required to provide
a completed Parent/Guardian signature form/Guarantor form
available from SGI Driver Development, motor licence issuers
or SGI certified driver educators. If your name has changed due
to marriage or for other reasons, please bring documentation
to support the name change. Be sure to take several pieces of
original identification with you (photocopies are not acceptable).
Knowledge tests Class 7 knowledge tests include: Basic and Sign
The holder of a Class 7 licence must be supervised. The driving supervisor must:
• at all times, be capable of assuming operation of the vehicle;
• hold the equivalent of a Class 5 or greater driver’s licence issued by a Canadian or U.S.
jurisdiction;
• have held a valid licence for a minimum of 365 days in the preceding three years (but is
not a novice driver); and
• occupy the seat nearest to the driver and the vehicle controls.
The licence of any 15-year-old person who discontinues the High School Driver Education
Program will be cancelled.
Note: The holder of a Class 1 to 5 driver’s licence is permitted to operate a snowmobile or ATV. All
snowmobile operators born after Jan. 1, 1989, must have taken an approved safety course in addition
to holding a Class 1 to 5 driver’s licence. The holder of a Class 7 driver’s licence is permitted to operate
an ATV or snowmobile provided they are accompanied by someone who holds a Class 1 to 5 driver’s
licence or supervised (within 5 m of and in view of) by someone on another machine that holds a Class
1 to 5 driver’s licence.
The holder of a Class 7 or greater licence is permitted to operate a golf cart on a public roadway if the
municipality has passed an SGI-approved bylaw permitting its use.
For more information regarding snowmobiles, ATVs and golf carts call SGI’s Customer Service Centre
at 1-844-TLK-2SGI (1-844-855-2744).
6
Farm-plated vehicles
Below is a chart listing the driver’s licence requirements for various vehicles and
combination units that are registered as farm vehicles.
Farm (F plated) vehicle Driver’s licence required

2-axle truck Class 5
3-axle truck Class 5
Class 5 (air brake
2-or 3-axle truck equipped with air brakes
endorsement not required)
2-axle truck (not a power unit) towing a trailer of any weight Class 5
2-axle truck (not a power unit) equipped with air brakes, towing a
Class 5
trailer of any weight
2-axle power unit with NO trailer, with or without air brakes Class 5
2-axle power unit towing any trailer Class 1
3-axle truck towing a trailer under 4,600 kg Class 5
3-axle power unit not towing a trailer Class 3
3-axle power unit equipped with air brakes, not towing a trailer Class 3A
3-axle truck towing a trailer greater than 4,600 kg Class 1
3-axle truck equipped with air brakes, towing a trailer greater
Class 1A
than 4,600 kg
Power unit and semi trailers Class 1
Power unit equipped with air brakes and semi trailer Class 1A
Note: Where Class 5 licence is indicated, this not only applies to the farmer
who owns the truck, but any Class 5 driver.
Endorsements
Air brakes “A”
If you operate a vehicle equipped with an air brake system, you must have the air
brake Endorsement A specified on your licence. An air brake endorsement is not
required when operating a Class 3 or 5 vehicle licensed as a farm truck.
Operation of trucks with air over hydraulic (hydraulic brakes with an assist) does
not require an Endorsement A.
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Requirements for A Endorsement:
• Must pass a written air brake test. Consult the SGI Air Brake Manual for more
information. It is available online at sgi.sk.ca/airbrake.
• Must demonstrate how to adjust a manual slack adjuster on a brake model and
tell the examiner the right way to adjust an automatic slack adjuster.
• Must complete a practical demonstration on air brake equipment that you
provide.
If your licence does not bear the Endorsement A, you may operate a motor
vehicle equipped with air brakes as a learner while accompanied by a person
whose licence has the Endorsement A, provided your licence permits you to
operate that type of vehicle under normal conditions.
G Endorsement – Heavy trailer

Some travel and utility trailers have increased in size to a point where they
qualify as Class 1 units. To pull a heavy trailer (utility and recreation) weighing
more than 4,600 kg (10,141 lb.), including the load, you need a Class 1 licence
or a heavy trailer G endorsement on a Class 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence. The heavy
trailer G endorsement allows you to drive two-axle trucks towing heavy trailers
(but not power units).
The 4,600 kg weight point is determined by weighing the trailer and its contents,
and not the tow vehicle. For example, if a driver is pulling two trailers, a camper
and a boat, the combined weight of both together will determine the class of
licence required.
Requirements for G Endorsement – Heavy trailer:

• Must be at least 18 years of age and not a novice driver.
• Must meet approved medical standards (see page 13).
• Must meet approved vision standards.
• Must pass written heavy trailer tests. Study materials include the
Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook (available at www.sgi.ca/handbook) and this
handbook (chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9).
• Must complete a trip inspection (see page 66).
• Must pass a road test in a truck towing a trailer weighing 4,600 kg
(10,141 lb.).
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Drivers who wish to drive only when accompanied by a driver with a Class 1
licence or a heavy trailer G Endorsement may obtain heavy trailer learner’s
privileges by completing only the medical and written portions of the testing. If
you want to obtain learner’s privileges for all Class 1 vehicles, you would need to
pass all seven written tests and not just the ones for heavy trailer.
Note: There are other G Endorsements that indicate additional driving privileges,
which will be shown on a detail authority card.
School bus “S”

If you hold a valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence, upon application you may have
your licence endorsed to operate a school bus.
Requirements for S Endorsement:

• Must pass written school bus tests. Study materials include the Saskatchewan
Driver’s Handbook (available at www.sgi.sk.ca/handbook) and this handbook
(chapters 2, 4, 7 and 8).
• Must complete a trip inspection (see page 66).
• Must pass a road test in the appropriate size of school bus; unrestricted, at
least 36 student passengers or restricted, fewer than 36 student passengers.
Buses with six rows of seats will be considered as 36 passenger even if the
rear seats are smaller.
If you take a road test in a school bus equipped with an automatic transmission,
you may be restricted to driving school buses with automatic transmissions. You
must provide the appropriate size of bus for the test.
Note: “Student passengers” – means three passengers to a seat on a school

bus.
Learners “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”

A Class 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence may be endorsed to allow you to learn to operate
any higher class of vehicle.
9
Requirements for 1, 2, 3, and 4 Endorsement:
• Must pass appropriate written tests. Study materials include the Saskatchewan
Driver’s Handbook (available at www.sgi.sk.ca/handbook) and this handbook.
• Must be accompanied by a driver who holds and has held a valid licence for
that class of vehicle for 365 days within the last three years.
Examinations
Driver examinations for a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 driver’s licence and school bus or
heavy trailer endorsement include:
• knowledge exams
• vision test
• road test
• trip inspection
• coupling and uncoupling (Class 1)
The examination of drivers for an air brake endorsement includes:

• knowledge exam
• a practical demonstration on an air brake equipped vehicle that you provide
Note: If a medical examination is required, the medical must be submitted to

SGI and approved before any tests may be started.
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Knowledge exams
The knowledge exams are based on the information contained in this manual,
the Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook (available at www.sgi.sk.ca/handbook)
and the Air Brake Manual (available at sgi.sk.ca/airbrake), along with other
practical questions. See the chart below to find out which test papers you will
need to pass for the desired class or endorsement. Knowledge exams can only
be attempted once per day.
Driver Class or Endorsement

Exam Papers Required Class Class Class Class School Heavy Air
1 2 3 4 Bus Trailer Brake
Sign Test – 30 questions • • • • • •
Basic Class 5 – 20 questions • • • • • •
Class 1 Test – 18 questions •
Class 2 Test – 15 questions • •
Class 3 Test – 10 questions • • •
Class 4 Test – 10 questions • • • •
Air Brake Test – 18 questions •
Heavy Trailer Test – 20 questions •
School Bus Test – 15 questions •
Scheduling:
• book and pre-pay online at MySGI, or
• call or visit a motor licence issuer
• tests are held at our driver exam offices
• walk-ins are accepted in Regina and Saskatoon Central offices from 8 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday (tests are not available on Saturdays of long
weekends) but elsewhere you need to make an appointment
Vision test
The vision test is included as part of your knowledge exam appointment.
Scheduling: included with your knowledge exams and held at a driver

exam office.
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Road tests
During the road test, you will be required to drive the vehicle in traffic. You will
be judged on your ability to handle the vehicle safely and perform all normal
driving tasks correctly, including manoeuvres such as a highway “turn-about”
(three-point turn).
For a Class 1 licence, you will also be required to demonstrate other backing
manouevers, such as offset backing and alley dock backing.
If you take a road test for a Class 1, 2 or 3 driver’s licence or S Endorsement

(bus with a seating capacity over 24 adult passengers) in a vehicle equipped
with a standard transmission you must, at one point during the test, demonstrate
proper use of the clutch while shifting up and down through all the gears. On
13 or 18-speed transmissions you must split the top range.
You are required to provide the proper class of vehicle for the test. For a Class
1 road test, you must bring a three-axle power unit and a minimum 48 ft. trailer.
You must be accompanied to the testing site by a driver licensed to drive the
class of vehicle being used. Completion of Class 1 Mandatory Entry-Level
Training (MELT) is required before scheduling your Class 1 road test. The
training school you completed your training with will update your SGI customer
file for you.
Scheduling:
• pay for your test at a motor licence issuer and call 1-844-TLK-2SGI
(1-844-855-2744) to book, or
• call 1-844-TLK-2SGI (1-844-855-2744) to book and pay by credit card
Note: If you do not cancel your appointment and fail to show up, you will be
required to pay for your re-scheduled appointment.
Road tests will be refused if:

• The vehicle is displaying a dangerous goods placard.
• You do not possess an appropriate driver’s licence.
• The vehicle is unsafe or not equipped in accordance with legislation – for
example: operational signals, horn, speedometer and brake lights; or defective
braking system (including air), muffler or windshield wipers (when raining).
• The unit doesn’t have a safety inspection decal as required by regulations.
• The vehicle’s passenger compartment is unclean or does not have a standard
manufacturer’s seat for the examiner.
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• The vehicle is not of the applicable class.
• Your vision or medical fitness does not meet required standards.
• The weight of the unit(s) towed behind a truck is under 4,600 kg (10,141 lb.)
(heavy trailer tests)
• The applicable inspection schedule is not present, and the trip inspection
report is not completed as per the regulations.
Restrictions
A driver’s licence may be restricted when road tests are taken in certain vehicles.
For example: Drivers who are tested for a Class 1, 2 or 3 licence or

S Endorsement in a vehicle equipped with an automatic or electronic shift
transmission may be restricted to automatic or electronic shift transmission
vehicles in those classes.
Other restrictions may apply.
Trip Inspections
The trip inspection (see page 66) is used to assess your knowledge of the
vehicle safety requirements. On the test, you will be asked to check the proper
operation and condition of a randomized block of components, list the defects
and describe what action you would take.
Scheduling: included with your scheduled road test and held at a driver
exam office
Note: a video series on how to perform a Class 4 trip inspection is available on

the SGI website at www.sgi.sk.ca/upgrade-to-commercial-licence.
Class 1-4 medical standards

Medical standards
You will be required to submit a report of a medical examination on a prescribed
form. Some of the conditions which may prohibit the issuing of a Class 1, 2, 3, 4
or school bus or heavy trailer endorsement are:
• seizure disorders
• certain heart or insulin dependent diabetic conditions
• physical disabilities (paralysis, disability, arthritis, amputation)
• blackouts, dizziness or fainting spells
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• head injuries
• vision problems or hearing loss
The medical can be completed by a physician, nurse practitioner or an

occupational health and safety nurse.
Medical reports must be submitted and approved prior to the start of

any testing.
Subsequent medical reports will be requested every:

• five years for drivers 18-45 years of age
• three years for drivers 46-65 years of age
• year for drivers 66 years of age or older
An unsatisfactory medical may result in a L restriction being placed on your

driver’s licence. A L restriction means: May not operate Class 2, 4 or TNC
(rideshare) vehicle.
Canada/United States medical reciprocity agreement

Canada and the United States have established a federal agreement dealing with
the medical fitness requirements for operators of commercial motor vehicles.
Canadian drivers need only produce a valid Saskatchewan Class 1, 2 or 3

driver’s licence as proof of medical fitness. Drivers with a Class 4 licence who
drive buses with a seating capacity of more than 10 while operating in the
United States are also covered by the agreement.
The following Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 drivers are not able to operate commercial motor
vehicles while transporting goods or passengers for hire into the United States:
• drivers with insulin-dependent diabetes
• drivers with an established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy
• drivers who do not meet the minimum hearing requirements to transport
dangerous goods
• drivers currently operating under a medical waiver
Drivers with current medical waivers, or restricted privileges, can continue to

operate commercially in Canada but will have a “W” restriction added to their
licence prohibiting them from operating commercially in the United States.
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Operating Class 5 vehicles in the United States
In Canada, a Class 5 driver’s licence does not require a medical exam and is
not considered a commercial driver’s licence. However, the driver of a Class 5
vehicle, operating in the United States for a commercial purpose, must have a
commercial medical if the vehicle or vehicle combination weighs or has a rated
capacity (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) over 4,536 kg.
The U.S. commercial medical requirements also apply to farm-use vehicles

registered in Class F, but do not apply to private-use vehicles (e.g., when
vacationing in the United States towing a recreational vehicle).
To ensure compliance with the United States FMCSA medical standards when
driving a Class 5 vehicle or combination of vehicles that has a GVW, GVWR or
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 4,536 kg or more (whichever is
greater), make sure you hold one of the following driver’s licenses:
• A valid Saskatchewan Class 5 driver’s licence combined with a Medical
Confirmation Letter issued by the SGI Medical Review Unit notifying
enforcement that you have submitted a satisfactory medical to SGI
– To request a Medical Confirmation Letter, you must submit a satisfactory
Commercial Driver’s Licence Medical Report form to the Medical Review
Unit. Medical Confirmation Letters must be renewed every five years from
the date the last medical was completed for drivers 18 to 45 years of age,
three years for drivers 46 to 65 years of age and annually for drivers
66 years of age or older.
• A valid Class 5 licence with an Endorsement 1, 2, 3 or 4 learner’s licence
issued by Saskatchewan (includes a commercial medical)
• A valid Saskatchewan Class 5 driver’s licence with a G01 Heavy Trailer
Endorsement (includes a commercial medical) permitting you to drive two-axle
trucks (not including two-axle power units) towing trailers more than 4,600 kg
• A valid Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 driver’s licence issued by a Canadian province or
territory
• The appropriate class of U.S. driver’s licence combined with a valid medical
certificate (or exemption), if not a Canadian resident
• A valid Class 5 (or equivalent) driver’s licence issued by a Canadian province
or territory combined with a current U.S. medical examiner’s certificate
completed within the last two years
For more information, please contact the SGI Medical Review Unit
at 1-844-TLK-2SGI (1-844-855-2744).
15
2. Good driving habits
Attitude towards driving
Improving and maintaining a good attitude towards driving is a key component
to enhancing the safety of our roads.
To qualify as a safe motor vehicle driver, you must not only respect the law, but
also understand the need for traffic regulations. All drivers must observe the
laws and regulations, realizing that there may be other drivers who do not know
or always obey these laws.
As a professional driver, you must practise defensive driving techniques by being

willing, at all times, to yield to other drivers and pedestrians.
Emotional attitude
Certain conditions such as worry, anger or anxiety can upset you and distract
you from driving. Safe driving demands your full attention at all times.
Arguments at home, annoyance with other drivers and illness or financial

problems are some of the things which can distract you from the important job
of driving.
Safety demands your complete and constant attention to changing driving

situations. You can’t control your vehicle if you’re not in control of yourself.
Driver condition
Driver condition refers to your physical, mental and emotional fitness to drive.
It is the most important of the six conditions, because a driver in top physical,
mental and emotional shape can adjust to all the other conditions and to the
errors of other drivers as well.
What makes a driver unfit?

Distracted driving: The greatest number of traffic collisions are caused by
drivers not paying attention. Any driver is a potential fatal hazard. Careful
observation and visual scanning of the entire traffic scene ahead, behind and
to either side must be part of your driving. Your eyes look at countless things
you do not really see at all. Your mind concentrates on only a few details and
excludes others. You see only the things your mind selects.
16
Normally, your eyes shift automatically about every two seconds as you drive
– provided your attention is on the road. When you are preoccupied, however,
this automatic eye shift does not occur. Only by conscious practice to force
your eyes to move every two seconds, until it becomes a habit, can you avoid
the serious danger of a blank stare in traffic when your mind is not on your
driving. Most collisions occur near home and on familiar roads or highways that
the driver fails to concentrate on seeing. A moment’s lack of attention behind
the wheel – whether from poor scanning habits or common distractions such
as cellphones, worry, daydreaming, impatience, tuning the radio, talking to a
passenger or casually gazing at billboards and storefronts – can bring about a
collision and possibly death.
Holding, viewing or manipulating a hand-held cellphone or mobile device is

prohibited in Saskatchewan. Experienced drivers, who are no longer in the
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, can use hands-free cellphones if
they’re activated with voice commands or one-touch, and are dashboard, visor
or cradle mounted.
Fatigue: Driving while fatigued can make you a road hazard. Drowsy driving
is as dangerous as impaired driving because it slows a driver’s reaction time,
decreases awareness and can impair judgment. Lack of sleep is the most
common cause of drowsy driving. Other contributing factors include driving
alone, driving long distances without rest breaks and driving through the night,
or at times when the driver normally sleeps. Taking medication that increases
sleepiness or drinking alcohol also contributes to driver fatigue.
It is important that you learn to recognize when any or all these conditions are
adversely affecting your driving behaviour or ability. This means not driving until
after the condition has improved. Take a ‘Pre-Trip Mental Inventory’ before you
start:
Warning signs of driver fatigue

• yawning
• inability to keep eyes focused and head up
• having wandering, disconnected thoughts
• driving the past few kilometres without remembering them
• drifting between lanes, tailgating or missing traffic signs
• noticing a vehicle in the rear-view mirror that seemed to appear out of nowhere
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Most fatigue-related collisions happen between 1 - 4 p.m. and early in the
morning between 2 - 6 a.m. Typically, fatigue-related collisions occur at higher
speeds and can result in drivers running off the road or vehicles colliding head-
on with other vehicles or stationary objects.
In Canada, a driver can drive a commercial vehicle under the National Safety
Code up to 13 hours a day, but it is recommended the driver not drive more
than two hours without stopping for a rest.
How to reduce driver fatigue

Turning up the radio, opening a window, drinking coffee, chewing gum or eating
will help reduce driver fatigue temporarily but the following actions will help
prevent driver fatigue:
• Don’t travel at times when you’d usually be sleeping.

• Get plenty of sleep before a long trip.
• Avoid working all day and then driving all night. Stay overnight rather than
driving straight through.
• Take regular breaks - at least every two hours. Stretch or take a walk to get
some fresh air.
• Take a mid-afternoon break. Have a 20-40-minute nap.
• Travel with an awake and alert passenger. Having someone to chat with will
keep the driver awake and the passenger can also let the driver know if he/she
is showing any signs of fatigue.
Stress: You drive not only with your head, hands and feet, but with your
personality as well. Don’t drive when you’re so angry or upset that you can’t
concentrate on driving.
Illness: Being sick can put added stress on you when you are driving. Even a
mild cold can cause enough discomfort on a long trip to make you tired and
distracted.
Drinking, drugs and driving

In Canada, it is a Criminal Code offence to drive while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
2017 facts about drinking/drugged driving in Saskatchewan:

• A drinking/drugged driver is involved in 3.6 out of every 10 fatal collisions.
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• There is a drinking/drugged driver in 1 out of 16 collisions where someone is
injured.
• Out of the 39 people killed, 29 were drivers, 9 were passengers and 1 was a
pedestrian.
• Of the 39 people killed, 29 were killed on provincial highways, 5 on rural
roads, 3 on urban streets and 2 on First Nations roads.
• Those aged 25-34 are involved in the most impaired driving-related collisions.
Alcohol and drugs affect everyone differently. Contributing factors for
impairment include age, gender, physical condition, amount of food consumed,
medication and other factors.
The brain functions first affected by alcohol or drug consumption are not only
important to our ability to drive safely, but are the same ones required to make
rational decisions about not driving after drinking. For this reason, you must
make the decision to separate drinking and drug use from driving. Make the
necessary alternate transportation plans before your activities begin.
Prescription, over-the-counter, and illegal drugs affect your brain function.

