by wtfcanada2015@gmail.com | Jun 16, 2025 | BLOG
For many women, stepping into the trucking industry can feel daunting. It’s a space where strength, skill, and determination are key—and where tradition has often dictated that men take the wheel. But barriers are made to be broken.
One woman recently defied expectations and earned her DZ license, proving that passion and perseverance make all the difference. She trained at Modern Training, a school where support and encouragement are the foundation of success. Their instructors go beyond technical lessons, offering guidance, pep talks, and motivation on test day.
“Stan was, to put it mildly, awesome! The other instructors, Kevin and Moe, were super nice and encouraging as well. They made a huge effort to get me ready for test day .”
Like many women entering a male-dominated field, she faced doubts—especially about mastering manual transmission. But her instructor, Stan, gave her game-changing advice:
“He told me my primary goal should be to get the license first—manual skills can come later. That advice was invaluable, as there was so much other information I needed to cement in my head before test day.”
Even after earning her license, she couldn’t shake the worry—would a company give her a chance if her manual skills weren’t perfect? That’s when Shelley Walker, CEO Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada , reminded her of something powerful:
“Just go for it! Don’t worry about whether you’re good enough. We are often our own worst critics.”
Those words stuck. Women belong in every industry, including trucking, and sometimes all it takes is a leap of faith.
Now that she’s passed, she’s aiming high, with a vision of joining a cement company and building a fulfilling career in a hands-on industry. She’s already taking steps to set herself apart, reaching out to Concrete Ontario to enroll in their Concrete Delivery Specialist program—proof of her commitment to excelling in the field.
Yet, like many women breaking into trucking, she acknowledges the challenges ahead:
“I still have some insecurities, but hopefully in time my confidence will grow, and I will fit right in with the rest of them.”
Her story is a powerful reminder that women belong in every industry—including those traditionally reserved for men. Whether behind the wheel of a cement truck or navigating new career paths, women are proving every day that they are capable, resilient, and unstoppable.
If you’ve ever thought about earning your DZ license, know that the road is yours to take. With the right support, determination, and a touch of courage, you can drive toward your own success story.
Ready to start your journey? Modern Training might be the perfect place to begin!
by wtfcanada2015@gmail.com | May 22, 2025 | BLOG
Language proficiency plays a critical role in road safety for commercial truck drivers. From reading traffic signs to communicating with law enforcement and shippers, ensuring that drivers can effectively understand and use English or French is essential for maintaining safety on Canada’s highways.
Current Language Standards for Truck Drivers
Canada does not have a national language proficiency requirement for commercial drivers, but licensing exams and work permit requirements vary by province. Some key benchmarks include:
- Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB): Many immigration programs require commercial drivers to meet a minimum CLB 4 or 5, ensuring basic communication skills.
- Multilingual Licensing Exams: Some provinces offer knowledge tests in multiple languages, allowing non-English/French speakers to obtain a commercial license.
- Provincial Differences: Quebec mandates French proficiency, while provinces like Ontario and British Columbia allow exams in several languages but still emphasize English road signs and communication.
The Argument for Standardizing Language Requirements
Advocates for stricter language rules argue that all commercial driver knowledge tests should be in English or French to verify proficiency before drivers operate on public roads. Benefits of this approach include:
- Improved Road Safety: Drivers must read signs, understand warnings, and follow complex regulations.
- Clear Communication: In case of breakdowns, accidents, or law enforcement interactions, language barriers can slow response times and create risks.
- Industry Standards Alignment: Many Canadian trucking employers already require English proficiency for hiring, so enforcing this nationally would create consistency.
Ensuring Secure Language Testing
To implement standardized CLB 6 proficiency testing and prevent cheating, Canada could adopt security measures used in other industries:
- Biometric Verification: Require facial recognition or fingerprint scanning to confirm the test-taker’s identity.
- AI-Powered Proctoring: Use automated monitoring systems to detect suspicious behavior during online testing.
- Randomized Question Banks: Rotate large pools of test questions to prevent memorization and answer sharing.
- Secure Testing Centers: Conduct exams at designated locations with trained proctors overseeing candidates.
- Multi-Step Authentication: Ensure test-takers verify their identity using government-issued IDs before accessing exams.
A Call to Action: Strengthening Language Standards for Truck Drivers
As Canada continues to refine road safety and commercial driver training, it’s time to prioritize standardized language proficiency. A minimum CLB 6 benchmark and secure testing methods could enhance safety, ensuring all commercial drivers can effectively communicate, read road signs, and follow industry regulations.
Would you support a national CLB 6 language requirement for truck drivers? Let’s start the conversation and advocate for safer roadways.
