Canada Hours of Service Training Module 1: Basics

Time is finite. Whether it’s an hour, day, or week, no one possesses the power to extend it. This reality is even more palpable for professional drivers who are bound by hours-of-service regulations. These rules are formulated to ensure that fatigued drivers stay off the roads. Prolonged periods of driving can lead to fatigue and, consequently, poor decision-making and fatal accidents. Thus, for the safety of all road users, commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers are required to adhere to these regulations.

The curriculum of the Canada Hours of Service Training program is designed to support drivers and carriers in maintaining compliance whilst optimizing available hours. This is achieved through a comprehensive understanding of the impact of these restrictions on safety and productivity.

Understanding regulation is crucial for drivers. Being regulated implies that a governmental body is closely monitoring each driver and their safety practices. Even if the drivers themselves are not keeping score, the regulatory bodies are. Violations of the hours-of-service rules can negatively impact both driver and carrier profiles. Some studies equate driving whilst fatigued to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, highlighting the potential dangers for all road users.

The Canada Hours of Service Training: Basics course aims to equip drivers with a fundamental understanding of the hours-of-service regulations and the implications of being regulated. Drivers will learn to monitor and record their activities, distinguishing between on-duty and off-duty periods. They will comprehend the significance of tracking rest cycles and work volume, enabling them to evaluate their readiness and legality to drive.

Target Audience: CMV Drivers Operating in Canada
Regulation Covered: SOR/2005-313

The eLearning course covers the following topics:

• Who is Regulated?
• Definition of a CMV
• Driver and Carrier Responsibility
• Shared responsibility
• Shared consequences
• Purpose of the Hours-of-Service Regulations
• Keep Fatigued Drivers Off the Road
• Reduce the Number of Fatigue-Related Crashes
• Working Time
• On-Duty Time
• Off-Duty Time
• Exceptions to On Duty
• Tracking Duty Time
• Limits for the Workshift
• Limits for the Day
• Regulations Measure the Driver’s Ability to Get Rest (not actual rest)
• Your Impact on Hours-of-Service Compliance
• Hours-of-Service Violations
• Who’s Held Accountable?

• Identify who the hours-of-service regulations apply to
• Recognize the purpose of the hours-of-service regulations
• Differentiate between on-duty and off-duty activities
• Explain how hours-of-service violations affect driver abstracts and carrier profiles

Approximately 18 minutes

Testing conducted throughout this online course is designed to reinforce  the information presented. A mark of 80% must be achieved in order to pass this course. The course is able to be taken three times in efforts to achieve the pass mark.

Upon successful completion of this online course, a certificate of completion will be available for download and printing.