Some will directly affect your driving. Brain and body activity may be slowed,
directly impacting a driver’s reaction time; vision may be blurred, or doubled, or
there may be inaccurate depth perception. Some drugs cause hallucinations,
paranoia, disorientation, anxiety or over-confidence which may result with
aggressive behaviours.
Many people think that driver impairment is caused exclusively by ingestion of

alcohol. However, if that person already has another drug in their system, the
impairing effect on the functioning of the central nervous system (brain) is far
greater than the impairing effect of the alcohol and the impairing effect of the
other drugs combined; it is not a simple adding together of impairment, but
rather a multiplier effect!
Do not drive while under the influence of any amount of alcohol or drugs.
Impaired driving legislation is applicable to impairment by alcohol, as well as

impairment by any other drug. In Saskatchewan, there is zero tolerance for drug-
impaired driving.
For additional information on drinking, drugs and driving, please visit

www.sgi.sk.ca.
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Night vision
Some drivers seem reluctant to do two things that are really important to safe
driving at night: reduce speed and increase following distance. If you drive so
fast that you can’t stop within the area illuminated by your vehicle’s headlights,
also referred to as overdriving your headlights, you’re moving too fast. And if you
don’t increase following distance, the difficulty in judging how fast the vehicle
ahead of you is moving creates a very hazardous situation.
Not everyone sees with the same degree of perception and accuracy. At night,
our ability to see diminishes and so does our ability to sort out different objects.
Depth perception and judgment of distance are also affected.
A major problem faced in night driving is glare blindness caused by approaching

lights. If you have been driving in the dark for a while, you will need up to five
seconds to recover from the glare of oncoming lights. This glare recovery
time tends to increase with age to the point where it sometimes takes up to
25 seconds to recover. When you’re faced with glare, slow down and avoid
staring directly into approaching lights. If you suspect you have a glare recovery
problem, check with an ophthalmologist or optometrist, and if there is a problem
inform SGI’s Medical Review Unit.
Speed
Regulatory signs advise drivers of the maximum speed when all conditions are
ideal. You must assess the conditions and adjust your speed based on the six
basic driving conditions:
1. Driver condition (fatigue, stress, illness, distraction)
2. Vehicle condition (tires, brakes, lights, wipers, weight, length, height, type)
3. Light condition (overcast, sunny, dark, glare)
4. Weather condition (snowing, blizzard, raining, windy, fog)
5. Road condition (gravel, potholes, icy, wet, curves)
6. Traffic condition (vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, density)
Traffic tempo: You must set your speed according to the existing conditions
but, at the same time, match your vehicle’s speed to the traffic tempo. If you
drive faster than the traffic flow, you are increasing your chances of having a
collision. You are continually reducing your safe following distance, thus losing
stopping space in front. You make more lane changes to thread your way past
the vehicles ahead, increasing your chances for a collision. Driving decisions are
increased because you are creating more driving problems, thus increasing the
likelihood of a wrong decision. Faster driving will result in faster mental fatigue.
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Reading the traffic pattern requires you to scan the full picture ahead and to the
sides by moving your eyes. The faster you push through traffic, the more rapid
the scanning process, building tension and fatigue.
If you travel appreciably slower than the tempo of the traffic, you increase your
collision chances from behind and from the sides. Vehicles following too closely
behind you create hazards. Vehicles overtaking and cutting in are continually
occupying your stopping space and decreasing your following distance.
If your stops are gradual, you give the driver following you adequate notice of
your speed reduction.
Following distance
You should be constantly on the defensive to prevent a rear-end collision with
other vehicles. This applies not only to the vehicle you are following, but also to
the vehicles following you.
The collision from behind may not always be avoidable, but the professional
driver can reduce the probability. The first step in prevention is assuring that
your own stops are smooth and gradual. To do this, practise these simple but
effective driving habits:
• Look well ahead at the traffic to pick out the clues that indicate speed changes
and stops developing in the traffic pattern.
• Look ahead for traffic control devices to anticipate light changes before
reaching the intersection. Traffic lights that have been green for some time
before you reach the intersection are probably stale and could change at any
time. Streets with synchronized lights permit you to adjust your speed to the
traffic lights.
• Maintain an adequate following distance from the vehicles ahead so that a smooth,
gradual stop may be completed, even if the vehicle ahead has made a panic stop.
Following distance
Drivers of semi trailer units, trucks and buses sometimes drive in a caravan.
That way, the first truck in line breaks the wind resistance for the trucks following
close behind. This leaves insufficient stopping distance and prevents faster
traffic from passing one truck at a time. Law prohibits this practice.
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Using time to estimate your following distance
If you drive a taxi, ambulance, police vehicle or van, you should maintain a
three-second interval between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. What does
this mean? It’s really quite simple if you follow these steps:
1. Pick something that is on or near the road and is not moving (for example, a
sign, pavement patch, shadow or overpass).
2. When the rear bumper of the vehicle you are following is even with the object
you have chosen, start counting - “Thou - sand and one, Thou - sand and
two, Thou - sand and three,” etc.
3. When your front bumper is beside the chosen object, stop counting. This
will give you the number of seconds between you and the vehicle you are
following.
4. If you are closer than three seconds, drop back and check again until you
have achieved a minimum of a three-second following distance. Any following
distance longer than that is safe.
If you drive a power unit, semi trailer, bus, truck or truck and trailer,
round out the length of the vehicle to the nearest metre and divide by three to
determine your count.
Example: If your truck and trailer is 14.6 m, round to 15 m, then divide by three.
15 = 5-second count
3
When road conditions change because of rain, snow or ice, lengthen the count
to suit the changing conditions.
Space must be allowed for other vehicles to pull in between you and the vehicle
ahead.
A short observation of the driving technique of the driver ahead will tip off the
professional driver as to what might be expected. If the vehicle ahead is a tailgater,
you can expect to have frequent “panic stops.” The driver ahead who maintains
a safe following distance usually has a longer, lighter brake application for stops,
giving you adequate notice by their brake lights that they are slowing down.
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The tailgater
A driver of commercial vehicles such as buses, trucks and power units and semi
trailers must rely on outside mirrors for rear vision.
A tailgater often drives directly behind the commercial vehicles and may not be
visible.
It may not always be possible for you to prevent a rear-end collision by an

irresponsible driver. There is a bonus factor, however. If your stop is gradual, the
speed of impact will be considerably less than if you stopped suddenly.
The tailgater is usually a person who lacks patience and foresight. This lack of
patience could be caused by your vehicle’s speed and the way you drive. By
watching the rear mirrors, you can often protect yourself from a tailgater by
helping the tailgater pass your vehicle. The tailgater is easier to deal with ahead
of you than behind you. Don’t let the tailgater put an incident on your record!
Upon approaching an upgrade where there is a passing lane, the driver of a

vehicle travelling slower than the normal traffic flow must use the right lane.
Where such lanes are not provided, the driver of a slower vehicle should allow
the traffic that has built up to pass at the earliest safe opportunity.
Experienced drivers adjust their pace according to conditions and traffic tempo,
maintain a safe stopping distance ahead and behind, and maintain a driving
space all around their vehicle. They have time to read the traffic pattern and
continuously plan an escape route should their danger zone become occupied.
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Intersections
The basic right-of-way rules are explained in the Saskatchewan Driver’s
Handbook and apply to drivers of all vehicles.
Most hazards occur at intersections. As a result, knowledge of the right-of-way

rules is essential for all drivers. As a defensive driver, you should not depend on
other drivers to always obey these rules. Expect the unexpected – be prepared
to yield. To avoid intersection collisions, it is suggested that you follow these
common-sense practices:
• Never enter a limited view intersection at a speed at which you cannot stop
safely. You should have your right foot off the accelerator and poised over the
brake pedal in case of an emergency stop. This will save on reaction time.
• Do not assume you have the right of way, even when it is reinforced by traffic
lights or traffic signs. Look left and right before entering any intersection. Look
for and expect the violator to run the sign or lights.
• When approaching an intersection, be alert and anticipate a change of a green
light to avoid running through an amber or red light. When getting the green
light, check left, right and ahead for the late runners, before proceeding.
• Do not depend on other drivers to signal or execute their turns correctly.
• Never pass another vehicle in or approaching an intersection.
Do not use the size of your vehicle to bluff for the right of way. Give the right of
way rather than taking it. As well, you should pay attention to each and every
intersection, laneway or driveway.
Railway crossings
Crossing railway tracks can be especially hazardous for drivers of large vehicles
because of the following:
• Longer vehicles need to travel further and will need more time to clear a
crossing.
• Heavier vehicles take more time and need more room to stop before a
crossing.
• Larger vehicles that have low ground clearances may cause trailers to get
stuck on or displace the tracks.
• Larger trucks are more likely to derail a train if there is a collision.
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Other considerations:
Never permit traffic conditions to trap you in a position where you have to stop
on the tracks. Be sure you can get all the way across the tracks before you start
across.
Avoid shifting gears on a crossing. Make your gear selection prior to crossing
the railway tracks.
If your vehicle stalls or gets stuck on a crossing, get out of the vehicle
immediately. If a train is coming, move away from the track toward the oncoming
train. This will reduce the chances of being struck by flying debris if the train hits
the vehicle. Contact the railway company if its emergency number is posted or
call 911.
Danger zones
The danger zone of any vehicle can be described as the area directly in front
of the vehicle in which the vehicle cannot stop. In the following diagram, the
danger zone is shown as the shaded area. As the speed increases, the danger
zone increases; if the road condition is less than ideal because of rain, snow, ice
or gravel, the danger zone is increased. When you fail to reduce your vehicle’s
speed to suit these road conditions, the danger zone increases.
At 30 km/h you can stop – just!

The truck is approximately three and one-half car lengths from the crosswalk
when the driver sees the pedestrian. Under ideal conditions, the driver may be
able to stop just in time.
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At 50 km/h you cannot stop in time!
Even under ideal conditions, the driver of the truck cannot stop in time! Both the
pedestrian and the car on the right are about to enter the danger zone!
The distances in the diagrams are approximations only for illustration, as braking
distances will vary according to the weight of the vehicle, condition of the brakes
and the condition of the road surface.
When conditions are less than ideal, commercial vehicles, like passenger vehicles,
can decrease their stopping distance by reducing their speed.
If another vehicle or a pedestrian should enter the danger zone, the driver cannot
stop the vehicle in time. It is not physically possible.
Shrinking the danger zone

The illustration of the danger zones shows how the distance is shortened if the
speed of the vehicle is reduced.
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The zone can also be reduced if you form the habit of “covering the brake”
when you recognize potential danger developing. In the previous diagram, the
driver has recognized that he/she is nearing an intersection which is a danger
spot. The driver knows the line of cars on the right may hide hazards from view.
The driver removes his/her foot from the accelerator and places it lightly on the
brake. When the driver first sees the hazard, the reaction time has been reduced
because the driver removed his/her foot from the accelerator. Therefore, the
stopping distance has been reduced and he/she now has a better chance of
stopping before the crosswalk, rather than across the intersection.
Speed, weight and stopping

If the vehicle’s: Then to stop, you need:
weight is doubled double the braking force
speed is doubled four times the braking force
weight AND speed are doubled eight times the braking force
Braking
Bringing a vehicle to a complete stop on a level roadway usually requires only a
single application of the brakes. The degree of application will be determined by
the speed, weight and degree of emergency.
When the speed of the vehicle has been decreased sufficiently, ease off the
amount of brake application and the actual stop will be gradual. The professional
driver can perfect these stops by practising the amount of brake application
release to prevent a jerk-back at the actual stop. This braking skill, coupled with
factors of:
• looking ahead to time stops,
• maintaining safe following distance, and
• setting speed in relation to the distance you can see ensures a smooth
stop every time (most passengers judge the driver’s skill based on this).
Stopping on an icy road surface will require you to threshold brake to prevent
the wheels from locking up. On vehicles equipped with anti-lock brakes, apply
according to the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions. A slow revolving wheel
on an icy surface will be more effective than a locked wheel skidding on icy
surfaces. To proceed down a steep grade, select a gear low enough to control
the speed (usually one gear below the one you would use to climb the same hill)
and use engine retarder brakes if so equipped. This should reduce the need to
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use your brakes to a point where they will overheat and your air supply will not
be seriously depleted.
If you reach an unsafe speed while descending a downgrade on a highway,

apply the brakes to reduce your speed and downshift to a lower main gear.
If you are unable to stop to prevent a collision, the fact that you were travelling
downhill is no excuse; your speed should have been adjusted to the condition.
In normal stopping, the brake components heat up. Heat will continue to build
up with excessive hard braking until it exceeds the capability of the brake
components to absorb and dissipate the heat. As brake drums heat up, they
expand away from the brake linings. Too much heat can result in brake fade,
brake damage and/or brake failure. Brake components or tires may actually
catch fire. The highest brake temperatures occur when braking from highway
speeds while on long downgrades, or from repeated use of the brakes without
enough cooling time between applications.
Note: Trailers weighing over 1,360 kg (3,000 lb.) must be equipped with service
brakes.
Large vehicles such as truck-trailer and semi trailer units have engine governors
which control the maximum rpm at which the engine may be operated. When
descending steep grades, special caution should be taken by maintaining correct
speed in relation to gear selection to keep the engine rpm at least 200 to 300
below the maximum governed rpm. In other words, if the momentum of the unit is
allowed to push the engine over its governed speed, engine damage could occur.
Retarders
Retarders are designed to provide auxiliary slowing of the vehicle, such as for
controlling the speed on long downgrades without the use of the main braking
system. Engine retarders (also known as engine brakes) help to save the main
braking system for emergency stopping.
Drivers of trucks equipped with engine brake retarders must avoid unnecessary
use of these systems in cities and residential areas. The use of retarders on
vehicles which are inadequately muffled results in a harsh irritating noise. The
engine brake retarder develops its retarding efficiency at higher engine rpm,
therefore, gear selection is important. The gear selected to descend the grade
is usually determined by the driver’s decision of the gear ratio needed to climb
the grade. Gear selection should be made before descending the grade, rather
than on the downgrade, to minimize the chance of missing a shift. Be cautious if
you’re using retarders/engine brakes on slippery road surfaces.
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Some can actually cause the drive wheels to lock up, stalling the engine, and can
result in loss of control or even cause a tractor/trailer to jackknife. The driver of a
truck equipped with a retarder system must be familiar with the manufacturer’s
recommended use of the retarder under all road and weather conditions.
Combination braking
In a combination of vehicles (such as a truck and trailer, or power unit with a
semi trailer unit) equipped with an air brake system, the trailer brakes are applied
along with the tractor brakes by use of the foot control valve. This is often
referred to as “balanced braking.” The application pressure of the trailer brakes
is equal to the application pressure of the tractor brakes. The trailer brakes may
be applied independently of the tractor brakes by use of the hand control valve.
If the driver wishes, the amount of application on the trailer brakes may be
increased during a foot valve application by using a higher application with the
hand valve. Trailers equipped with electric or vacuum brakes are operated in a
similar manner.
Brakes must be applied cautiously when the vehicle is negotiating a curve or

travelling on wet or icy surfaces. Over-braking could result in jackknifing or
skidding.
Water on roadways
Water entering brake drums will reduce the braking effort, so avoid running
through large amounts of water whenever possible. Place a slight drag on the
brakes when it becomes necessary to run through water, to reduce the amount
of water admitted to the drums and shoes. During excessively wet conditions,
or after passing through water, test the brakes. It may be necessary to drag the
brakes slightly for a short distance to dry them out and restore normal braking.
Always reduce your speed before driving through large pools of water on the
road.
Antilock brake system (ABS)

An ABS is an electronic system that monitors wheel speed at all times and
controls wheel speed while braking. If it detects a wheel locking up during a
brake application, the system releases brake pressure to that wheel only. This
keeps the wheel from skidding and increases vehicle stability and control during
emergency stops and in adverse situations such as on wet or icy roads, through
curves or during lane changes. The air brake system remains the same with the
addition of the ABS components.
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ABS indicator lights
ABS indicator lights are amber-coloured and marked with the letters ABS. They
are there to tell you that the ABS is working properly. Know where the ABS
indicator light is on every vehicle you operate and how to check that it’s working
properly. The lights are located on the instrument panel of trucks. Buses and
truck tractors are dash mounted and on the exterior of trailers near the red side
marker on the left rear side of the trailer. Converter dollies have a light located
on their left side. If the vehicle you drive was built after March 1, 2001, and is
equipped to tow a trailer, it will have two ABS lights on the dash, one for the
towing vehicle and one for the trailers.
How ABS indicator lights work

When ABS is working properly, each time the vehicle ignition switch is turned
on and kept in the on position the ABS indicator lights will turn on for a few
seconds then turn off. One exception is for towing vehicles equipped with
constant power supply (even with key off) through the trailer electrical cord,
which may be required for safety or security on certain trailers or loads, such as
gasoline tankers, ammunition loads and others. In this case, the ABS indicator
light check can be accomplished by disconnecting and reconnecting the power
connector (while following appropriate precautions for the powered systems).
When power is supplied to the ABS controller the ABS indicator lights
momentarily turn on as the ABS automatically conducts a self test. If the light
does not come on at all there could be a problem with the indicator light, the
wiring or the ABS controller. When an ABS malfunction is detected the ABS
indicator light stays on. If no malfunctions are detected the light turns off after a
few seconds.
ABS on trailers also receive backup power through the brake light circuit. In
some cases, certain types of malfunctions can cause the ABS indicator light to
turn on each time the brake is applied. While the ABS may be partially working,
in this condition it is not working properly. Whenever the ABS indicator light turns
on when you are driving there is an ABS malfunction present that requires repair.
Make sure you have the ABS problem fixed as quickly as possible. Remember, if
the light does not work you will never know if the ABS stops working.
Know your ABS is working – check it during your trip inspection!

Knowing your ABS is working can give you peace of mind and it can help you
when you need it. Always confirm your ABS is working – see that your ABS
light(s) turn on then off when power is applied during your trip inspection. Failure
to ensure the ABS system functions as prescribed by the manufacturer will
result in a defect being identified on a CVSA road-side inspection.
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Passing and being passed
Passing: On occasion, drivers of commercial vehicles are guilty of breaches
of driving etiquette, which can irritate the motoring public. For example, one
commercial vehicle may pass another when the speed differential is so slight
that it takes a long time to complete the pass. In doing this, the passing truck
occupies the fast traffic lane when it is not absolutely necessary, thus causing
the following traffic to reduce its speed, resulting in bunching. Bunching on
freeways and fast highways is a potential hazard.
Being passed: Do not direct the vehicle following you to pass; let the driver
make their own driving decision. You may be encouraging a driver with limited
experience to drive over their ability.
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Do not encourage following traffic to overtake your vehicle when it would
necessitate their crossing over solid lines.
When the driver does make their move, help them complete the pass. Reduce
your speed if necessary. While driving beside your vehicle, the driver who is
attempting to pass you is occupying the space you may need for an emergency
out!
Large commercial vehicles have a louder exhaust resonance than passenger

vehicles. Their size and highway noise often give the impression that they are
travelling faster than they actually are. When passing passenger vehicles, the
professional driver should observe speed limits carefully, and avoid startling the
inexperienced or nervous driver.
Large commercial vehicles travelling at high speeds create varying degrees of

air turbulence that can be hazardous to smaller passenger vehicles. A car riding
directly in front of the truck, beside the fuel tank area or at the immediate rear of
the trailer, is in an area of air turbulence. Be alert for the driver who rides in these
areas. They may be forced off a narrow roadway or drawn into the side of the
vehicle.
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Passing on the right
When passing other vehicles, you must always pass on the left except when:
• There are two or more traffic lanes in your direction of travel, such as multi-lane
streets and highways.
• The vehicle ahead is about to make a left turn and it is possible to pass safely
on the right without driving on the shoulder.
You must not drive off the roadway onto the shoulder to pass another vehicle.
Alleys, lanes and side roads

The driver of a vehicle shall, before entering a street from a lane or alley within
a city or town, yield the right of way to pedestrians and vehicles, and shall not
proceed until safe to do so.
Curves and jackknifing

A vehicle travelling in a straight line develops a force called momentum. The
higher the speed, the greater the force. When the vehicle enters a curve, it must
overcome the force of momentum if it is to change its direction from the straight
line in which it has been travelling. A vehicle travelling around a curve develops
a force called centrifugal force. The greater the speed at which a vehicle travels
around a curve, the greater the centrifugal force developed. This centrifugal
force pushes outward from the centre of the curve and tries to keep the object
on its original straight line.
The degree of control you are able to maintain over your vehicle is determined
by the amount of traction your vehicle’s tires have with the road surface. Entering
a curve too fast can result in skidding or a rollover. Applying brakes in a curve
can cause a skid or a jackknife.
To avoid rolling, skidding or jackknifing, reduce your speed before reaching the
curve. Enter the curve at a speed that will not require braking. This will permit
you to apply gradual power in the curve. The application of a small amount of
power in a curve counteracts the centrifugal force.
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For the safe negotiation of curves, here are some tips to follow:
• Spot the curve in advance by heeding the curve ahead warning sign and
suggested speed sign.
• If speed adjustment is needed, slow down before the curve.
• Accelerate when in the curve as conditions permit.
Sharing the road

