Ontario Launches 10-Year Pilot Program to Test Automated Commercial Trucks

Source: ACMV

Toronto, August 5, 2025 — The Ontario government has launched an ambitious 10-year pilot program to allow the testing of Automated Commercial Motor Vehicles (ACMVs) on provincial roads. Running until August 1, 2035, the initiative aims to support Ontario’s $3B trucking industry while upholding world-class road safety standards.

The pilot applies to truck configurations weighing over 4,500 kg equipped with automated driving systems that meet SAE Levels 3, 4, or 5.

Two testing streams are available:

• Driver-supervised: a driver must be seated and ready to take control at any time.

• Driverless: no driver present in the vehicle; a remote or onboard assistant in Ontario must oversee operations.

To participate, carriers must:

• Submit an application and receive MTO approval

• Develop an approved testing plan with the Ministry

• Meet strict requirements for safety, insurance, driver and carrier qualifications

Eligibility criteria

Carriers must meet one of the following:

• 2+ years with “Satisfactory-unaudited” safety rating + partner with 5+ years and same rating

• 3+ years with “Excellent-audited” safety rating

• 5+ years with “Satisfactory-unaudited” rating

How to apply

To operate ACMVs in Ontario, participation in the pilot is mandatory.

Email: ACMVpilot@ontario.ca

Fax: 905-704-2545

Address:

Commercial Safety and Compliance Branch

Carrier Sanctions and Investigations Office

301 St. Paul Street, 3rd Floor

St. Catharines ON

L2R 7R4