CVOR changes to know about in 2015

If you live in Ontario and own (or are thinking of owning) a vehicle for commercial purposes, the following is important information regarding recent Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration (CVOR) changes you should know about.

In December of 2014, Bill 15 was passed as an initiative by the Ontario government to reduce the cost of auto insurance claims and storage services in the province. The legislation aims to regulate towing across Ontario and imparts the following changes:

• Tow trucks are now included or defined as being a Commercial Motor Vehicle under the Highway Traffic Act. 
• The Ontario government now sets the standards and qualifications for tow truck operators in the province with the introduction of new rules & processes to follow, including training requirements and CVOR certification (unlike the current ad hoc system that varies widely across the province by each municipality's by-laws). 

Additionally, a New Entrant Education & Evaluation Program for new truck and bus operators was introduced by the government of Ontario in 2013 which has since implemented changes to the Highway Traffic Act as an effort to reduce the number of collisions and road safety violations caused by CVOR holders. 

As a result, all prospective new truck and bus operators must now pass a knowledge test before a CVOR certificate can be issued. The test costs $32.00, consists of multiple-choice questions and needs to be completed in person at your nearest Drive Test Centre in Ontario. To study for this test, refer to the COMMERCIAL VEHICLE OPERATORS’ SAFETY MANUAL issued by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

To learn more about the CVOR system such as CVOR operator (carrier) responsibilities and types of commercial motor vehicles that require certification, visit the official CVOR page.