As a professional driver, you are responsible for watching for other vehicles
including motor vehicles, bicycles and motorcycles. Treat them courteously,
since they have the same right to use the streets and highways, providing they
are complying with the laws. Like a pedestrian, a bicycle or motorcycle is no
match for a car or truck. If there is a collision, the cyclist is almost always injured
or killed.
A problem for drivers is the inability to see the cyclist. It is your responsibility to be
alert! Motorcyclists need a complete traffic lane: do not try to share a lane with one.
Motorcycle size
A motorcycle’s smaller size makes it appear to be farther away and moving
slower. Compensate for this illusion by allowing more time and distance for
stopping. Most motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars. Unless you’ve
allowed sufficient following distance, you might not realize the motorcycle has
stopped before it’s too late to avoid a collision. They may hit a bump, rut, a
railway track or a hole and swerve or upset.
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Check twice, save a life
During motorcycle season, check twice before making a lane change or turn;
once for cars and trucks, once for motorcycles and bikes. You can easily lose a
motorcycle in your blind spot.
Passing
When you pass, especially on gravel or in wet weather, remember that you may
throw dirt or water at the motorcyclist. Pass the motorcyclist as if they were a
car or truck. Don’t crowd them and be well ahead before you pull back in.
If a motorcyclist is riding in the right wheel track, don’t pass in their lane.
Motorcycles, like cars, are entitled to a full lane. Another danger of passing too
closely is creating turbulence which can cause the motorcyclist to wobble or
lose control.
Sometimes a motorcycle’s turn signals are hard to see. Watch the driver. If they
shoulder check or tilt their machine, they are probably going to change lanes or turn.
After dark, particularly in city areas, be alert for bicycles and mopeds.
Getting started
Gasoline powered, not governed
Start in low gear, using only enough power to place the vehicle in motion. Don’t
rev the engine up in this gear to maximum rpm, but shift to the next higher gear.
Progress through each higher gear, increasing vehicle speed and engine rpm
together. As each shift is completed, engage the clutch smoothly to avoid shock
to the drive train, load and passengers.
Using an engine tachometer in shifting

Most engine manufacturers recommend 85% of governed engine speed to be
the most efficient for normal operation of a vehicle. Knowing the governed speed,
a simple calculation will give the most efficient operating speed. When driving, a
glance at the tachometer will indicate the necessity of a change in gear.
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All transmissions have a known split between gear ratios and knowing your
transmission will give you the drop in revs required to make a clean shift.
Shifting down is also made easier by a tachometer. In reversing the above

procedure, knowing the split or rpm difference between the gears, a driver will
be able to increase the engine revs to make a clean downshift.
Shifting up through the gears (main transmission)

In each gear, sufficient speed must be built up to avoid labouring the engine in
that gear; speed must be sufficient so the engine will not be laboured when the
next higher gear is reached. Double-clutching should be used on most manual-
shift truck transmissions. Shifting is faster and smoother when the double-clutch
procedure of depressing the clutch twice with each change of gears is used.
Shifting down
Be alert to changing conditions which may require reduced speed and shifting
to a lower gear. Don’t wait until the engine starts to labour before shifting down.
For dangerous downgrades, gears should be downshifted to make use of
engine braking. A good driver will downshift before passing the crest of a hill
because it’s dangerous to downshift past that point. If you miss a gear you’re in
trouble.
In addition, if your brakes fail on a level road, you should shift to a lower gear and
use engine compression to help stop the vehicle.
Your knowledge and ability to use the clutch and to select and shift
gears, as would be required in the normal operation of the vehicle, will be
observed during the road test.
Visibility and safety

Drivers of large trucks and buses generally have a better view of the road, traffic
ahead and to the sides, than the passenger car driver. The seated height in most
instances is higher and windshields are larger.
Outside rear-view mirrors reflect a large area, and if properly mounted and
adjusted, give the driver a clear view of the roadway behind, except for the blind
area immediately behind the vehicle.
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Operators of Class 1, 2 and 3 vehicles, school buses and vans must depend
on their mirrors to a far greater extent than drivers of passenger cars in order to
observe traffic conditions behind them while manoeuvring. It is vital that these
be maintained in good condition at all times. Some drivers use a convex mirror
which gives them a much better and clearer view of traffic beside and behind
than the ordinary mirror. This is a good practice and you should learn to use the
convex mirror whenever manoeuvring in confined spaces, or where there is a
chance of other traffic or pedestrians getting in the way. Vehicles transporting
wide loads must be equipped with mirrors which extend beyond the extreme
portion of the load to give clear visibility to the rear at all times.
Parking
Never park your vehicle in a manner that would block other drivers’ views of an
intersection. Preferably park 153 m (500 ft.) or more away from an intersection
when stopping for a break.
To ensure that your vehicle will stay in position when parked, the following
precautions must be observed:
1. Set the parking brake(s). When towing a semi trailer you should apply the
spring brakes on both power unit and semi trailer when parked.
2. When on a grade, place a manual transmission in the lowest forward gear if
parked facing uphill, or reverse gear if parked facing downhill.
3. If the vehicle is equipped with a two-speed axle, the axle must be in low
range.
4. If the vehicle is equipped with an auxiliary transmission, the transmission must
be in low range.
5. If the vehicle is on a grade, turn the front wheels in the appropriate direction.
With curb
Downhill: Turn front wheels to the right. Uphill: Turn front wheels to the left.
(Allow vehicle to roll until front wheel touches curb.) Block vehicle.
No curb
When parking downhill or uphill with a straight truck, turn front wheels sharply
to the right. Block the wheels. For a tractor trailer, leave the wheels straight,
apply the parking brake and block the wheels.
6. Under no circumstances should you use the trailer hand valve to hold a
parked vehicle which will be left unattended.
37
7. When a vehicle is parked on a highway, it must be illuminated to warn other
motorists of an obstruction as follows:
• If the vehicle is completely clear of the travelled section, not disabled, and
will be parked for less than four hours – activate hazard warning lights.
• If the vehicle intrudes into the travelled section, is disabled or will be parked
for more than four hours, it is recommended to place flares as follows:
(i) One on the traffic side of and 4 paces (approximately 3 m or 10 ft.)
from the stopped commercial vehicle in the direction of approaching
traffic;
(ii) One at 40 paces (approximately 30 m or 100 ft.) from the stopped
commercial motor vehicle in the centre of the traffic lane or shoulder
occupied by the commercial motor vehicle and in the direction of
approaching traffic; and
(iii) One at 40 paces (approximately 30 m or 100 ft.) from the stopped
commercial motor vehicle in the centre of the traffic lane or shoulder
occupied by the commercial motor vehicle and in the direction away
from approaching traffic.
Backing
The driver is always responsible when backing.
Backing becomes dangerous if you don’t ensure the way is clear. Investigations
often show collisions that happen when a vehicle is backing is a result of the
driver not paying attention.
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All drivers can reduce collisions when backing if they follow these backing rules:
• Avoid unnecessary backing – plan ahead to minimize backing distances.
• Use a guide whenever possible. The guide should have a clear continuous
view of the backing path the vehicle will follow and should be visible to you
throughout the manoeuvre.
GOOD POOR POOR
• Whenever possible, plan your approach so you can view the area into which
you will be backing.
• Don’t back the vehicle to the blind side when it is possible to back to the view side.
• Always back out of traffic rather than into traffic. The left driver (as shown on
bottom illustration, following page) has backed out of traffic. When they leave
the laneway, they will be able to observe traffic readily. The right driver has
taken the easy way out of traffic, but now faces the problem of backing into
traffic to leave the laneway.
• Before backing into a loading dock, you should:
– Turn on your four-way flashers (hazard lights).
– Sound your horn.
– Back the vehicle to the view side.
– Have someone guide you in.
• Before backing a vehicle without a guide, you must:
– Set the park brake.
– Step out of the vehicle and look at the backing area or hazards.
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– Check for clearances and obstacles above, below, to the sides, to the rear
and to the front of the vehicle.
– Enter the cab: if there is no guide present, sound horn before moving.
Observe both mirrors while backing slowly. If the backing distance is long,
stop at intervals and re-check behind, above, below, to the side and ahead.
Rather than making one long backing manoeuvre, it is safer to make a series
of short backing manoeuvres.
A human life is worth more than the few extra moments it takes to be sure the
way is clear. Remember, even with a guide, you are responsible for any collision
which might occur as a result of your actions.
From the position 1

the driver can
view the area.
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Offset backing (driver’s side)
There are two types of offset backing: driver side, where you offset back to the
left; and passenger side, where you offset back to the right.
Here is the procedure for offset backing (driver’s side):
• Drive straight forward until the vehicle is in a straight line.

• Turn the wheel all the way to the left, angling the trailer toward the destination.
• Back up while watching the right mirror until the outside edge of the tractor
tires lines up with the middle of the landing gear.
• Stop and turn the wheel to the right as far as possible.
• Back up until the tractor is straight and in line with the trailer.
• Straighten the wheels. Look out both mirrors while slowly backing toward the
destination.
3ft Stop Box
3ft Stop Box
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Alley dock (driver’s side)
When performing an alley dock, backing from the driver’s side (left) is
recommended. Reversing to the left provides a clear view in the left mirror of the
space you are reversing into.
Alley Dock Backing Procedures

• Align the vehicle with the target space (in the direction of your stopping point).
This must be defined (3.5 and 3.7 metres wide) and be of sufficient depth to
accommodate the entire length of the tractor-trailer. Activate warning flashers.
• Exit the vehicle and walk around and check for obstacles and clearance.
• Re-board the vehicle, sound horn and recheck mirrors before reversing.
• Shift into reverse and back up slowly.
• Look out the driver’s window to monitor the rear of the trailer and use mirrors
to guide your backing.
• Make slight adjustments to the steering wheel to the left if the turn is sharp, or
to the right if the turn is wide.
• Stop the vehicle when the desired position is reached.
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Tires
The amount of control the driver can maintain over a vehicle depends upon the
amount of traction between the tires and the road surface.
Tire pressure and tire conditions are important factors in safe vehicle operation.
About pressure
The rotation of the tires under load causes a flexing of the casing. This flexing
causes internal friction which generates heat. The tires dissipate the heat to the
atmosphere. If the correct tire size is used in accordance with the load carried
and tires have the proper air pressure at the start of the trip, the heat build-up
will reach a heat balance temperature for which the tire is designed. The cooling
rate will balance the heating rate.
If the tires are under-inflated or over-loaded for their size, or are subject to too
much speed, the flexing action will be increased. This will result in the heat build-
up rate exceeding the cooling rate and the tire will overheat. As the heat builds
up, it causes the air pressure within the tire to increase to pressures which are
higher than that for which the tire is designed.
Bleeding pressure
If the tire has the correct pressure when it is cool, the heat build-up which is
normal will cause the pressure within the tire to increase and reduce the amount
of wall flexing, controlling the heat build-up. If the driver bleeds the pressure
down on a warm tire, the cooling balance will be upset and the tire will generate
more heat. Never bleed down a warm tire. Pressure should be checked and
adjusted when the tires are cold.
Tire pressure and tire wear

Correct tire pressure is an important influence on tire wear and steering control.
An over-inflated tire will result in centre tread wear. Over-inflation of a tire also
results in less tread surface being in contact with the road surface, which
reduces the amount of traction.
An under-inflated tire results in wear on the outer edges of the tread surface.
On a wet road surface, an under-inflated tire will not squeeze the water out
from under the tire surfaces as well as a correctly inflated tire will. If the tire is
under-inflated, it has more chance of riding up on a film of water (hydroplaning).
The amount of traction with the road surface would be greatly reduced, in turn
reducing steering control.
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Tire condition
Regulations define the limitations of tire wear and condition permissible for
certain vehicle operation.
The professional driver must be familiar with the standards as defined in

regulations for Vehicle Safety Inspection requirements.
Tire matching
Never mount bias and radial tires on the same axle. Always ensure tire diameters
are within 12.5 mm (1/2 in.) of each other on a set of duals.
Carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning is an ever-present danger when you operate a
motor vehicle. It is odourless, colourless and tasteless, and therefore hard to
detect. It is in the exhaust of every motor vehicle. This makes it essential that you
keep a constant check on your exhaust system for leaks.
Never run your engine in a closed garage. Maintain good ventilation in the cab
when you drive. Don’t follow too closely behind another car that has a smoking
exhaust.
If you get dizzy or drowsy while driving, stop, get out and get plenty of fresh air.
Fire
Fire prevention in and around a vehicle is easier and cheaper than fighting a
vehicle fire. Practise the following rules:
• Never start a vehicle that has a fuel leak. Hose away or wipe up spilled fuel.
• Shut off engines when refuelling vehicles.
• Ground the fuel hose nozzle against the filler pipe of the truck tank before
delivering fuel.
• Don’t smoke in garages or near fuelling areas.
• Never throw cigarette butts out of cab windows. They could blow back into
tarps or loads.
• Check tires often for low pressure. Soft tires build heat. Flat or soft tires, which
have become overheated, should be removed immediately. Do not move the
vehicle until the tires have cooled.
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• Ensure parking brakes and service brakes are fully released. Dragging brakes
generate heat and can ignite grease in hubs when the vehicle stops. Make
frequent checks of hubs and brake drums for overheating.
• Keep fire extinguishers in good working condition.
Fire fighting
Fighting a fire efficiently requires quick thinking and fast action based on
training. All drivers should inspect the fire fighting equipment on their vehicle
daily.
Familiarization with types of fires that could occur on the particular vehicle being
driven, together with a study of the following, could prevent the loss of a vehicle
or personal injury:
• Water spreads gasoline or oil fires. Use extinguishers, sand or dirt to smother.
• Use extinguishers only enough to knock down flames; keep some in reserve
for flare ups.
• Disconnect battery cables first for electrical fires. (Shutting off switches and
disconnecting battery cables of vehicles involved in collisions can prevent fires
caused by leaking fuel, etc.).
• In the case of fires occurring on combination units, if you are sure you can do
so safely, disconnect the tractor from the trailer and separate the units to a
safe distance apart.
• Whenever possible, fight fires with the wind at your back. (This lessens the
chance of asphyxiation).
• In the case of under hood fires – don’t throw the hood open. Raise the
hood very slightly to fight the fire. If the hood cannot be raised, direct your
extinguisher from underneath the vehicle or through the radiator.
• Have the first spectator call the fire department. Warn others of the danger of
explosion of gasoline or flammable loads and advise them to keep back a safe
distance.
• Don’t risk your own life. Gasoline fires can spread rapidly or explode.
45
About fire extinguishers
Multi-purpose dry chemical (monoammoniumphosphate base) extinguishers
marked B.C. extinguish grease, oil, gasoline and electrical fires. If the cylinder is
marked A.B.C., it will also extinguish class “A” fires such as paper and cloth. The
operator can use these extinguishers without fear of the contents being a health
hazard or causing bodily injury.
Petroleum (flammable) hauling vehicles must have an extinguisher with a rating

of not less than 20 B.C. or two of 10 B.C.
CO2 extinguishers (carbon dioxide) must be used in open spaces. There is

danger of smothering.
Vehicles required to carry a fire extinguisher

Every vehicle registered as a commercial vehicle transporting fuel petroleum
products and many vehicles registered as public service vehicles, except
trailers, must be equipped with a fire extinguisher of a design or type approved
by Underwriters Laboratories, and the extinguisher shall at all times be kept in
satisfactory operating condition. Most school buses are required to carry an
operative fire extinguisher of at least 2A-10 B.C. If it is a 2000 or newer bus, an
operative fire extinguisher of at least 3A-40 B.C. is required.
Extinguishers must be secured in a quick release holder in view of the driver.
46
Vehicles required to carry flares
• Any vehicle greater than 2,060 mm (81 in.) in width and operating outside
the corporate limits of a city, town or village is required to carry three flares
consisting of:
– three reflectors;
– three advanced warning triangles; or
– three electric lanterns.
All must be equipped with or carried in a suitable container.

• Flares which are reflectors or advanced warning triangles are required to
emit a red reflection visible from a distance of 150 m on a clear night when
illuminated by headlights.
• Flares which are electric lanterns are required to emit a red light visible from a
distance of 150 m on a clear night and be capable of operating continuously
for at least 12 hours.
• Flares must be placed in accordance with point 7 on page 38.
A growing priority: fuel efficiency

As fuel supplies decline and prices fluctuate, independent drivers and major
transport companies are struggling to accurately budget for fuel costs – and are
actively searching for ways to keep those costs under control.
Of course, money isn’t the only consideration. The environment is a key factor,
too. Nearly 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions in Canada are produced by
the road transportation sector, a significant portion of them from heavy-duty
vehicles. Fortunately, there are many practical decisions you can make as a
driver to be more fuel-efficient – from vehicle equipment to driving techniques
and behaviours.
Making smart choices

You may not be able to fight rising fuel prices, but there are steps you can take
to reduce the amount of fuel you burn:
• Read the owner’s manual for your vehicle and follow the manufacturer’s driving
recommendations.
• Use summer fuel whenever possible as it can improve fuel economy by as
much as 3%.
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• Optimize tractor aerodynamics: reducing aerodynamic drag by 10% can
increase fuel efficiency by 5%.
• Use air deflectors as they reduce air pressure on a vehicle and provide fuel
savings in the three to 10% range.
• Consider using doubles or triples instead of single trailers where applicable.

• Use rib design tires in all positions as they are more fuel efficient than using lug tires.
• Consider using low rolling resistance tires.
• Choose lighter truck specifications where appropriate. Less vehicle weight
means better fuel economy and can also offer more freight capacity, increasing
income per kilometre travelled.
• Use accessories such as oil pan heaters and block heaters (to help with
cold starting and hasten lubrication), fuel heaters (to prevent fuel gelling),
thermostatically controlled engine fans, winter fronts, battery blankets and
in-cab auxiliary heaters to improve productivity and fuel efficiency.
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Caring for your vehicle
Preventative maintenance plays a huge role in maintaining the health and
efficiency of your vehicle. When your truck is serviced properly, you can run
more efficiently and avoid unexpected downtime. Small problems should be
fixed before they become bigger – and more expensive. In addition to regularly
scheduled maintenance, you should also:
• Ensure your tires are inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
– 1% of fuel is wasted for each 10 pounds per square inch of underinflation.
• Before you hit the road, make sure you’ve done a trip inspection – not only is
it the law but it can also help you avoid unwelcome breakdowns during your
travels.
• Perform a post-trip inspection to spot problems that could delay you next time.
• Ensure all fluid levels are correct – both underfilling and overfilling can damage
your vehicle.
• Monitor your restriction indicator for signs of the air filter becoming plugged or
contaminated.
Smart driving practices

Fuel efficiency starts when you turn your engine on. Proper warm-up helps
lubricate components and seals, reducing wear and leakage.
Starting your truck properly can save money on fuel. Keep the following in mind:
• When setting your vehicle in motion, make sure you use zero throttle and are in
a gear that doesn’t need any throttle.
• Don’t pump the throttle of a fuel-injected engine as the amount of fuel required
for starting is pre-measured.
• Let your vehicle warm up for three to five minutes – if the temperature is
below 0 degrees Celsius allow it to warm up until it reaches a safer operating
temperature. Don’t rev it, let it warm up gradually.
• Warm your vehicle up after the initial idle time by driving gently, don’t try to get
too much speed out of the engine by pushing the throttle down hard.
• Use cruise control where appropriate.
• Reduce your average speed – generally, for every 10 km/h over 90 km/h you
use 10% more fuel.
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• Change gears smoothly – shifting progressively will result in about 30%
improvement in operating costs.
• Always use the clutch, failure to do so can wear the gear teeth down in the
transmission.
• Practise progressive shifting. Shifting before you reach the maximum governed
rpm (usually between 1200 and 1600) reduces equipment wear, decreases
noise levels and saves fuel.
• Run the engine in the highest gear range to keep it in a low rev range.
• Use your retarder properly and turn it off when you don’t need it – let the
terrain work for you.
• Plan your route carefully: flat routes are more fuel efficient than mountainous
routes and highway driving is more fuel efficient than inner city driving.
• Weather conditions affect fuel efficiency. Driving on snow-covered roads can
increase fuel consumption by 15 to 20%.
• Choosing to drive a flat, multi-lane highway improves your fuel efficiency by:
– four to 11% compared to a flat two-lane highway;
– as much as 18% compared to a mountainous highway; and
– 25 to 35% over taking a suburban route.
Idling: A special note

Idling a class eight truck engine burns up to four litres of fuel per hour at 900 rpm.
Turn off your engine when you stop for any length of time – you will save fuel,
reduce maintenance requirements, prolong engine life and prevent unnecessary
emissions. If a 10-truck fleet were to cut idling by an hour a day for 260 days,
it would save approximately 10,400 litres of fuel ($11,440 at $1.10 per litre). A
100-truck fleet would save $114,400 and a 500-truck fleet $572,000.
For more information about energy management and efficiency, visit the
Natural Resources Canada website at: www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/efficiency/
transportation/7681
Natural Resources Ressources naturelles

