New Entrant Education and Evaluation Program for new truck and bus operators.

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation is implementing a new program for start-up truck and bus operators.  The New Entrant Education and Evaluation Program (NEEEP) was implemented to cut the number of collisions and high risk road safety violations by new CVOR holders.  Ontario claims research shows that new CVOR holders have the highest risk for collisions and road safety violations when compared with established operators.  They reason it’s due to the lack of required safety knowledge, as well as poor oversight management.

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation website shows an effective  date of October 1, 2013 and implementation date starting in late 2013.   On another website shows the associated  fee of $32.00.

Ontario introduces New Entrant Education and Evaluation Program for new truck and bus operators.

According to the Ontario Regulatory Registry the proposed program has three components:

1. Education – Development of a Commercial Vehicle Operators’ Safety (CVOS) manual containing information regarding Ontario’s safety laws, appropriate safety management and self-governance practices.
Anticipated to be available on-line at no charge by March 2012.

2. Proficiency Test – Operators must demonstrate knowledge of Ontario’s safety laws by completing a proficiency test prior to obtaining a CVOR certificate.
Implementation anticipated in late 2013.

3. Evaluation – Operators must undergo a review of their applied safety management and remediation practices by completing an evaluation of their records within the first 18 months of operations.
Implementation anticipated in 2014.

This new program will amend Regulation 424/97 under the Highway Traffic Act.   It will require new operators to complete a one time multiple-choice proficiency test in person.  Very much like the old Competency Test the Ontario Government issued just a few years ago, for free.  It must be completed by the owner/operator or the safety manager responsible for the truck or bus company.  The fee will be $32 per test or retest.  The applicant must meet a minimum score of 80% prior to obtaining their CVOR.  The test will be valid for six months.

The proficiency test will be based on the content of the CVOS manual. The content includes but is not limited to:
– Commercial Vehicle Operators’ Registration;
– Operator monitoring and intervention;
– Facility audit;
– Safety programs;
– Preventive maintenance;
– Recordkeeping;
– Hours of service;
– Dangerous goods;
– Vehicle weights and dimensions;
– Driver and vehicle licensing;
– Passenger transportation services; and
– Cargo securement.

The new program will also mandate a safety audit within the first 18 months of operations.  This is very similar to the U.S. FMCSA requirement for all new carriers.

This new program is expected to impact about 5,000 new Ontario based operators, out of province and U.S. based carriers will be not be required to take part.

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