The program will test Level 3–5 automated commercial vehicles to assess safety, performance

The government of Ontario has rolled out a new Automated Commercial Motor Vehicle (ACMV) Pilot Program.

Launched earlier this month and set to run until August 1, 2035, the pilot will focus on heavy-duty commercial vehicles weighing more than 4,500 kilograms and equipped with Level 3, 4, or 5 automation.

The program’s aim is to evaluate vehicle performance, explore ways to improve road safety and understand how automation can support the province’s trucking sector.

Two streams for testing

The program is structured around two distinct testing streams.

The driver-supervised stream requires a qualified driver to remain in the driver’s seat, ready to take control whenever necessary.

The driverless stream, by contrast, involves no driver in the vehicle’s seat. Instead, an assistant inside the vehicle (or located remotely elsewhere in Ontario) must monitor operations.

To qualify for either stream, carriers must meet one of three experience and safety rating thresholds:

• Operated for at least two years with a “Satisfactory-Unaudited” safety rating and partnered with a carrier holding at least five years of experience and the same rating.

• Operated for at least three years with an “Excellent-Audited” safety rating.

• Operated for at least five years with a “Satisfactory-Unaudited” safety rating.

Fleets wanting to participate must submit an application to the program and secure approval from Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation (MTO).

Approved carriers will work with the ministry to develop an authorized testing plan and must meet stringent requirements for safety, driver and carrier qualifications, minimum insurance coverage and other operational standards.

Collecting data

Throughout the pilot, the MTO will monitor each vehicle’s performance in real-world conditions.

As part of the program, fleets must complete regular reporting forms and may be asked to provide additional data or feedback to the ministry.

This information will be used to help officials assess not only how automated trucks function with minimal driver involvement, but also how they compare to conventional commercial vehicles in terms of safety, efficiency and reliability.

The collected data will guide the ministry in refining the pilot’s requirements and identifying opportunities to enhance road safety.