Canada Canada
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3. Vehicle weights and dimensions
Vehicles are limited in height, width, length and weight by regulations under
The Traffic Safety Act. The following are only some of the regulations which
will provide a professional driver with the basic knowledge required when
driving vehicles that carry passengers or goods. The complete applicable act
and regulations should be consulted for interpreting and applying the law in
all cases. Provisions are made for the issuing of permits for the movement
of vehicles carrying oversize or overweight loads. Regardless of licensing or
permits issued, you must obey all posted signs which limit the dimensions or
weight of loads on any portion of the highway.
To assist you in avoiding damage to your vehicle and its load, and possible injury
to highway users, you must be alert to warning signs. This particularly applies to
overheight loads which often strike overhead structures.
Interpretation and application of regulations

The following are some of the interpretations of terms used in The Vehicle
Weight and Dimension Regulations.
“Act” means The Highways and Transportation Act, 1997.
“A-dolly” means a converter dolly that is towed from a single hitch located on the
towing vehicle.
“Articulated bus” means a bus:

(i) with an articulation point between the passenger-carrying sections of the
vehicle;
(ii) designed so that movement of passengers between the sections of the
vehicle is possible at all times while the bus is operated on a highway.
“A-train” means a combination of vehicles composed of a truck tractor and a semi

trailer towing either:
(i) a semi trailer with an A-dolly; or
(ii) a full trailer attached to the lead semi trailer in the same manner as if an
A-dolly were being used.
“Axle” means an assembly of two or more wheels, which have a common axis of
rotation, through which weight is transmitted to a public highway.
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“Axle group” means any number of consecutive axles on a vehicle through which
weight is to be equally distributed and transmitted to a highway so that the
difference in weight on each axle in any axle group is not more than 1,000 kg
from an adjacent axle.
“Axle spread” means the distance between the extreme axle centres of an axle
group.
“Axle unit” means:

(i) a multiple axle group;
(ii) a single axle;
(iii) a single-half axle unit;
(iv) a tandem axle group;
(v) a tandem drive axle group;
(vi) a tridem axle group;
(vii) a tridem drive axle group; or
(viii) a wide-spread tandem axle group.
“Box-length” means:
(i) for a semi trailer, subject to subclauses (ii) and (iii), the distance from the
front of the semi trailer to its rear, including the load but not including
auxiliary equipment;
(ii) for an A-train, B-train or C-train, the distance from the front of the lead
semi trailer to the rear of the rearmost vehicle in the A-train, B-train or
C-train, including the load but not including auxiliary equipment mounted
on the lead semi trailer; or
(iii) for a truck and trailer combination, the distance from the front of the load
carrying area on the truck to the rear of the rearmost vehicle in the truck
and trailer combination, including the load but not including auxiliary
equipment.
“B-train” means a combination of vehicles composed of a tractor and a semi

trailer towing another semi trailer attached to a fifth-wheel mounted on the rear
of the first semi trailer.
“Bus” means a motor vehicle designed and intended to carry more than 15
passengers.
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“C-dolly” means a converter dolly that:
(i) has two parallel arms that connect to two hitches located on a towing unit
so as to prevent any rotation in a horizontal plane through the hitch points;
(ii) has drawbars that are within three degrees of level;
(iii) meets the C-dolly specifications set out in Standard 903 of the Canadian
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, being SOR/93-146; and
(iv) is used with the dolly axle locked in the zero steer position at all times
while travelling if:
• one or more of the axle locking mechanisms are not in working
condition; or
• the C-train is operated at a speed in excess of 50 km/h on any surface
other than a dry, paved road.
“Combination of vehicles” means two or more vehicles joined together.
“Combined weight” means the sum of the gross weight for two adjacent axle
units.
“Converter dolly” means a device consisting of one or more axles, a fifth-wheel

assembly and one or more drawbars used to convert a semi trailer to a full trailer.
“C-train” means a combination of vehicles composed of a tractor and semi

trailer towing a full trailer connected with a C-dolly.
“Drawbar length” means the distance from the mid-point of the axle unit on a
converter dolly to the hitch point on the vehicle towing the trailer.
“Effective overhang” means the greater of the following:

(i) the distance from the turn centre to the rearmost point of the truck, trailer or
semi trailer;
(ii) if there is a load on the truck, trailer or semi trailer, the distance from the
turn centre to the rearmost point of the load.
“End dump semi trailer” means a semi trailer designed so that its cargo carrying
area may be raised to allow the end dumping of its load.
“Farm equipment” means equipment that is designed and intended for use in
farming operations but does not include any of the following:
(i) a truck;
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(ii) a semi trailer;
(iii) a full trailer;
(iv) a pony trailer;
(v) farm equipment that is loaded on a truck, trailer or semi trailer; or
(vi) farm equipment that is towing equipment other than farm equipment.
“Fifth wheel assembly” means a coupling device that:
(i) is securely attached to the chassis of a vehicle; and
(ii) consists of a skid plate, associated mounting brackets and a latching
mechanism that couples or connects to a kingpin located on the other
vehicles or component of the other vehicles, for the purpose of supporting
or towing a semi trailer.
“Full trailer” means a vehicle that is designed to be towed by another vehicle
and is designed so that the whole of its weight is carried on its own axles and
includes a semi trailer and a converter dolly hitched together, but does not
include:
(i) recreational vehicles;
(ii) agricultural implements;
(iii) timbers or metal beams with wheels attached and used for the purpose of
moving buildings;
(iv) asphalt distributors used for the construction or maintenance of
bituminous surfaced highways; or
(v) pony trailers.
“Gross vehicle weight” means:
(i) the combined weight of a vehicle and the load carried on that vehicle; or
(ii) the combined weight of two or more vehicles coupled or joined together
and the combined weight of the loads carried on each of those vehicles.
“Hitch offset” means the distance from the trailer turn centre to the hitch point
used to tow a trailer.
“House trailer” means a vehicle drawn by a motor vehicle and designed and
intended for use as living quarters or for office space.
“Interaxle spacing” means the distance separating centres of the nearest axles in
two adjacent axle units.
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“Kingpin setback” means the longitudinal distance from the centre of the kingpin
on a semi trailer to any point on the semi trailer, including its load, in front of the
kingpin measured in the arc from the centre of the kingpin to the most distant
point on the trailer or load in front of the kingpin excluding any auxiliary equipment,
heater or refrigeration unit or aerodynamic device that is attached to the front of
the semi trailer and that is not designed for the transportation of goods.
“Lift axle” means an axle of a vehicle that is constructed with a device capable of
raising the wheels on that axle from contact with the highway.
“Motor vehicle” means a vehicle propelled by or driven by any means other than
by muscular power.
“Multiple axle group” means an axle group of three or more axles with an axle
spread of not more than 4.5 m, but does not include a tridem axle group.
“Pony trailer” means a vehicle that is:

(i) designed and intended to be towed by another vehicle;
(ii) designed so that most of its weight is carried on its axles;
(iii) equipped with a rigid drawbar; and
(iv) equipped with only one axle unit.
“Provincial road” means any public highway shown as a provincial road on the
current official highway map.
“Road construction and maintenance equipment” means self-propelled or

towed equipment used directly in road construction or maintenance, but does
not include a truck, trailer, semi-trailer or any road construction or maintenance
equipment transported on a truck, trailer or semi-trailer.
“Semi trailer” means a vehicle with one axle unit that is designed for the
transportation of goods and that is intended to be towed by another vehicle in a
manner so that a substantial part of the weight of the vehicle being towed rests
on or is being carried by the towing vehicle or trailer converter dolly through a
fifth wheel assembly, but does not include:
(i) a recreational vehicle;
(ii) an agricultural implement;
(iii) timbers or metal beams with wheels attached that are used for the
purpose of moving buildings;
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(iv) an asphalt distributor used for the construction or maintenance of
bituminous surfaced highways;
(v) a converter dolly; or
(vi) a pony trailer.
“Single axle” means:

(i) any individual axle; or
(ii) any combination of two or more axles whose centres are less than 1 m
apart, but does not include any axle within a tandem, wide-spread
tandem, tridem or multiple axle group.
“Single-half axle unit” means a group of two axles with four wheels on one axle
and two single wheels on the second axle:
(i) whose centres are not less than 1 m and not more than 1.85 m apart; and
(ii) that is not subject to the axle group weight distribution requirements for
adjacent axles.
“Steering axle” means:

(i) the articulated axle or axles of a motor vehicle that are controlled by the
vehicle operator and govern the direction travelled by the motor vehicle; or
(ii) an articulated axle on a trailer or semi trailer where the direction of travel
of the trailer is governed by the towing unit.
“Tandem axle group” means a group of two axles:

(i) whose centres are more than 1 m and not more than 1.85 m apart; and
(ii) that is not part of a tridem axle or a multiple axle group.
“Tandem drive axle group” means a tandem axle group in which one or both
axles in the group are connected to a power source that transmits tractive
power to all wheels on that axle or those axles.
“Track width” means the overall width of an axle measured from the outside of
the outside tire located on one side of the vehicle to the outside of the outside
tire located on that axle on the other side of the vehicle at any point above the
lowest point of the rim.
“Tractor” means a motor vehicle designed, and normally used, to pull a semi
trailer (also known as a power unit).
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“Trailer” means a vehicle without motive power that is designed to be towed by
another vehicle.
“Trailer wheelbase” means, in the case of a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight
exceeding 4,500 kg, the longitudinal distance from the turn centre of the vehicle
to:
(i) the centre of the kingpin of a semi trailer;
(ii) the centre of the turntable of a full trailer; or
(iii) the centre of the hitching device of a pony trailer.
“Tridem axle group” means an axle group of three equally spaced axles that:
(i) has an axle spread of not less than 2.4 m and not more than 3.7 m; and
(ii) is not part of a multiple axle group.
“Tridem drive axle group” means a tridem axle group in which all axles in the
group are connected to a power source that transmits tractive power to all
wheels on those axles.
“Truck” means a motor vehicle that:

(i) is permanently fitted with a special purpose device for the transportation
of goods; or
(ii) is designed and normally used for the transportation of goods.
“Truck wheelbase or truck tractor wheelbase” means the longitudinal distance

from the centre of the steering axle unit to the geometric centre of the drive axle
unit.
“Urban municipality” means:

(i) a city as defined in The Cities Act;
(ii) a village, resort village or town as defined in The Municipalities Act; or
(iii) a northern hamlet, northern village or town as defined in The Northern
Municipalities Act.
“Vehicle” means a device or object in, on or by which a person or thing is, or

may be, transported on a highway and includes:
(i) any load on, or equipment attached to the vehicle; and
(ii) any equipment that may be towed on a highway.
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Vehicle dimensions
Subject to certain exemptions for farm equipment, “no person shall, without a
permit issued pursuant to The Highways and Transportation Act, operate, move
or cause to be operated or moved on or over a provincial highway or provincial
road,” any vehicle, object, contrivance or combination of vehicles which exceed
certain prescribed dimensions.
2.6 m Lengths vary

4.15 m
Length
• A single vehicle must not exceed 12.5 m in length.
• A combination of vehicles other than an A, B or C train must not exceed
23 m in length. You may tow more than one trailer. However, towing two
trailers behind a car or light pickup increases the problems of stability in
towing and braking. To make sure all vehicles are stable, the lead trailer must
have at least two axles or be a fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer. For example,
if you are towing a camper and a boat, the camper must have two axles and
must tow the boat. Fifth-wheel trailers or trailers with gooseneck hitches do
not require two axles.
Note: Each jurisdiction has its own rules concerning towing more than one
trailer. Check other jurisdictions’ requirements before you travel there.
• A(n):
– A or C train must not exceed 26 m in length.
– B train must not exceed 27.5 m in length.
Flags
Red flags located on the extremities and along the edges of over-dimension
loads are required for travel during daylight hours. These flags warn other traffic
of the size and location of over-dimension loads so they can take the necessary
precautions when meeting or passing the over-dimension load.
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Warning: The driver of a truck which has an overhang over the rear axle must
exercise caution in narrow roadways and alleyways when negotiating tight turns.
Allowances must be made for the overhang to avoid striking objects such as
poles, parked cars, buildings, etc.
Width
The maximum legal width, unless otherwise expressed in a permit, for a vehicle
and its load on a provincial highway or provincial road is 2.6 m.
A rear vision mirror on the side of a vehicle may extend 30 cm past the width
prescribed in the regulations or in a permit.
A tie-down device on the side of a vehicle may extend 10 cm past the width
prescribed in the regulations or in a permit.
A tridem axle group or tandem axle group manufactured after June 1988 must
not have a width less than 2.5 m measured from outside to outside tires.
A tandem axle group on a semi trailer manufactured after December 1991 must
not have width less than 2.5 m measured from outside to outside tires.
A house trailer being moved between sunrise and sunset shall not exceed a
width of 3.05 m.
A building, object or contrivance must not exceed 2.6 m in width.
Warning: Caution must be exercised by drivers of overwidth vehicles at narrow

bridges, ravines, canyons and road construction areas. Drivers must also be
careful that they do not strike signs, light poles or delineators with overwidth
vehicles or loads.
Height
The maximum height of a vehicle, building, object or contrivance is 4.15 m
unless otherwise expressed in a permit. You must know the total height of your
vehicle and load at all times. Special attention should be given for low overhead
clearance which may not be posted. A few examples of such hazards are:
• underpasses and tunnels
• fire escapes in alleyways
• boulevard tree limbs overhanging the roadway
• service station and store canopies
• low wires across residential driveways
• repair shop and warehouse doors
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Warning: During winter months, snow buildup on the road surface can reduce
overhead clearance.
Overheight
On all provincial highways and provincial roads, a permit is required when the
height of your vehicle or load exceeds 4.15 m. Generally, overheight permits are
restricted to non-divisible loads and loads deemed impractical to divide.
The overhead clearance on bridges and signs generally determines the

maximum height allowable on a permit. However, heights allowed on many
permits require that a driver must bypass certain structures that are lower than
the height allowed on the permit.
Most power and telephone lines over provincial highways have a minimum
clearance of 5.2 m. If the load exceeds this, the operator must check with
SaskPower and SaskTel.
Some railway crossings have low overhead telegraph lines and overhead
signals. When moving large loads over crossings, proper authorities should be
contacted.
Buildings, objects or contrivances

A building, object or contrivance must not exceed 12.5 m in length, 2.6 m in
width and 4.15 m in height.
Clearance lights
Clearance lights located at the extremities and along the edges of over-
dimension loads are required for travel during the night or in periods of reduced
visibility. These lights outline over-dimension loads and provide a warning to
other traffic using the highway.
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Amber flashing (rotating) lights
Amber flashing lights are required on most units carrying over-dimension
loads. They must be located on the cab of the vehicle and spaced as widely
as possible. These lights warn oncoming traffic of the presence of an over-
dimension load, both during the day and at night.
Farm equipment
Farm equipment exceeding the prescribed dimensions may be towed or driven
between sunrise and sunset on or over any public highway other than certain
high-traffic volume designated highways.
Farm equipment exceeding the prescribed dimensions may be towed or driven

between sunrise and sunset on or over a designated highway except where it
extends into the adjacent or opposite traffic lane.
Note: This exemption does not apply to farm machinery or grain bins when
loaded on a truck, trailer or semi trailer.
Weight
Heavy vehicles are licensed in Saskatchewan according to their gross vehicle
weight. Weight limits for both axle weights and gross weights are established
separately under the act to protect highways and bridges. All drivers should
be aware that these are separate requirements and that they cannot exceed a
registered weight or a highway weight limit.
Saskatchewan has established different weight systems for various classes of

highways. These are referred to as the Primary Highway System, the Secondary
Highway System and the Municipal Highway System. Primary highways allow
heavier gross weight limits than secondary highways.
Weight limits
For more information on weights and dimensions obtain a copy of the
Saskatchewan Truckers’ Guide from any SGI driver examination office or
Highway Transport Patrol office. If you have questions about weights and limits,
contact Commercial Vehicle Enforcement toll free at 1-866-933-5290.
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Warning: The maximum weights allowed on public highways and bridges are
subject to change. Spring road bans, as designated by the Saskatchewan
Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure, usually come into effect sometime in
the months of March and April. For further information, contact the Highway
Hotline at 1-888-335-7623. The conscientious, professional driver should
stay knowledgeable about current weights by occasionally contacting the
Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure.
Overweight
Overweight permits are restricted to non-divisible loads and loads considered
impractical to divide. Overweight permits are subject to certain conditions.
Check with the SGI Permit Office at 1-800-667-7575.
Weight stations
Truck operators must report to weigh scales when so directed by an official
highway sign.
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4. Vehicle condition
Periodic Motor Vehicle Inspection (PMVI) Program
The following vehicles are required by regulations to be periodically inspected:
Description Validation Term
Taxi (PT), Limousine (PB) or Rideshare (LV with TNC indicator) 12 months
Bus / Van registered in a commercial class (PC, PB and PS),
12 months
operating within Saskatchewan only
Bus / Van registered in a commercial class (PC, PB and PS),
6 months
operating extra-provincially
Any vehicle with a seating capacity of 15 or more, including driver 12 months
Power Units registered in a commercial class (A, C or D) at or
6 months
above 22,000 kg, operating within Saskatchewan only
Trucks registered in a commercial class (A, C or D) at or above
12 months
22,000 kg, operating within Saskatchewan only
Power Units registered in a commercial class (A, C, D or LV) at or
6 months
above 11,794 kg and operating extra-provincially
Trucks registered in a commercial class (A, C, D or LV) at or above
12 months
11,794 kg and operating extra-provincially
Trailers registered in a commercial class (TS), dollies, jeeps and
12 months
boosters equipped with air brakes
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
5 years
and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
Please Note: Inspections completed on Power Units under Saskatchewan’s

Preventative Maintenance Inspection (PMP) program are valid for 12 months.
Please check the requirements of the jurisdiction in which you are planning on
travelling to ensure you’re in compliance.
Other types of inspections

Total Loss Vehicles: A total loss vehicle operated on a highway must have a
valid inspection certificate issued by the administrator after the occurrence that
caused it to become a total loss vehicle.
First Time Registered (FTR) Vehicles: All vehicles that have not been
previously registered in Saskatchewan, or have most recently been registered in
another jurisdiction, are required to be inspected under the FTR program. The
inspection is valid until it becomes a First Time Registered vehicle again.
Note: An inspection on any type of vehicle can be requested by the

administrator or enforcement at any time.
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Inspections are performed at certified Vehicle Safety Inspection Stations by
certified mechanics.
For all items requiring inspection, the method of inspection and standards used
are prescribed by regulation. The program is monitored by safety officers who
may re-inspect previously inspected vehicles as well as the operation of the
stations.
Vehicles passing inspection are given a certificate which should be carried in

the cab of the vehicle. On semi trailers, the inspection certificate should be kept
inside the document holder that is attached to the exterior of the trailer. A decal
indicating the month and year the inspection expires is affixed to the left window
on power units, right window on buses and school buses, and to the left front
corner of semi trailers. Total loss and first-time registered vehicles are not
required to have a decal or to carry a certificate in the vehicles.
Operators should be aware of when their inspection certificate expires and

report to an inspection station before the vehicle is due for the next inspection.
No person shall operate a vehicle which is required to be inspected and no
owner shall allow such vehicle to be operated, unless the vehicle has been
inspected and issued a valid inspection certificate.
Should you require any additional information, please call SGI’s Vehicle
Standards and Inspection department at 306-775-6188.
Trip inspection standards

Under regulations, all commercial vehicles (trucks/power units) with a registered
gross vehicle weight of 11,794 kg or more, buses with a seating capacity of
more than 10 people, and any trailers or semi-trailers being towed, must be
inspected by the driver or a qualified person once in every 24-hour period while
the vehicle is in use.
This inspection must be conducted in accordance with the applicable inspection

schedule:
• Schedule 1 – Applies to trucks, tractors and trailers or combinations of them
exceeding 11,794 RGVW.
• Schedule 2 – Applies to buses designed, constructed and used for the
transportation of passengers with a designated seating capacity of more than
10, including the driver, but excluding the operation for personal use, and also
applied to any trailer towed by a bus.
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• Schedule 3 – Applies only to a motor coach equipped with air ride
suspension, air brakes and automatic brake adjusters. Any trailer towed by a
motor coach must be inspected in accordance with Schedule 2.
Each inspection schedule lists minor and major defects for each inspection item.
Minor defects must be repaired before the next trip inspection. If a major defect
is found, the commercial vehicle cannot be driven until the defect is repaired.
All details of the inspection, including any defects, must be recorded on a trip
inspection report form, either on paper or electronically. The regulations do not
state what type of form must be used; however, whichever form you choose, it
must include the following information:
• licence plate or unit number of the vehicle and any trailers being towed by
that vehicle
• odometer reading of the vehicle
• carrier or company name
• inspection date and time
• inspection location
• name of the person conducting the inspection (printed legibly)
• declaration signed by the person conducting the inspection and the person
driving the vehicle (if different from the person conducting the inspection)
stating that the vehicle, and any trailers being towed, have been inspected in
accordance with the applicable requirements
See Appendix A for a sample trip inspection report form.
Commercial vehicle operators are required to carry a copy of a completed trip

inspection report for both the current and previous day, and the applicable
inspection schedule. You must produce both of these documents at the request
of a peace officer.
Please refer to The Trip Inspection Regulations for more information and copies
of the applicable inspection schedules.
Note: There are some exemptions to the regulations. For more information,
contact the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure at
1-866-933-5290.
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Driver’s responsibility
It’s necessary to inspect your vehicle and your equipment no matter how
efficient and thorough the maintenance policy of a company or vehicle owner
may be. Even if your vehicle is one which is required by law to be inspected
periodically, and carries a valid inspection certificate and decal, you should
inspect it. As a driver, you need to know which equipment must be inspected
before driving. You should also inspect your vehicle periodically during a long
trip. You must be able to determine if any equipment or component is showing
signs of failure or improper operation.
It is an offence to drive, or permit another person to drive, your vehicle on a

highway if any vehicle part (or parts of its equipment) is defective.
Investing the few minutes needed to inspect a vehicle before starting out will
often prevent you from having costly delays en route, and reduce the risk of
collisions resulting from mechanical failure.
To carry out an efficient and thorough trip inspection in a short period of time,
follow the systematic inspection procedures explained in the following pages for
the applicable class of vehicle you will be operating. The trip inspection can be
completed in any order, but conducting the inspection in the same order every
time will ensure that you don’t miss any items.
Prior to a road test for a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 licence and a G (heavy trailer) or S

(school bus) Endorsement, you will be required to perform a trip inspection on
the vehicle in which the road test will be taken. Based on the descriptions in
the following pages, you will be asked to name and point out each item being
inspected and describe what you are looking for in order to determine if the item
is defective or not. This has to be done without any assistance and without using
a checklist. The trip inspection described is the minimum type of inspection
which is expected before a road test.
The purpose of testing your ability to complete a trip inspection is to assess your
knowledge of vehicle safety requirements and to check the proper operation and
condition of all equipment.
Note: The trip inspection test may not include all required items as per the
applicable inspection schedule. It is your responsibility to ensure that your
vehicle has had a full trip inspection completed within the last 24 hours as per
regulations. This must be documented using a trip inspection report form.
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5. A systematic trip inspection for vehicle
roadworthiness
The illustrations on the following pages show a general method of making a
systematic inspection of your vehicle before starting on any trip. We recommend
starting the inspection under the hood, inspecting the exterior of the vehicle
next, move to the interior of the vehicle and finish with checking the brakes. The
sequence suggests that you complete the inspection in a circle and walk around
the vehicle in a counter-clockwise direction so you can watch for oncoming
traffic. Depending on your inspection method, it may be necessary to circle the
entire vehicle up to three times. This is why the trip inspection is sometimes
referred to as a circle check.
Details of the inspection can vary according to the type of vehicle. Your vehicle
may have more or less items than what is listed here. The owner’s manual for
your specific vehicle can provide more information on how to operate specific
systems and indicate safe operating ranges.
Always choose a safe location to conduct the inspection. Park the vehicle away
from traffic on level ground whenever possible.
For vehicles equipped with air brakes, please refer to SGI’s Air Brake Manual
for the air brake trip inspection steps.
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Class 1 – Tractor/trailer combination unit trip inspection
4
2
1
1. Engine compartment
2. Vehicle exterior – truck/tractor only
5 3. Vehicle exterior – trailer only
4. Vehicle interior
5. Brake response tests
Applicable inspection schedule: Schedule 1
Before you begin:

• set the parking brakes
• shut off the engine
• block the wheels
Open the engine compartment and make sure the safety lock for the hood is in
the locked position, if equipped.
Inspect the following items:

Fluid levels All fluids must be at a safe operating level including:
• engine oil
• engine coolant (do not remove radiator cap)
• power steering fluid
• windshield washer fluid
Belts Check all drive belts for tension, wear, cracks and fraying.
Note: never check the belts while the engine is running.
Hoses Check all hoses for leaks, fraying or poor connections.
Electrical wiring and

Check all wiring for bare wires or loose connections.
connections
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2. Vehicle exterior – truck/tractor only
On a Class 1 vehicle, you need to inspect both the truck and the trailer. The
truck and the trailer must be coupled together when conducting the inspection.
For simplicity, we will identify the inspection items for the truck and the trailer
separately.
If there are multiples of the same item on the vehicle, you must inspect each
item the same way. For example, on a typical Class 1 combination unit, there will
be a minimum of 18 tires and rims that need to be inspected individually.

Headlights Both the low beam and high beam lights must be working.
Hazard lights Check the operation of all hazard lights on the front, sides and rear of the truck.
Signal lights Check the operation of both the left and right signal lights on the front, sides and
rear of the truck.
Clearance, marker and Check that all lights on the top, front, rear and along the sides of the truck are
identification lights working.
Tail lights Make sure they are working.
Brake lights Make sure they are working.
Reflective tape All reflective tape on the rear of the cab and rear of the truck must be properly affixed
and not damaged. Some trucks will also have reflective tape on the sides.
Inspection decal Must be valid.
Mirrors All mirrors must be securely attached to the vehicle.
Doors Both front driver side and passenger side doors must open and close properly from
the outside.
Batteries Check for corrosion and leaks.
Make sure the batteries and the battery cables are secure.
Make sure the battery compartment cover is on and securely attached.
Fuel tank(s) Fuel cap is on and secure.
Tank is secure and the straps are not loose.
Fuel lines are secure and there is no fuel leaking.
Exhaust leaks Make sure there are no audible or visible signs of leaks.
Fluid leaks Look for fluid leaks underneath the entire truck.
Suspension Check all suspension components on each axle including:
• damaged or deflated air bags
• cracked or broken springs
• leaking shocks
• loose U-bolts
Frame Where the frame is visible, look for damage or cracks.
Tires Check each tire for:
• proper inflation
• adequate tread depth
• damages, cuts or bulges on the sidewall
• tread separation
Rims Look for damage or cracks.
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Lug nuts Look for missing lug nuts.
Look for rust or shiny rings around the contact surfaces to indicate a loose lug nut.
Hubs Check for oil leaks.
If a sight glass is visible, you must also check that the hub oil is at a safe operating
level.
Fifth-wheel attachment Must be securely attached to the frame of the truck.
to the frame
Fifth-wheel jaws The jaws must be closed around the kingpin of the trailer.
Fifth-wheel locking Must be in the locked position.
handle
Fifth-wheel slide Must be in the locked position.
locking pins
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3. Vehicle exterior – trailer only
In the above section we identified the inspection items for the truck/tractor only.
We will now identify the inspection items for the trailer.

Hazard lights Check the operation of all hazard lights on the sides and rear of the trailer.
Signal lights Check the operation of both the left and right signal lights on the sides and rear of
the trailer.
Clearance, marker and Check that all lights on the front, rear and along the sides of the trailer are working.
identification lights
Reflective tape All reflective tape along both sides of the trailer must be properly affixed, not
damaged and cover at least 50% of the length of the trailer.
All reflective tape on the rear of the trailer must be properly affixed and not damaged.
Electrical cord Make sure it is properly connected to the trailer.
Service and supply If the vehicle is equipped with air brakes, make sure the glad hands are properly
lines connected to the trailer and there are no air leaks.
Landing gear and Landing gear must be raised, secure and not damaged.
handle
Handle must be stowed in the retaining clip.
Frame Check frame rails and cross members for cracks, bending or damage.
Tandem slide locking All four pins must be in the locked position.
pins
• leaking shocks
• loose U-bolts
level.
Load or cargo Make sure that the load is secure.
Tailgate or cargo Must be closed and secure.
doors
All hinges must be secure and not damaged.
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4. Vehicle interior
For the in-cab inspection, some of the items will need to be inspected while the
engine is running. We recommend starting the engine before you begin the in-
cab inspection.

Driver seat Make sure the seat is secure and properly adjusted for you.
Driver seat belt Fasten and unfasten seat belt to make sure it works properly.
Mirrors All mirrors must be clear, unobstructed and not damaged.
Make sure all mirrors are properly adjusted for you.
Windshield Must be clear, unobstructed and not damaged.
Windshield wipers and Check the wipers for damage and make sure they wipe properly.
washer
Turn on the windshield washer to make sure it works properly.
Windows Side and rear windows must be clear, unobstructed and not damaged.
the inside.
Steering Check for excessive free play.
Horns Make sure both the air and electric horns work properly.
Accelerator pedal With the engine idling, depress the pedal and release.
Check for binding or sticking.
Clutch pedal If equipped, check for free play and amount of travel.
Instrument panel Make sure there are no warning lights present.
Turn on the left and right signals, hazard lights and high beams to make sure the
indicator lights are working properly.
Gauges Engine must be running.
Identify each gauge and make sure each gauge is in its normal operating range.
Switches Engine does not have to be running, but the key must be turned on.
Identify each switch and make sure each switch is in its normal operating position.
Heater, defroster and Make sure all temperature controls work and it switches between the heater and
fan speed defroster positions.
Check the fan speed in both the heater and defroster positions.
Use your hand to physically check for air blowing out of the vents.
Fire extinguisher Must be present in commercial vehicles wider than 2,060 mm.
Must be secure and properly charged.
Flares, reflectors or A minimum of three flares/reflectors must be present if vehicle is wider than 2,060
triangles mm and being operated outside corporate limits of an urban municipality.
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Before driving anywhere, it is important to make sure that your brakes work. This
section will explain how to test both the service and park brakes for both a truck
and a trailer equipped with air brakes. If your trailer is equipped with electric
brakes, please refer to the procedures in the trip inspection section for heavy
trailers.
Remove the blocks and test the following items:

Trailer park brakes With the trailer emergency brakes applied and the truck park brakes released, try to
gently pull ahead to test the emergency application of the trailer brakes.
Truck park brakes With the truck park brakes applied and the trailer emergency brakes released, try to
gently pull ahead to test the application of the truck park brakes.
Trailer service brakes Release all park brakes, drive slowly ahead and apply the trailer brakes using the
hand valve (spike), if equipped.
Truck service brakes Release the hand valve, drive slowly ahead and make a foot brake application using
the foot valve.
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Class 2 – Bus trip inspection
This section applies to buses with a seating capacity of more than 24
passengers, such as a motor coach.
1 4 1. Engine compartment
2. Vehicle exterior
3. Vehicle interior
Applicable inspection schedules: Schedule 2 or 3
Before you begin:

• set the parking brake
Open the engine compartment and make sure the safety lock for the
compartment door is in the locked position, if equipped.

• engine oil

connections
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2. Vehicle exterior
item the same way. For example, on a typical Class 2 motor coach, there will be
a minimum of eight tires and rims that need to be inspected individually.

Hazard lights Check the operation of all hazard lights on the front, sides and rear of the bus.
rear of the bus.
Clearance, marker and Check that all lights on the top, front, rear and along the sides of the bus are
Fuel tank Fuel cap is on and secure.
Tank is secure.
Fluid leaks Look for fluid leaks underneath the bus.
• damaged or deflated air bags (if equipped)
• leaking shocks
• loose U-bolts
level.
Cargo doors Must be closed and secure.
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3. Vehicle interior
cab inspection.

Passenger seats All seats must be secure.
Passenger seat belts If equipped, all passenger seat belts must be checked for proper operation.
Doors and emergency All entry doors must open and close properly.
exits
All emergency exits including doors, windows and roof must open and close
properly, and the audible alarm must work.
Accessibility devices If equipped, make sure they work properly.
washer
Horn Make sure it is working.
If equipped with both an air horn and an electric horn, make sure both are working.
Interior lights Make sure all lights for both the driver and passenger compartments are working.
Heater, defroster and For both the driver and passenger compartments:
fan speed • make sure all temperature controls work and it switches between the heater and
defroster positions
• check the fan speed in both the heater and defroster positions
• use your hand to physically check for air blowing out of the vents
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section will explain how to test both the foot brake and the park brake for proper
operation.

Park brake With the park brake applied, try to gently pull ahead.
Foot brake Release the park brake, drive slowly ahead and apply the foot brake.
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Class 3 – Truck single unit trip inspection
1 2
4
2. Vehicle exterior
3. Vehicle interior
Before you begin:


• engine oil

connections
78
2. Vehicle exterior
If there are multiples of the same item on the vehicle, you must inspect each item
the same way. For example, on a typical Class 3 truck, there will be a minimum
of 10 tires and rims that need to be inspected individually.

rear of the truck.
Clearance, marker and Check that all lights on the top, front, rear and along the sides of the truck are
Reflective tape All reflective tape along the sides and rear of the truck must be properly affixed and
not damaged.
the outside.
Fluid leaks Look for fluid leaks underneath the entire truck.
• leaking shocks
• loose U-bolts
level.
Tailgate or cargo Must be closed and secure.
doors
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3. Vehicle interior
cab inspection.

washer
the inside.
Horns Make sure both the air and electric horns work properly.
Use your hand to physically check for air blowing out of the vents.

section will explain how to test both the foot brake and park brake.

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Class 4 – Bus, ambulance, taxi trip inspection
This section applies to the following vehicles:
• buses with a seating capacity of 24 passengers or less
• ambulances when being used for hire
• vehicles transporting 24 passengers or less for hire, such as a taxi or limousine
1 2
4
2. Vehicle exterior
3. Vehicle interior
Applicable inspection schedule: n/a
Before you begin:

Open the engine compartment and make sure the safety lock for the
compartment door is in the locked position, if equipped.
For a video series on how to perform a Class 4 trip inspection, please visit www.sgi.sk.ca/upgrade-to-
commercial-licence.
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• engine oil
• brake fluid

connections
Battery Check for corrosion and leaks.
Make sure the battery and the battery cables are secure.
2. Vehicle exterior
item the same way. For example, on a Class 4 taxi, there will be a minimum of
four tires and rims that need to be inspected individually.

Hazard lights Check the operation of all hazard lights on the front, sides and rear of the vehicle.
rear of the vehicle.
Clearance, marker and Where equipped, make sure all lights on the top, front, rear and along the sides of
identification lights the vehicle are working.
Tank is secure.
Make sure there is no fuel leaking.
Fluid leaks Look for fluid leaks underneath the vehicle.
• leaking shocks
• loose U-bolts
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Cargo doors or trunk Must be closed and secure.
3. Vehicle interior
cab inspection.

Passenger seats All seats must be secure.
exits
All emergency exits including doors, windows and roof must open and close
properly.
washer
If applicable, identify each switch and make sure each switch is in its normal
operating position.
defroster positions
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operation.
Test the following items:

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G Endorsement – Heavy trailer trip inspection
This section applies to two-axle trucks towing a heavy trailer that weighs over
4,600 kg (10,141 lb.) including the load.
4
3
1 2
2. Vehicle exterior - truck only
5
3. Vehicle exterior - trailer only
4. Vehicle interior
Applicable inspection schedule: Schedule 1*
Before you begin:

* Applies to commercially licensed heavy trailer combination units with a registered gross vehicle
weight of 11,794 kg or more.
85

• engine oil
• brake fluid
connections
Battery Check for corrosion and leaks.
Make sure the battery and the battery cables are secure.
86
2. Vehicle exterior - truck only
When conducting a heavy trailer inspection, you need to inspect both the
truck and the trailer. The truck and the trailer must be coupled together when
conducting the inspection. For simplicity, we will identify the inspection items for
the truck and the trailer separately.
the same way. For example, on a truck towing a heavy trailer, there will typically
be a minimum of eight tires and rims that need to be inspected individually.

rear of the truck.
Clearance, marker and Where equipped, check that all lights on the top, front, rear and along the sides of
identification lights the truck are working.
the outside.
Fluid leaks Look for fluid leaks underneath the vehicle.
• leaking shocks
• loose U-bolts
Coupling devices Coupling device must be securely attached to the vehicle.
(fifth-wheel, pintle
Must be properly coupled to the trailer.
hitch, draw bar or ball
hitch) Must be in the locked position and locked by the applicable locking device such as a
pin or jaws of a fifth-wheel.
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3. Vehicle exterior - trailer only
In the above section we identified the inspection items for the truck only. We will
now identify the inspection items for the trailer.

Hazard lights Check the operation of all hazard lights on the sides and rear of the trailer.
Signal lights Check the operation of both the left and right signal lights on the sides and rear of
the trailer.
Clearance, marker and Check that all lights on the front, rear and along the sides of the trailer are working.
identification lights
Check that all lights at the top of the front and rear of the trailer are working.
Reflective tape If equipped, all reflective tape along both sides of the trailer must be properly affixed,
not damaged and cover at least 50% of the length of the trailer.
All reflective tape on the rear of the trailer must be properly affixed and not damaged.
Electrical cord Must be properly connected to the truck.
Safety chains Must be properly connected to the truck.
Landing gear and Landing gear must be raised, secure and not damaged.
handle
Handle must be stowed in the retaining clip.
Frame Check frame rails and cross members for cracks, bending or damage.
• leaking shocks
• loose U-bolts
ailgate, cargo or entry
T Must be closed and secure.
doors
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4. Vehicle interior
cab inspection.

Windshield wipers Check the wipers for damage and make sure they wipe properly.
and washer
the inside.
If applicable, identify each switch and make sure each switch is in its normal
operating position.
Use your hand to physically check for air blowing out of the vents in both the driver
and passenger compartments.
Fire extinguisher Must be present if commercial vehicle is registered in Class LV, A, C or D, wider
than 2,060 mm and used for business or commercial purposes.
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section will explain how to test both the service and park brakes for both the
truck and the trailer.

Trailer breakaway Disconnect the electrical cord from the truck.
switch
Remove the pin on the breakaway switch and try to gently pull ahead to test the
emergency application of the trailer brakes.
Replace the pin for the breakaway switch and reconnect the electrical cord to the
truck.
Truck park brake Apply the truck park brake and try to gently pull ahead to test the application of the
truck park brake.
Trailer brake hand Release the truck park brake, drive slowly ahead and apply the trailer brakes using
control the hand control, if equipped.
Truck foot brake Release the hand control, drive slowly ahead and apply the foot brake.
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S Endorsement – School bus trip inspection
2
1
4 1. Engine compartment
2. Vehicle exterior
3. Vehicle interior
Before you begin:


• engine oil
• brake fluid

connections
91
2. Vehicle exterior
the same way. For example, on a typical school bus, there will be a minimum of
six tires and rims that need to be inspected individually.

rear of the bus.
Safety lights and stop Make sure all safety lights are working.
arm Check the operation of the stop arm.
Strobe light Make sure it is working.
Clearance, marker and Where equipped, check that all lights on the top, front, rear and along the sides of
identification lights the truck are working.
Reflective Tape All reflective tape must be properly affixed and not damaged.
Tank is secure.
Fluid leaks Look for fluid leaks underneath the bus.
• damaged or deflated air bags (if equipped)
• leaking shocks
• loose U-bolts
level.
Cargo doors If equipped, must be closed and secure.
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3. Vehicle interior
cab inspection.

Passenger seats All seats and seat cushions must be secure.
exits All emergency exits including doors, windows and roof must open and close
properly, and the audible alarm must work.
Accessibility devices If equipped, make sure they work properly.
Windshield wipers Check the wipers for damage and make sure they wipe properly.
and washer Turn on the windshield washer to make sure it works properly.
Interior lights Make sure all lights for both the driver and passenger compartments are working.
defroster positions
Fire extinguisher Must be located where it can easily be reached by the driver.
Flares, reflectors or
triangles A minimum of three flares/reflectors must be present.
First aid kit Must be present, secure and sealed.
93
operation.
Test the following items:

En route Inspections
The trip inspection ensures your vehicle is safe to drive before you start your
trip. En route inspections will help to identify any change in the condition of your
vehicle. Stopping at regular intervals to inspect your vehicle could eliminate any
unnecessary delays later on in your trip.
For safety, always stop your vehicle clear of the travelled portion of the highway
or find a rest area to pull into, and inspect the following items:
• tires, rims, lug nuts and hubs

• brakes
• trailer coupling devices and electrical connections
• lights and reflectors
• load or cargo security
• fluid leaks
Whether you are driving or stopped, use your senses (look, listen, smell and
feel) to identify any potential problems.
As you drive, you should also continuously monitor your gauges for any signs of
change.
Post-trip inspections
Conducting a post-trip inspection at the end of your trip can help identify any
defects and needed repairs before your next trip. This eliminates future delays.
Similar to a trip inspection, you should inspect your vehicle for any damage or
defects that may have developed during your trip. Defects found during this
inspection should be recorded on the trip inspection report that you completed
at the start of your trip.
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Lighting requirements
Vehicles 2.06 m (80 in.) width or over
• Clearance light – amber • Clearance light – amber
• Identification lights (3) amber
(may be located on towing
• Clearance light – amber vehicle or trailer)
• Clearance light – amber
• Signal light – amber • Signal light – amber

• Headlight • Headlight
• Side marker light and • Side marker light and

Reflector – amber Reflector – red
• Side marker light and • Side marker light and

Reflector – amber Reflector – red
• Side marker light and Reflector
– amber is over 10m
• Identification lights (3) – red
• Clearance light – red • Clearance light – red
• Brake/turn/tail – red • Brake/turn/tail – red

(signals may be amber or red) (signals may be amber or red)
• Clearance light – red • Clearance light – red
• Licence plate light – white
95
6. Information for Class 1 and Class 3
power units, semi trailers and trucks
The operation of trucks requires you to develop handling skills in accordance
with the characteristics of the vehicle. A knowledge of the turning radius, amount
of off-track of the rear wheels, overhang past the rear wheels and width of the
vehicle, are important factors you must know to perfect your handling skills.
Steering forward
The degree of sharpness a vehicle will turn depends on two factors: the turning
radius of the front wheels and the amount of off-track of the rear wheels.
Turning radius
The number of degrees the front wheels will pivot to the left or to the right varies in
different makes and types of vehicles. The wheel on the inside of the turn must pivot
more sharply to travel on the shorter radius than the wheel on the outside of the turn.
Off-track
When a vehicle moves around a curve, the rear wheels follow a path that is
different from the front wheels. This is called off-track. The greater the distance
(wheel base) between the front wheels and the rear wheels of the vehicle, the
greater the amount of off-track. The off-track path is a shorter radius than the
path of the front wheels.
The combination vehicle, such as a semi trailer unit, has an off-track of the rear
wheels of the tractor unit, and greater off-track again by the rear wheels of the
semi trailer.
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The combination unit of a truck-tractor and “pup” trailer has different turning
characteristics than those of the semi trailer type. These units have turning
radius and off-track patterns within each unit, but the amount of off-track is
dependent upon the length of the draw bar and the wheel base of the units.
On the open highway you must adjust the turning arc of the front wheels in
accordance with the sharpness of the curve and the amount of off-track of
your vehicle. A curve to the right requires keeping the front wheels close to the
centre line to prevent dropping the rear wheels off the pavement shoulders.
A curve to the left requires keeping the front wheels close to the right edge of
the pavement to prevent the rear wheel from crossing into the other traffic lane.
Negotiating narrow bridges which have a curved approach requires the driver of
larger units to exercise caution and skill. You must be familiar with the amount of
off-track of your vehicle and adjust your speed and approach accordingly.
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Turns at intersections
Left turns – two-way to two-way (see illustrations this page and next page)
All left turns must be started from the left lane. The turn should be completed so
that the trailer “tracks” from the left lane through the intersection to the left lane
on the street you are entering as shown on the next page. On narrow streets, it
may be necessary to make an S-turn, or the power unit will travel over the centre
line of the street you are entering or into the second (right) traffic lane. When it
is necessary for you to do this, use extreme caution and watch for other traffic to
ensure the movement can be made safely. Always ensure that you block off any
traffic which may attempt to pass on your left, by positioning your trailer within
one metre of the centre or dividing curb on the street you are travelling and
entering. Continue checking trailer position throughout the turn.
At some intersections, signs or traffic lights indicate two or more lanes may be
used to complete a left turn. In these cases it is best to approach and complete
the turn in the lane furthest to the right as this allows a wider radius. Use caution
if other vehicles are beside you in the left lane.
98
Right turns – two-way to two-way (see illustrations this page and next
page)
All right turns must be started from the right lane as close to the right side of
the street or road as possible and be completed into the first available driving
lane. Caution must be used when turning from the shoulder of the road, at times
it is too soft for heavy vehicles. Before starting your turn, you must position the
trailer as shown, to block off any traffic which may attempt to pass on your right.
Where parking is not permitted near the intersection or vehicles are not parked
a sufficient distance from the intersection, you must position your unit along the
curb before starting the turn.
99
When making turns at intersections with vehicles which have an appreciable
amount of off-track, an S-turn requires you to adjust your turning arc in
accordance to the amount of off-track. Running the rear wheel of the unit
over curbings, the centre line or sidewalks, not only causes tire damage but
also is hazardous to pedestrians and other traffic. Power poles, sign posts or
light standards mounted close to the curbing at intersections are fixed object
hazards.
When it becomes necessary to block off the other traffic lane – for example, an
extra long trailer, narrow road or partially blocked street – ensure that smaller
vehicles, motorcycles or cyclists are not attempting to proceed on your right or
left. The critical point is reached when the tractor is at the sharpest point of the
turn in relation to the trailer, as the rear-view mirror vision is limited.
Either of the pictured methods is correct as long as the turn is completed

safely.
100
One-way to two-way turns (see illustrations this page and next page)
When turning left from a one-way street and there are no signs or lights
indicating two or more turning lanes, the left turn should be made from the far
left side of the road as safely possible. An S-turn could be used to block off
any traffic that may attempt to pass on your left. Position your trailer to stay
within one metre from the left side of the street you are travelling and entering.
Continue checking trailer position throughout the turn.
101
Either of the pictured methods is correct as long as the turn is completed
safely.
102
Steering backward
The control of a single unit vehicle is maintained in the same manner as that of a
passenger vehicle.
In backing a tractor with a semi trailer, the front wheels of the tractor must be turned
in a direction opposite to that in which it is desired to move the rear of the trailer.
Depending on the amount of change in direction, the tractor must follow in

a track related to the track of the trailer, otherwise a jackknife position will be
reached. The tracking pattern for a normal right angle turn would be an “S”
shaped curve.
U-turn
In a city, town or village, you should never attempt a U-turn, even on wide four-
lane divided streets. It’s preferable that you drive around the block. A U-turn may
be made on a wide, divided four-lane highway only if traffic permits.
Highway “turn-about” (three-point turn)

When it’s necessary to turn around with a power unit semi trailer on a two-lane
highway, the following procedure is recommended. Use a guide whenever
possible.
• Choose an intersection where the intersecting highway is built up with a solid
base and wide shoulders. Ensure that there is unobstructed visibility in all
directions.
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• Traffic permitting – complete a left or right turn and stop your unit well off the
highway.
• Check for traffic – when all four directions are clear, proceed to back straight
across the highway until you are again clear and well off the main highway.
• Traffic permitting, complete a turn onto the main highway.
Highway “turn-about” (two-point turn)

Where it is necessary to turn a power unit semi trailer around on a highway
where there is no hard surfaced intersection, you may use the following
procedure. Use a guide whenever possible because you will be backing to your
blind side.
• Well before the place where you wish to turn around, signal right, mirror check,
position your vehicle in the right hand lane as close to the edge of the road as
possible.
104
• Cancel the signal, proceed past the intersection and stop when the rear of the
trailer is at least 9 m (30 ft.) from the intersection.
• Turn on four-way flashers. Check for traffic.
• Begin backing up slowly. Start turning steering wheel to the left approximately
9 m (30 ft.) before the trailer reaches the approach. Continue backing
manoeuvre until the unit is positioned in a straight line on the approach and
stop. Turn off four-way flashers.
• Check for traffic.
• Signal for a left turn, check for traffic again and proceed to make a left turn
onto the highway.
Highway “turn-about”
(two-point turn)
For single units refer to page 130-131
105
About loads and loading
Weight distribution
The weight distribution of cargo has a definite bearing on the handling
characteristics of the vehicle, as well as the life of the tires, frame, springs, axles
and bearings.
Even though the total load may not be over the total carrying capacity of the
vehicles, poor distribution of weight could be overloading an axle or set of tires.
Undue stress could be placed on the frame resulting in permanent damage and
steering misalignment.
Distribution of weight will depend on the nature of the load. The loading of one
piece of cargo which comprises the full load will present different problems from
a load made up of a number of pieces of cargo.
Correct
This loading distributes an equal weight on all rear tires and

eliminates twisting and stress on the frame. Uniform crosswise
loading also prevents axle housing and wheel bearing overloading.
Incorrect
A very heavy load should not be loaded on one side. This overloads one
spring and the tires on that side. This loading could be bad enough to
allow the brakes to lock on the wheels on the light side and cause flat
spots on the tires or a skid on a wet surface.
106
Correct
The proper place for the concentrated load illustrated is just ahead of
the rear axle with the longest side on the floor.
Incorrect
This type of loading never should be permitted. The frame bends, the
rear tires are very much overloaded and enough weight is taken from
the front tires to make steering almost impossible.
Correct
A tractor-trailer combination is the proper vehicle for use in service

like this. By using the proper vehicle, damage to the truck and tires,
and even serious collisions, may be avoided.
Incorrect
This type of loading results from the use of the wrong vehicle for
the job. On rough roads, such loading can result in an actual pivoting
of the truck on its rear wheels, taking the front wheels entirely off
the road.
107
Approximate distribution of total weight – vehicle plus cargo
Trailers are designed for uniform load distribution, as shown previously. The
fundamental difference between loading trailers and trucks is: in the case of
trucks, the average design provides for about 90% of the cargo on the rear
tires and 10% on the front tires. In the case of a trailer, the cargo should be
distributed equally between the rear tires and the fifth-wheel which transfers its
load to the tractor unit.
Incorrect
These examples are obviously wrong. In the case of the first trailer, the heavy
load at the rear is overloading the rear trailer tires. There is practically no load
on the fifth-wheel, and the truck tractor rear tires would certainly slip and wear
away rubber. Tailgate loading, of course, should never be practised, even in the
interest of speed, as it puts a severe strain on the equipment and frequently
results in serious collisions.
108
The load should be centred to give the proper wheel load distribution. The
average single unit truck has a central weight distribution point midway between
the rear of the cab and the tailgate. The average semi trailer type truck has a
central weight distribution point at approximately the middle of the trailer.
Securing loads
As a general rule, both the driver and owner are responsible to ensure that a
load does not drop or is not likely to drop on a highway.
Secure the entire load to prevent shifting or loss of any portion of the load.
Periodic checks must be made to ensure lashing ropes or binder cables have
not become slack or chaffed.
When hauling such loose materials as wood chips, paper, refuse, gravel and
stones, etc., you should make certain that no part of the load is dislodged; make
sure that you completely cover the load with a tarp to prevent dangerous driving
situations for those following behind you.
Often the wind velocity is strong enough to force large stones to fly out of open
boxes causing them to smash windshields. Stones and other loose materials
can cause collisions behind or to the sides of the load. As well, littering is an
offence chargeable to the driver and the owner of the vehicle.
109
Load projections
Check your load and equipment before starting on the road. Extra wide or long
loads require special permission for transportation, and such loads must carry
the necessary warning signs as covered under the load permit (some widths
may be moved during the hours of darkness, provided the permit requirements
are met).
Some loads might not exceed the legal length but may overhang the vehicle
body. Any overhang must carry a red flag at the end of the load between the
hours of sunrise and sunset. The flag must be large enough to be clearly visible
from the rear of the vehicle.
During night hours, there must be a visible red light at the extreme rear of the
overhang.
Special cargos
A vehicle, whether loaded or empty, that is used primarily for the purpose of
transporting any petroleum product or a liquid that is flammable or explosive,
shall be brought to a stop at all uncontrolled railway crossings. The vehicle
should stop as far to the right as possible and not less than 5 m (15 ft.) from the
nearest rail.
Note: For detailed load security information, please contact your nearest
Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure office.
Livestock
The driver of a vehicle engaged in the transportation of livestock is responsible
for ensuring that such transportation is in compliance with the conditions
outlined in the Criminal Code, the Animal Identification Act concerning
registered brands, the Animal Products Act and the Livestock Inspection and
Transportation Regulations. The onus of keeping the vehicle clean and not
overcrowded is on the driver.
Cruelty to livestock is prohibited. No person, while transporting livestock or other

animals in a motor vehicle, shall:
• by negligence or ill-usage in the transportation thereof, cause or permit any
damage or injury to be done to the livestock or other animals;
• transport the livestock or other animals in such a manner or position as to cause
unnecessary suffering to any of them by overexposure to heat or cold; or
• transport various classes of livestock unless separated by a partition.
110
To balance themselves, animals tend to shift back and forth, and to the side
while they are standing in a moving vehicle. It is important to take curves
carefully, for the sake of the animals as well as the vehicle.
Prohibited shipments
No express transporter shall accept for transportation, or permit to be
transported, in or on a public service vehicle that is carrying passengers: any
live animal; any acid; any explosive; any flammable substance or material; or
any substance, material or article of a kind of quality that is likely to render it
disagreeable or dangerous to passengers, or is likely to expose to risk, loss or
damage anything being carried in or on the vehicle.
No freight transporter shall store or transport food commodities in premises

used for storage of vehicles, livestock, acids or other materials that may, by their
nature, render the food commodities unfit for human consumption.
Bills of lading
• A freight transporter shall at the time of acceptance of each shipment of freight
for transportation on a public service vehicle issue or cause to be issued a bill
of lading.
• A bill of lading shall contain at least the following information:
– the name of the freight transporter
– the name of the shipper
– the name of the place at which the freight was accepted for transportation
– the name of the consignee
– the name of the place where the freight is to be delivered
– a list showing the nature of the contents of each container in the shipment
and the gross weight of each container and its contents
– the name and business address of any other freight transporter who will
participate in the movement of the freight to its point of delivery
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• A bill of lading shall consist of:
– an original bill to be retained by the shipper
– a duplicate original of the bill of lading which shall be kept in possession
of the driver of the public service vehicle while the freight is being carried
thereon
– a duplicate original of the bill of lading which shall be retained by the
shipper if requested by him/her or be delivered to the consignee
Upon demand of a traffic officer, police officer or police constable, the driver
shall produce for inspection the duplicate originals of the bills of lading in his/
her possession in respect of freight being carried on such vehicle or a freight
bill that contains all the information required to be included in a bill of lading
pursuant to subsection (2).
Coupling a tractor and trailer

1. Start the coupling task:
• Inspect lower couplers and connectors while outside the vehicle.
• Enter the vehicle and begin reversing slowly, approaching the trailer with the
tractor as straight in line as possible, overcoming any challenges involving
ground surface conditions.
2. Coupling with a tractor with fixed suspension:

• Align the tractor and trailer, reversing the vehicle until the fifth-wheel is
just ahead of trailer, touching the trailer or slightly under, but not against
the kingpin.
• Exit the tractor and check the upper coupler and confirm that the kingpin is
aligned (no more than 10 cm {4 in.} from the center of the fifth-wheel lower
coupler), and adjust height if necessary so that contact of the upper coupler
will be on the bottom half of the fifth-wheel lower coupler.
• Re-enter the vehicle and continue reversing toward the trailer, monitoring
the trailer’s position during coupling and using the mirrors to confirm
proper alignment.
• Reverse the tractor and gently but firmly engage the fifth-wheel.
• Listen for and feel the fifth-wheel latch into its locked position.
112
3. Coupling with a tractor having air suspension, offering a suspension
drop feature:
• Reverse the vehicle slowly toward the trailer until the fifth-wheel just touches
the trailer, or is about to touch it.
• Exit the tractor and check vehicle height.
• Re-enter the tractor and release (dump) the tractor air suspension, then
reverse the tractor until the fifth-wheel lower coupler is fully under the front of
the trailer, but still ahead of the kingpin.
• Restore the tractor air suspension to its normal height.
• Monitor the trailer’s position during coupling using the mirrors to
confirm proper alignment.
• Reverse the tractor and gently but firmly engage the fifth-wheel.
• Listen for and feel the fifth-wheel latching into its locked position.
4. Complete the coupling for all suspension types:

• Attempt to move the tractor forward (perform a tug test).
• Exit the vehicle and visually confirm the fifth-wheel is locked by checking the
fifth-wheel contact, the release handle position and the latch.
• Connect the air and electrical lines properly and confirm normal operation.
• Raise the trailer landing gear fully and stow the handle into its retainer.
• Re-enter the vehicle and supply air to the trailer with the trailer supply valve,
monitor the air pressure gauges, and confirm air pressure gauges show
normal pressure levels.
• Drive forward slowly a short distance and apply either the trailer service
brakes only, or the full service brakes to test brake operation.
Uncoupling a tractor and trailer

1. Start the uncoupling task:
• Confirm the location is suitable and safe for uncoupling.
• Park the trailer in the selected location and apply the trailer parking brakes.
• Secure and exit the tractor.
• Place any required wheel chocks and blocks or engage locks into position.
• Place adequate support material under the landing gear, if necessary.
• Operate trailer air suspension controls as required.
• Lower the trailer landing gear until it is just above the ground or just touches
the ground, but does not raise the trailer from the fifth-wheel.
• Leave the landing gear handle in low range and stow the handle.
• Disconnect air and electrical connections and stow them.
• Release the fifth-wheel coupler lock.
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2. Uncoupling with a tractor with fixed suspension:
• Re-enter the vehicle and drive forward slowly to release the fifth-wheel, and
watch the trailer in the mirrors or out of the rear window to confirm the trailer
is stable.
• When the fifth-wheel lower coupler is fully out from under the trailer, but the
tractor is still under the front of the trailer, exit the tractor and check that the
trailer is stable and secure.
• Re-enter the vehicle and drive forward slowly until the tractor is clear of
the trailer.
3. Uncoupling with a tractor having air suspension, offering a suspension

drop feature:
• Re-enter the vehicle and drive forward slowly, far enough to unlatch the fifth-
wheel coupler and stop.
• Operate the control to drop the tractor suspension.
• Watch the trailer in the mirrors or out of the rear window, and confirm the
trailer is stable.
• When the fifth-wheel lower coupler is fully out from under the trailer, but the
tractor is still under the front of the trailer, exit the tractor and check that the
trailer is stable and secure.
• Re-enter the vehicle and drive forward slowly until the tractor is clear of
the trailer.
“Train” or “pup-train”
To handle increased weights allowable under axle weight loading, many trucking
operations have gone to the “train” or “pup-train” vehicle combination. In this
type of combination, another trailer is pulled behind the regular tractor-trailer by
means of a “converter dolly.”
Drivers on train operation will discover that new skills are required for safe
operation as well as an understanding of the equipment operation and hook-up.
More than ever, you must be ready to adjust for changing conditions well ahead
of time in order to take defensive or appropriate action to avoid trouble.
Power should always be applied when pulling on a straight stretch while

underway (a steady pull, as opposed to intermittent application and reduction of
power) with a small amount of reserve power always available. In the event
that the rear trailer starts to fishtail or whip, apply trailer brakes lightly and
increase power.
114
Drivers in “train” operations, as well as those driving semi trailers, should avoid
sudden lane changes or turns and speeds too fast for conditions as these
actions can result in severe whipping or possible jackknife situations.
Regular vehicle checks should be made of the complete unit, paying particular
attention to the hook-up of the rear trailer, including:
• the hitch on the rear of the lead trailer
• the safety catch on the hook
• the safety chains or cables
• airlines between the trailers are secured and not allowed to sag down too low
Hooking up a “train” or “pup-train”

1. Park the rear trailer and set trailer brakes.
2. Position the dolly converter in front of the rear trailer so that it is in line with
the kingpin.
3. Hook up the tractor and lead trailer.
4. Back the tractor and lead trailer in line with and up to the converter dolly.
5. Before hooking up to the converter, a thorough trailer hitch inspection

should be made. Watch for cracks or breaks in the weld, loose bolts, weak
lock springs and bent or distorted cross-members where the trailer hook is
attached.
6. Hook and secure the converter dolly tongue to the pintle hook by hand.
Fasten safety latch and chain. Ensure that the safety pin is fastened (if so
equipped). This is extremely important! This action will ensure the high degree
of safety the trucking industry maintains, not only for themselves, but for other
users of highways as well. “Train-drivers” should make a point of checking the
safety latch on the trailer hitch each time they stop for a vehicle check.
7. Safety chains and cables should be inspected before being attached. When
fastened to the lead trailer, they should be crossed so that if the converter
dolly tongue breaks loose, it will be held suspended off the roadway while the
driver attempts a safe stop.
8. Connect the air hoses between the two units, ensuring that all air lines,
especially on the converter dolly, are well secured and not sagging too low.
Some companies that operate equipment with brakes on the converter dollies
115
have applied coloured tape to the air lines in order to identify the service and
emergency lines, thereby eliminating the possibility of improper hook-up.
Connecting vehicles
Draw-bars or coupling devices must be in accordance with legislation. These
devices should be of sufficient strength to hold the vehicles together and be
fastened to integral parts of the frames of the vehicles: you should not draw or
tow a trailer or special mobile machine unless the attachment for connecting the
draw-bar of the trailer or special mobile machine to the motor vehicle is firmly
and directly affixed to the frame of the vehicle.
When a coupling device is used (other than the fifth-wheel coupler of a semi
trailer unit), an auxiliary chain or metal cable of equal strength to the coupling
device should also be used.
Except for a motor vehicle pulling a pole trailer, the draw-bar or other connection
between the motor vehicle and the trailer should not exceed 1.83 m (6 ft.) in
length.
Swerving and whipping – the trailer must not swerve or whip unreasonably
when being towed by a motor vehicle.
If the trailer whips or swerves, slow down and stop to determine the cause.
Note: All trailers equipped with brakes must have a device to apply the brakes
automatically if the unit should become disconnected.
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7. Information for Class 2 and Class 4 –
passenger carrying vehicles
The prime consideration of the professional driver is the safe operation of
the vehicle. This must take precedence over schedules or any other factors that
might contribute to a less than safe operation.
In addition to your own safety, as a professional driver operating a Class 2 or

Class 4 vehicle, you must be considerate of the safety and comfort of your
passengers by completing a trip inspection as illustrated in Section 4 - Vehicle
condition.
The safe and efficient transportation of people is a task which requires a high
degree of driving skill. You should at all times be aware of the traffic around the
bus to prevent panic stops or sudden swerves.
When approaching a loading zone, the speed should be such that a slow smooth
stop can be made. The doors should remain closed until the bus has come to a full
stop. The bus should be brought as close to the curb or loading zone as possible.
Before starting, you must be certain the doors are closed properly. The bus is
then accelerated smoothly, picking up speed gradually.
The operation of buses requires you to develop handling skills in accordance

with the characteristics of the vehicle. A knowledge of the turning radius, amount
of off-track of the rear wheels, overhang past the rear wheels and width of the
vehicle are important factors you must know to perfect your handling skill.
Many passenger accidents have been attributed to:

• being improperly parked at a loading zone
• picking up or discharging passengers when unsafe to do so
• sudden stops or starts with standing passengers
• sharp turns at excessive speed
• improper operation of bus doors
Accidents of these types are the result of improper operations by the driver and
are preventable.
Every vehicle used for conveying passengers shall have at least two exits.
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Right turns
When making a right turn, the driver must avoid running over or scuffing
the curbing with the rear wheels. The sharpness of the turn depends on the
wheelbase.
When executing a sharp turn to the right (particularly with a forward control
vehicle) position the bus 1 to 1.5 m (3 to 5 ft.) out from the curb as you
approach the intersection. Ensure, by checking your mirror, that you block off any
vehicle which may attempt to pass on the right. Proceed straight until you can
see the curb line of the side street through the front entrance door (as shown in
the diagram).
Entering the turn at a low speed requires less turning speed of the steering
wheel, making a smoother turn with less exertion by the driver.
Right turns into very narrow streets may require that you proceed into the
intersection before commencing the turn. It may be necessary to travel over the
centre line as the turn is made. When such movement is necessary, you must
use extreme caution, and ensure that the movement can be made safely.
118
Left turns
Turning a large vehicle requires more attention and care than turning a
passenger car. All left turns with buses, as with other vehicles, must be started
in the left lane as close to the centre line or dividing curb as possible. With the
bus positioned approximately 1 m (3 ft.) from the centre line or curb, proceed
straight until the intersecting curb line can be seen through the front left window.
Complete the turn as near as possible into the left lane of the street you are
entering. Narrow intersecting streets may require that you proceed straight
ahead over the centre of the intersection before the turn can be started. When
this movement is necessary, you must use caution, using your mirrors to ensure
the movement can be made safely.
Left turns – one-way streets

Left turns from a one-way street into a one-way street will require that you adjust
the turning arc in a similar manner as in the right hand turn, to avoid running over
or scuffing the curbing with the left rear wheels.
Leaving the curb

You should not rely solely on the side mirror to check if the traffic is clear before
pulling out. You should also glance over your left shoulder to verify the way is
safe.
Leaving the curb with a bus will require a signal be given by means of the signal
lights, but you should not use the turn signal until you are prepared to proceed
from the curb.
119
Leaving the curb with a bus which has an overhang over the rear wheels
requires you to use caution to avoid striking pedestrians, poles or sign posts
which are located close to the curbing. Cars parked close to the front of the bus
and vehicles approaching in the opposite direction are factors which you must
assess before moving your vehicle.
Parked cars
Passing parked cars requires you to be constantly alert for hazards: cars pulling
out without warning, sudden opening of doors on the traffic side or pedestrians
stepping out from between cars.
Watch for warning clues:

• front wheels turned out
• driver sitting behind the wheel
• exhaust from tail pipes
• brake lights
Precautions
The laws governing the operation of a motor vehicle must be carefully observed
so that every good driving practice and safety rule is followed.
• Backing a bus should be undertaken with the utmost care and caution. The
driver should use the rear-view mirror and, if possible, turn and look back and
have someone direct them. A professional driver backs slowly and cautiously
and watches traffic conditions around the vehicle at all times. Backing should,
however, be avoided wherever possible.
• Adverse weather conditions require adjustments to driving procedures. Every
driver should exercise an exceptional degree of care and prudence during
adverse weather conditions.
• A driver must adjust their speed to meet conditions. Additional hazards, such
as narrow roads, sharp turns, narrow bridges, rough roads and severe dust
conditions must be anticipated, recognized and safely met.
• No passenger should be allowed to occupy any position that would interfere
with the vision of the bus driver to the front, sides or rear.
• The driver should not leave the bus without first stopping the engine
and removing the ignition key, setting the brakes and putting the manual
transmission in its lowest gear and out of gear in an automatic transmission.
• All doors should be tightly closed whenever the bus is in motion.
120
• The bus should be heated and ventilated properly.
• At no time should the bus be loaded beyond its licensed capacity.
• Buses carrying passengers must stop as far to the right as possible and at a
recommended distance of not less than 5 m (15 ft.) from the nearest rail, at all
uncontrolled railway crossings. These are railway crossings where no automatic
signals or flagperson is stationed. The driver should make note of the number of
railway tracks and, before proceeding, make sure that no trains are approaching
from either direction.
• When stopped at railway crossings the driver may open the door of the bus
and listen for approaching trains.
• The driver should avoid situations that require quick stops. Stopping and
starting a bus should be a gradual and smooth operation.
• The driver must not permit any unauthorized person to occupy the driver’s seat
or to operate the bus or any of its controls.
• A driver of a passenger vehicle shall not collect fares, or take on or discharge
passengers while the vehicle is in motion, nor may they engage in unnecessary
conversation with passengers while driving the vehicle.
Driver’s vision
When driving, your view ahead and to the sides must not be obscured in any
way. You must also have full movement of your arms and legs, and have ready
access to emergency equipment at all times.
No passenger may sit to your left when you are driving. In the case of a sedan-
type vehicle, a maximum of two passengers (in addition to the driver) may be
seated on the front seat only if there is adequate room for the driver to operate
the vehicle safely.
Standing passengers
Standing is prohibited on public service vehicles other than a local transit vehicle.
Passengers are not allowed to ride on the running boards, fenders or any part of
the vehicle other than the seats.
Drivers of local transit vehicles should not permit passengers to stand to their
right, so as to obstruct their view.
121
Refusal to transport passengers
No person may be refused passage on a public passenger vehicle when they
present themselves at any regularly scheduled stopping-place and tenders the
legal fare, unless at the time the vehicle is carrying the maximum authorized
number of passengers.
Passage may be refused to someone who is intoxicated, disorderly or who is

using profane language.
Emergency vehicles
As the name implies, an emergency vehicle is operated under conditions and
circumstances of danger to life and property. The ordinary rules of the road,
traffic signs and signals that apply to other traffic are suspended while the
vehicle is being driven in response to a call for help, or to apprehend a person
suspected of having committed a serious crime and only when continually
sounding the siren and flashing lights. While such rules may be waived to
provide a swift response to an emergency, the law does impose an obligation
on all drivers of emergency vehicles to exercise due care for the safety of other
persons. They’re still responsible for the safe operation of their vehicle. To
save the life of one person while endangering the lives of others is a trade-off
society is not prepared to accept. Under no circumstances should a driver of
an emergency vehicle take advantage of the law when not responding to an
emergency.
Drivers of emergency vehicles provide a service to their community which

sometimes goes unrecognized and is beyond monetary calculation. The skills,
foresight and judgment required to operate such vehicles, often under extremely
hazardous conditions, and where a speedy response is vital, is far above that
required of other types of drivers.
The following are some of the rules and good driving practices of which you
should be aware.
An emergency vehicle is any vehicle that is used for any one of the following
purposes:
• police duty
• firefighting, including a fire pumper operated under authority of a municipality
• ambulance
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Duties of other drivers
The law requires that drivers of other vehicles give the right of way to an
emergency vehicle which is displaying flashing lights and is sounding a siren or
other warning device. Such drivers are obligated to drive parallel to the right-
hand side of the roadway, as close to the edge as circumstances permit and,
where the vehicle is within an intersection, to clear the intersection and stop on
the other side until the emergency vehicle has passed.
These laws were passed to assist operators of emergency vehicles to carry out
their responsibilities with a minimum of delay. However, you should not presume
that all drivers will comply with the law at all times.
Sometimes, a driver has difficulty in identifying the direction from which an

emergency vehicle is approaching, particularly at intersections, and may
inadvertently drive into your path. At other times, particularly during cold weather
when all windows are closed, drivers have difficulty in hearing the siren and may
not react as quickly as they might under more favourable conditions.
When approaching an emergency vehicle stopped on the highway with its

emergency lights flashing, drivers must slow to 60 km/h when passing unless
the emergency vehicle is on the opposite side of a divided highway.
When roads and traffic conditions are severe, extra care is required. It is far
better to take a few extra minutes to arrive at your destination safely than to be
delayed by a collision.
Recovery vehicles (tow trucks)

Flashing lights should be used only when the recovery vehicle, or the vehicle in
repair or tow is creating a hazard or obstruction on the highway. When in tow,
temporary tail, brake and signal lights shall be at the rear of the vehicle in tow.
Even though the vehicle is equipped with flashing lights, the driver is not
granted any special privileges and must respect all right of way rules and other
provisions.
You should remove derelict or damaged vehicles from the highways so that they
do not obstruct the free passage of other vehicles. You should also clean up any
debris that may be laying on the highway as the result of a collision.
Extreme caution should be used if a tow line is required to be stretched across

a highway. Serious collisions have resulted where precautions have not been
taken or a flagperson not posted.
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When towing another vehicle, such as a power unit semi trailer, where the
overall length exceeds the maximum allowable length, the driver must obtain
a permit.
Drivers must slow to 60 km/h when passing a tow truck or service vehicle
stopped on the roadside with its amber or amber and blue lights flashing while it
is rendering assistance to a disabled vehicle, unless the truck is on the opposite
side of a divided highway.
Taxis
The operation of a taxi is unique. Unlike any other vehicle, the driver is constantly
exposed to the risk of collision. Generally, taxis operate 24 hours a day in high
traffic density areas. The average number of kilometres travelled by a taxi driver
in the course of one year is approximately 64,000, or nearly four times the
average distance driven by drivers of passenger cars.
Taxi drivers have to contend with many problems. In addition to operating their
vehicle in continuous traffic, most taxis are equipped with two-way radios and
meters which create distractions when driving.
Taxi drivers are:

• Sometimes called to attend emergency situations.
• Urged by their passengers to hurry in order to catch a plane or to attend a
meeting for which the passenger may be late.
• Exposed to and have to cope with unruly and sometimes intoxicated
passengers.
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The resulting pressures require taxi drivers to have a high degree of skill in
the operation of their vehicles and to have a thorough knowledge of the street
systems so that they can plan their destination routes quickly.
Examination of the driving records of taxi drivers shows two things:

1. Some taxi drivers have an exceedingly high incidence of collisions. This is
attributable, in part, to the high exposure rate mentioned earlier.
2. A more disturbing aspect reveals that taxi drivers are frequently charged and
convicted for speeding and failing to obey traffic control devices.
While the higher involvement rate in collisions may be somewhat understandable,

it is difficult to justify why some taxi drivers commit these offences with such
frequency, causing them to lose, at times, their driver’s licence and their job.
Studies have shown that it is virtually impossible to pick up time in heavy traffic
areas. Experiments carried out in other cities have shown that the time saved
by a driver driving as fast as traffic conditions allow and disregarding other
regulations, compared to a driver driving within the speed limit and observing all
traffic rules, is a matter of a few minutes, scarcely worth the increased collision
risk or the possibility of getting a traffic ticket.
A person wishing to operate a taxi must obtain a criminal record check.
Suggested practice for taxi drivers

It is a good practice to check the condition of your vehicle before taking it out for
a day’s work. If you detect any defects or inoperative equipment, you shouldn’t
take the vehicle out until the defect or inoperative equipment has been repaired.
During the working day, if you detect any malfunction in the safety equipment,
advise your dispatcher of the nature of the defect. The vehicle should be taken
in for repairs as soon as possible; if the defect is serious, you should not attempt
to drive the vehicle. Have it towed instead.
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8. School buses
Becoming a school bus driver
To become a school bus driver you must be at least 18 years old and have a
valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence, and not be a novice driver (see page 9).
You must also pass a medical and school bus examination and obtain a valid
school bus S Endorsement.
The minimum requirement to drive a school bus is a Class 5 licence. This

allows you to drive a school bus with up to 15 passengers. If the school bus is
equipped with air brakes, you must have the air brake Endorsement A specified
on your licence.
School bus driver S Endorsement

If you successfully complete the school bus examinations, you will need to
visit any SGI motor licence issuer to have the S Endorsement added to your
driver’s licence.
To retain your S Endorsement you must re-test every five years. Re-testing is
your responsibility. A reminder letter will be sent out to you 90 days prior to your
five-year anniversary date. You can re-test at any time during this 90-day period
with no change to your original anniversary date. Your next five-year anniversary
date will be adjusted if you re-test before or after this 90-day period, though.
You must also have a current satisfactory medical examination on file with SGI.
School bus inspections and maintenance

With the lives of so many students in their hands, school bus drivers have
certain responsibilities to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education, local school
boards, principals, parents and students. Therefore, it is essential that every
school bus is in serviceable condition at all times. Regular vehicle inspections
and maintenance, as required by current regulations, will keep the bus in good
condition.
Safety is the most important and obvious reason for a daily trip inspection. It
lets you know your vehicle is safe. This inspection is your responsibility. Refer
to Section 4 - Vehicle condition on how to complete a trip inspection on a
school bus.
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Routine maintenance
Cleaning the bus is important. For safety’s sake, the vehicle must be maintained
at all times.
On a weekly basis, or more often if required, you should clean the:

• floors and steps
• interior and exterior mirrors
• windows, inside and out
• seats
• exterior of the bus
• repair minor defects that you have come across on daily inspections
School bus driver regulations

1. A school bus driver must not:
• consume alcohol in the eight-hour period immediately before driving a bus
• operate a bus unless it is clean and sanitary
• leave a bus that contains passengers unless:
– the bus has an interlock system or a device that prevents the bus from
being moved or operated by anyone other than the driver and the driver
has activated that system or device
– the driver has turned off the engine of the bus, removed the ignition key
and engaged the parking brake
• operate a bus unless its headlights and tail lights are activated
• operate the bus until all passengers are seated in a seat designated for the
purposes of transporting passengers
• back up on school grounds except with the direction of a responsible
person who is positioned in such a manner that the driver can see that the
bus can be safely backed up
• transport firearms, explosives or other dangerous items
• enter a provincial highway* without:
– stopping the bus not less than four and not more than 10 m from the
travelled portion of the provincial highway
– making sure it is safe to proceed
* Where a provincial highway passes through a town with a population over 1,000, it is not deemed
to be a highway within the town limits.
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• activate the safety lights unless the bus is stopped or in the process of
stopping to load or unload the passengers
• activate the stop arm unless the bus is stopped for the purpose of loading
or unloading passengers
2. Every school bus driver shall:

• activate safety lights, except where prohibited by law, before stopping to
load or unload passengers:
– at least 100 m before stopping on a highway with a speed limit over
50 km/h
– at least 25 m before stopping on a highway with a speed limit of 50
km/h or less
• activate the strobe lights on the bus any time the driver is transporting
passengers outside a city, town or village
• except where prohibited by municipal bylaw, activate the stop arm when the
bus is stopped for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers
• maintain discipline, and report any misconduct of passengers to the
principal of the school
• when loading or unloading passengers:
– exercise due caution
– on a highway, move the bus as far to the right as is practical
– at a school on any street that allows traffic in both directions, stop on the
side of the street nearest the school with the door of the bus opening for
students to exit immediately onto the sidewalk
• each day before operating the bus, perform the daily circle check
• ensure that every object carried onto the bus for transportation that cannot
be held by a passenger is placed as close to the front barrier as possible
and as low as possible. These objects should not exceed the height of the
barrier and should be placed, when possible, in front of or under a seat that
is close to the front of the bus.
Railway crossings
School buses are required to stop at all railway crossings, unless the crossing is
equipped with automatic light signals indicating it’s clear to cross.
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When approaching a railway crossing that is not equipped with an automatic
signal, every school bus driver shall:
• signal right and move the bus as far to the right as is safe and practical
• cancel the right signal and activate the four-way flasher:
– not less than 100 m from the railway crossing on a highway with a speed
limit of over 50 km/h
– not less than 25 m from the railway crossing on a highway with a speed
limit of 50 km/h or less
• stop the bus not less than four and not more than 10 m from the railway
crossing
• open the front door of the bus and look in both directions for oncoming trains
• close the door
• proceed across the tracks when it is safe to do so and, in the case of standard
transmissions, remain in gear until the bus is completely clear of the tracks
• check mirrors
• turn off the four-way flasher, turn on the left signal and move back onto the
travelled portion of the highway when it is safe to do so
Driver to notify employer of certain matters

Every driver shall promptly notify the school board, municipality or employer of
any of the following:
• Any conviction against the driver pursuant to:
– The Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act, 1997 respecting the operation of
a motor vehicle
– the Criminal Code (Canada)
– The Traffic Safety Act
– any regulation made pursuant to any of the acts mentioned in subclauses
i) to iii)
• Any suspensions or revocations of the driver’s licence, a refusal by the
administrator to issue a licence to the driver or a licence restriction imposed on
the driver by the administrator.
• Any medical condition that, in the opinion of the driver’s physician or health care
provider, could have an impact on the driver’s ability to safely operate a bus.
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Driving techniques
Braking
When you are braking a school bus, you should brake gently and over a
long period of time to keep your passengers in their seats – remember your
passengers are not secured. You should also make sure that the wheels
are straight throughout braking. See the Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook
(available at www.sgi.sk.ca/handbook) for a discussion of braking techniques.
Backing
You should try to avoid backing your school bus whenever possible; it is a
difficult and potentially dangerous practice. In fact, backing a bus on school
property is not permitted unless you have a responsible person to guide you.
Two-point turns
During your bus driver’s test, you will have to demonstrate that you can back
straight, and perform a two-point turn.
To back straight, use your side mirrors to see where you are going.
• Well before the place where you wish to turn around, signal right, check
mirrors, shoulder check and position the bus in the right lane.
• Cancel the signal light, proceed past the intersection and stop the bus as
close to the edge of the road as possible.
• Turn on four-way flashers. Check for traffic.
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• Begin backing up slowly. When the rear bumper is in line with the edge of the
approach, turn the wheels sharply to the right. If your bus has a long overhang
at the rear, you will have to back up a bit farther before turning the wheels to
the right to ensure your rear wheels stay on the road.
• Watch the front end swing of the bus to ensure it is clear of traffic. As
you back onto the approach, straighten your wheels and stop clear of the
intersection. Turn off the four-way flashers.
• Signal for a left turn, check for traffic and proceed to make a left turn into the
first available driving lane.
Mirror use and shoulder checks

Check your two outside mirrors to see if your gates are open. See the
Saskatchewan Driver’s Handbook (available at www.sgi.sk.ca/handbook). Use
your convex mirrors to see if there are any vehicles in your blind spot. A shoulder
check to your left may also help, but you will have to rely on your convex mirrors
to see what is on the right side of your vehicle.
Lane position
Since you are driving a wide vehicle, you should drive in the centre of the lane as
often as possible. Your lane position becomes critical on turns and curves.
Right turns
It is difficult to stay in one lane when making a right turn with a long vehicle.
Often you have to choose between crossing the lane line before turning the
corner or after the corner. In most circumstances, when clear, cross the lane line
after the corner (see Example A), provided the road design and traffic allows you
to do so. There may, however, be situations where using Example B would be
better. In doing so, every effort must be made to approach the turn in a position
that partially blocks the curb lane preventing traffic from getting in between the
bus and the curb. Either choice is acceptable if done safely.
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Passing
Because school buses make frequent stops and starts, it is best to avoid
passing slow-moving vehicles. If you must pass, you should only do so on a
long straight stretch of highway with a sight distance of at least 50 seconds.
Practise the passing judgment system described in the Saskatchewan Driver’s
Handbook.
Sharing the road

As a school bus driver, you must always watch out for other motorists, especially
when pulling into or out of traffic. Try to time your entry into traffic so that you
will disrupt the traffic flow as little as possible. This courtesy should prevent any
close calls with other vehicles.
General procedures for stopping the bus and moving back into
traffic
1. Check your rear-view mirrors early when you know a school bus stop is
approaching. Consider traffic patterns for both following and oncoming
vehicles:
• Is traffic relatively clear, and can the stop be made with little or no hazard?
• Is there a long line of following vehicles waiting to pass the bus?
• Does a following driver appear impatient and anxious to get by?
2. If possible, let following traffic pass, signal your intention, reduce speed and, if
safe and practical, move to the edge of the driving lane or shoulder.
3. Activate your safety lights at least 100 m before the bus stop on a highway
with a speed limit of more than 50 km/h and at least 25 m before the bus
stop on a highway with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less. This will give other
drivers ample warning.
4. As you approach the stop, pull the bus to the edge of the road. You should
attempt to stop as far to the right as practical. But stay at least 1m (3 ft.)
away from any waiting students, just in case one accidentally pushes another
or slips while trying to get close to the bus.
5. While stopped, you should set the parking brake and shift into neutral. This
prevents the bus from moving while students are loading or unloading.
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6. Leave your safety lights on, cancel your turn signal and check that oncoming
and following traffic is completely stopped. When you activate the release on
the door handle, the stop arm will go out on some buses. On other buses,
you must activate the stop arm separately.
7. When it is safe to do so, open the door of the bus and allow the students to
board or leave.
8. When students have been safely loaded or unloaded, turn off your safety
lights. In winter, you can close the door, but do not lock it until you are sure
your students are safe. The stop arm will stay activated until the appropriate
time.
9. When traffic is clear, signal, pull back onto the highway and proceed to your
next stop.
Different locations have different hazards. Discuss the particular problems of

loading and unloading on your route with your supervisor, or with a school bus
driver who has had your route before.
Your loading and unloading operations will be successful if you are patient and
courteous and refuse to allow the students to leave the bus until it is safe for
them to do so.
When unloading students in an urban area where use of safety lights and stop
arms are prohibited, use this as a guide:
1. Unload on the same side of the street as the student’s home.
2. Unload as near to the residence as possible.
3. Maintain eye or mirror contact with the student until the student is well away
from the bus.
4. If it is impractical to unload on the same side of the street as the student’s

home, unload as near to an intersection as possible.
5. Instruct the students to proceed across the street only when your bus has
cleared the intersection and it is safe to do so.
6. Bring the matter of the street crossing to the attention of your superior so the
parents may be notified the student is required to cross the street.
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Motorists who pass unlawfully
In your daily travels, you may come across motorists who unlawfully pass your
school bus when the safety lights and stop arm are activated. In such cases, the
driver may be given a warning or be charged by police. It is up to you to report
any violations of school bus legislation to the police. You must first establish that
the law was broken, then try to identify the driver. You should obtain the licence
plate number of the vehicle.
Emergency evacuation procedures

For information on the proper procedure for evacuating the bus in case of an
emergency, contact:
Saskatchewan Safety Council
445 Hoffer Dr.
Regina, SK
S4N 6E2
306-757-3197
Legislation
The Traffic Safety Act and regulations are the law for school bus operations,
vehicle equipment and maintenance.
The Education Act and regulations provide legislation which school boards must
adhere to. You should be familiar with these laws as they apply to you. Each
board has its own policy which clearly specifies what you, as a school bus driver,
must do. You must know the policy and procedures in detail and carry them out.
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9. Winter driving
Driving collisions increase at a chilling pace in winter. That’s because many
drivers don’t understand the winter driving picture. They fail to take into
consideration the hazardous conditions created by winter weather – tricky
traction and poor visibility.
Years ago most drivers worked out their own winter driving problems. Those
were the days of partially deflated tires, back off or removal of front brakes,
wheel sanders, etc., but skidding, jackknifing and traffic tie-ups during the winter
kept on happening.
Front brakes were often blamed because drivers learned that locked front
wheels could not steer, regardless of how the steering wheel was turned.
The idea of backing off or removing the brakes during the winter months was
considered, but it didn’t help; in fact, it reduced effective braking and lengthened
stopping distances. Jackknifing and rear skids increased because of this
practice.
Winter driving demands special defensive driving skills and adjustments, as well
as just plain common sense.
Prepare early for winter

The trucking industry has often been criticized because its heavy vehicles have
jackknifed or skidded, blocking traffic on crowded roads and highways. The
first step in preventing these unnecessary occurrences, which cause adverse
publicity as well as much property damage, is to make sure equipment is ready
for that first unexpected freeze or storm.
Essential items to inspect

1. Radiator – Make sure proper winter coolant is installed and that there are
no leaks.
2. Tires – Make certain all tires have good tread.
3. Wipers – Be sure your wiper blades are in good condition, so they will sweep
snow and sleet off, rather than slide over it.
4. Heater and defroster – Make sure the heater and defroster are functioning
well enough to keep the windshield clear at all times.
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5. Lights – Be sure both headlights work on upper and lower beams and are
correctly adjusted; also that brake, tail, marker, clearance lights and directional
signals work properly and are clean, so they are clearly visible to other drivers.
6. Brakes – As roads become slippery, it’s necessary that the brakes be in the
best condition and balanced for uniform braking. This is even more critical
with trains or doubles operations.
7. Muffler and exhaust system – These should be in good condition and tightly
fitted so carbon monoxide does not seep into the interior of the vehicle
where it could cause serious illness or death to the driver or occupants.
8. Battery – Cold weather greatly lowers battery power. Make sure yours is in
good condition, and in case it’s necessary, know the proper procedure for
using a battery booster.
9. Fifth-wheel lubrication – For tractor trailer combinations, make sure a winter

grade of lubricant is used on the fifth-wheel. Some heavy summer grades of
lubricant at low temperatures become too heavy and interfere with steering
on slippery surfaces.
10. Windows and mirrors – Make sure that windows are clean to ensure good
visibility. Mirrors should also be kept adjusted and clean for good visibility to
the rear.
The six primary hazards of winter driving

While the two major hazards in winter driving are commonly referred to as poor
traction and reduced visibility, research has shown that there are six important
problems which confront the commercial drivers.
These are:
1. Poor traction – Being unable to pull away from a standstill on an icy road,
to go up slippery hills or to negotiate deep snow can cause trouble ranging
from aggravating delays because of burnt tires to major traffic tie-ups and
collisions.
To improve traction, good tire treads are necessary. Start off slow and easy,
and do not spin your wheels, because this only digs you in deeper. In deep
snow, in order to get room to move, a good idea is to turn your wheels from
side to side to push the snow away from the tires. Another good trick is to
move your vehicle back and forth four or five feet before you shut down.
This packs heavy snow. When you are pulling out use a light foot on the
accelerator, easing forward gently.
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2. Reduced ability to stop – On ice and snow it takes three to 12 times
more stopping distance than required on dry roads. These longer stopping
distances contribute to the cause of many winter collisions.
Test studies indicate that the heavier the vehicle the greater the stopping
distance. Under severe winter conditions this gap widens accordingly.
Gearing down of the vehicle also assists in bringing it to a safe stop.
3. The effect of temperature on starting and stopping – Temperature plays

an important part in braking distance and traction on ice and snow. As the
temperature rises, ice becomes much more slippery.
Your braking distance can double with a temperature variation from –18ºC to
around 0ºC. It is important, when driving in winter weather, to periodically get
the feel of the road. This should be done only at a slow speed.
The chart shown below shows the effect of temperature on braking distance,
with a tractor and semi trailer on ice, gross load 19,100 kg.
0°
AIR TEMPERATURE – CELSIUS
-18°
46 62 77 92
BRAKING DISTANCE – METRES FROM 32 KM/H
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4. Ice and snow made slippery by traffic – The action of tires spinning and
sliding on snow and ice greatly decreases traction on already hazardous road
surfaces. This happens mainly at intersections, on curves and on hills. This
polishing of the road surface increases braking distances, slows traffic and
presents a severe hazard at intersections. It’s up to you to understand this
fact and compensate for it in your driving. Slow down before you reach that
slippery intersection and slow down before getting into a curve or before
going down a hill. Adjust to the existing road, weather and traffic conditions.
Gearing down may be necessary to slow down safely.
5. Reduced ability to see and be seen – Winter driving hazards can be

avoided, but you’ve got to see them.
Driving without completely clearing your windows invites disaster. Before

starting your trip, clean off the entire windshield and all windows. Wipe off
the headlights, brake and tail lights and turn signals so that others may see
you. This may be necessary several times during a heavy storm. An extra few
minutes could save your life.
There is a tendency by many drivers to overdrive their headlights. A heavily

loaded truck travelling at 100 km/h requires approximately 138 m of braking
distance. Therefore, with headlights strong enough to illuminate 108 m
ahead, a vehicle could travel 31 m beyond where an object was first seen.
The effective range of headlights varies greatly and the visibility of objects is
affected by many factors. When driving at night or during adverse weather
conditions, use headlights – not parking lights – to increase your ability to see
and be seen.
Road spatter can leave you driving blind. Use your windshield wiper often. At
night, stop occasionally to clean off headlights. In fog or heavy snowfall keep
lights on low beam and adjust your speed accordingly.
Run your heater and defroster a few minutes before you start out. You’ll
prevent sudden fogging of your windshield.
Wipers should be in top condition – both blades and arms. If new blades
are installed they can be inefficient if arm pressure is inadequate. This shows
up in poor wiping. Pressure of one ounce per inch of blade is needed and
recommended.
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6. Jackknifing – There are two distinct kinds of jackknifing:
1. A tractor jackknife in which the tractor rear skids sideways.
2. A trailer jackknife in which the rear of the trailer comes around.
Repeated tests have shown that if a jackknife develops beyond 15 degrees it

is almost impossible to recover. The faster this 15 degree angle develops the
greater the severity and potential damage of the jackknife.
Since a jackknife can go to 15 degrees in length in one and half seconds, any
attempt to recover must be fast in order to take preventive action.
Winter driving tips for the professional driver

Recognize the special hazards of winter driving and know the techniques
needed to drive safely in spite of them. The facts are here, the rest is up to you.
• Be able to see and be seen – Clean all the snow and ice off of your
windshield, other windows, outside mirrors, lights and reflectors. Make sure
your vehicle is equipped with good windshield wiper blades and that wiper
arms are exerting enough pressure on the blades to ensure a clean sweep. If
moisture or ice builds up on your windshield, stop and clean it off.
• Tires – Tires with good deep treads are essential for good cornering and
handling on slippery roads. Check air pressure frequently to maintain the
manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
• Get the feel of the road – Occasionally, try your brakes or gently depress
your accelerator while driving; adjust your speed according to existing
conditions. Rising temperatures greatly reduce traction on ice and snow.
• Stretch your following distance – Knowing that winter road surfaces may
increase stopping distances three to 12 times, the smart driver increases
the normal dry road following distance. Heavy trucks require longer stopping
distances on slippery roads than passenger cars – don’t tailgate.
• Brake before curve – All vehicles are particularly sensitive to overpowering,
oversteering and overbraking on curves. Unseen hazards around the bend may
require evasive action, so turn your steering wheel slowly and smoothly, keep
a constant speed in the turn, and pump the brakes carefully if it’s necessary to
slow down or stop.
• Intersections – Be extra cautious at intersections where snowbanks can
reduce visibility.
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• Pump your brakes – The key to stopping under control on slippery surfaces
is to avoid locking the wheels. A rapid pumping of brakes will provide short
intervals of braking and rolling which will enable you to maintain steering
control while stopping. With air brakes your system does not apply and release
as quickly as with hydraulic or electric brakes.
• Watch for reduced clearances – These are caused by accumulated snow
or ice.
• Air tanks – Drain air tanks daily and leave them empty when not in use.
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10. Transporting dangerous goods
Federal and provincial legislation is in force to promote public safety when
transporting dangerous goods. Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial
governments work together with the transportation industry to ensure that
requirements for transporting dangerous goods are the same across the
country, and that they apply to all means of transport – air, marine, rail and road.
Safe transport of goods

Everyone in charge of dangerous goods – everywhere along its journey – is
responsible for its safe transport and must keep these things in mind:
1. Whoever is in charge of dangerous goods must immediately report to a

designated authority in the event of:
• any discharge, emission or escape of dangerous goods from any container,

packaging or means of transport
• a reportable dangerous occurrence or a collision involving dangerous
goods
• the loss, theft or misplacement of a consignment of products of certain
classes of dangerous goods
• a delay in delivery of certain explosives
2. Anyone who handles, offers for transport or transports dangerous goods

must be a trained person, or performing those duties under the direct
supervision of a trained person. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure
that employees are trained with respect to the dangerous goods that will
be assigned to them. When training is complete, that person is issued a
Transportation of Dangerous Goods certificate. Certificates must be renewed
every 36 months.
The consignor is responsible for:

• supplying the initial carrier with the appropriate safety marks, like placards and
the product identification number; and
• providing the initial carrier with the shipping document or waste manifest, as
required
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The carrier is responsible for:
• displaying the appropriate safety marks in the proper manner and location
• replacing any safety marks that are damaged or lost while the consignment is
in the carrier’s charge
• ensuring that all required documentation is complete and accompanies the
consignment, that any change in the consignment while it’s in their charge is
documented and that when a consignment leaves the carrier’s charge, copies
of all necessary documents are passed on to the receiver
• loading and segregating the consignment if appropriate
• refusing consignments of dangerous goods that do not meet the requirements
of the regulations
• retaining all documents for two years
The consignee is responsible for:

• completing, signing and forwarding all required documents for wastes to the
proper authorities
• meeting the requirements of a consignor when returning empty packages,
containers or vehicles that are not purged or cleaned
Classifying dangerous goods

Transport Canada’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations divides
dangerous goods into nine classes according to the type of hazard involved:
• Class 1 – Explosives
• Class 2 – Gases
• Class 3 – Flammable Liquids
• Class 4 – Flammable Solids
• Class 5 – Oxidizing Substances
• Class 6 – Toxic and Infectious Substances
• Class 7 – Radioactive Materials
• Class 8 – Corrosives
• Class 9 – Miscellaneous
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Safety marks
Safety marks are used to indicate the presence of dangerous goods and to
identify their hazard class. The visible safety marks are generally the labels,
placards and UN/product identification number.
Labels are used on packages, cylinders, drums and other small containers.
Placards are used on large containers (capacity over 450l) and transport
units. UN/Product Identification Numbers are four digit numbers that are
assigned to a specific product; e.g., gasoline is UN1203. UN/PIN is required if
the dangerous good is in trailerload, truckload or bulk quantities. Please refer to
Transport Canada’s website (www.tc.gc.ca/eng/tdg/safety-menu.htm) for more
information about labels and placards.
Dangerous goods routes
Routes may be established within certain cities, towns and villages over which
dangerous goods must be transported. These routes are identified by the
posting of signs. Dangerous goods routes are authorized by civic bylaw and
the respective civic administration may be contacted for particulars of their
dangerous goods route bylaw.
Documentation
Proper information on a shipping document helps ensure the safe handling and
transporting of dangerous goods. It also provides valuable information to those
who may have to deal with a dangerous occurrence or collision involving these
goods.
The consignor must ensure that the shipping document contains all the
required information in the order specified, that the document is signed, and is
accompanied by any other required documents or certificates and that it is given
to the initial carrier.
The regulations provide that the shipping document shall be located during
transport as follows:
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• When the driver is in the cab, one copy in the cab within the driver’s reach or
in a pocket mounted on the driver’s door.
• When the driver is not in the cab, one copy on the driver’s seat or in a pocket
mounted on the driver’s door.
• If the transport unit is a tractor/trailer and the trailer containing dangerous
goods is detached and left in a parking area, leave a copy of the shipping
document with the person in charge of the parking area.
• In cases that are not covered by the above, leave the shipping document in
an accessible, identifiable waterproof receptacle securely attached to the
transport unit.
The carrier must also ensure the document is passed along with the dangerous
goods to any subsequent carrier or to the consignee.
Except when dangerous goods that are to be transported as waste or by air,

any kind of shipping document may be used providing that it contains all of the
criteria for shipping documents that is required by the regulations.
When the dangerous goods have been unloaded but due to residues that
remain in the transport unit a danger still exists (e.g., bulk fuel haulers), the
regulations provide that the carrier’s copy of the shipping document is to be
marked “RESIDUE – LAST CONTAINED” and accompany the transport unit
until it has been re-loaded and/or cleaned and purged so that no hazard exists.
When transporting waste dangerous goods, a manifest that is prescribed in the

regulations must be used. A pamphlet explaining how to obtain and use the manifest
is available from the federal and provincial departments of the environment.
Vehicles displaying a dangerous goods placard must stop at uncontrolled

railway crossings.
For further information, contact:

Transport Canada – Transportation of Dangerous Goods Services
Regional Office – Prairie & Northern
Phone: 306-975-5105 or Toll-free: 1-888-463-0521
Email: pnrweb@tc.gc.ca
or any traffic officer in your area, or consult the Saskatchewan Truckers’ Guide
Note: The Dangerous Goods Act and regulations restrict the movement of
vehicles while displaying dangerous goods placards. Accordingly, these vehicles
CANNOT be permitted to be used for examination purposes.
144
11. Appendix A
Sample Trip Inspection Report
Date___________________ Time___________ Location of Inspection_______________________
Name________________________________ Carrier Name_________________________________

Print name of person performing inspection
Licence Plate and/or Unit No: Truck/Tractor_________________ Trailer(s)___________________
Odometer Reading (if equipped)_____________________________________________________
Results of Inspection
No defects found The following defects were found
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
I declare that the vehicle(s) shown above has (have) been inspected in accordance with the
applicable requirements.
________________________________________ ________________________________________
Signature of person conducting inspection Signature of driver
(if different than person conducting inspection)
_________________________________________________________________________________
The above noted defects were repaired.
____________________________________________________ ____________________________
Authorized signature Date
Note: This sample is provided for reference only. It is not a prescribed form in regulation
and carriers/drivers are free to use this form or develop their own form, or any other form
available (e.g., one’s that are pre-printed on the back of some log book pages), provided it
contains all the necessary information. The form can contain an inspection item checklist
but it is not required to. If in electronic form, a check box can be used for declaration and
an electronic signature is acceptable.
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Saskatchewan Professional

Driver’s Handbook – 2019

This handbook is accurate as of March 2019. Please consult the online

References are made to portions of Saskatchewan’s motor vehicle laws, but

They are also available on the Publications Saskatchewan website at

* Google Translate is a third-party tool, and is not owned or administered by

Yes or ¨ No Has your medical report been completed and approved

Note: If you have a Criminal Code conviction or certain medical condition(s),

2. Good driving habits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

3. Vehicle weights and dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

5. A systematic trip inspection for vehicle roadworthiness . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

6. Information for Class 1 and Class 3 power units,

7. Information for Class 2 and Class 4 – passenger carrying vehicles.117

8. School buses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

9. Winter driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

10. Transporting dangerous goods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

11. Appendix A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

You will be considered a novice driver if you hold a:

Novice drivers may not obtain a Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or school bus endorsement

Mandatory Entry-Level Training

Licence Class 3 – minimum age: 18

Criminal Record Check

Does not permit the licence holder to operate

Licence Class 5 and 7:

Farm (F plated) vehicle Driver’s licence required

G Endorsement – Heavy trailer

Requirements for G Endorsement – Heavy trailer:

School bus “S”

Requirements for S Endorsement:

Note: “Student passengers” – means three passengers to a seat on a school

Learners “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”

The examination of drivers for an air brake endorsement includes:

Note: If a medical examination is required, the medical must be submitted to

Driver Class or Endorsement

Scheduling: included with your knowledge exams and held at a driver

If you take a road test for a Class 1, 2 or 3 driver’s licence or S Endorsement

Road tests will be refused if:

For example: Drivers who are tested for a Class 1, 2 or 3 licence or

Other restrictions may apply.

Note: a video series on how to perform a Class 4 trip inspection is available on

Class 1-4 medical standards

The medical can be completed by a physician, nurse practitioner or an

Medical reports must be submitted and approved prior to the start of

Subsequent medical reports will be requested every:

An unsatisfactory medical may result in a L restriction being placed on your

Canada/United States medical reciprocity agreement

Canadian drivers need only produce a valid Saskatchewan Class 1, 2 or 3

Drivers with current medical waivers, or restricted privileges, can continue to

The U.S. commercial medical requirements also apply to farm-use vehicles

As a professional driver, you must practise defensive driving techniques by being

Arguments at home, annoyance with other drivers and illness or financial

Safety demands your complete and constant attention to changing driving

What makes a driver unfit?

Holding, viewing or manipulating a hand-held cellphone or mobile device is

Warning signs of driver fatigue

How to reduce driver fatigue

• Don’t travel at times when you’d usually be sleeping.

Drinking, drugs and driving

2017 facts about drinking/drugged driving in Saskatchewan:

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