How to Get Your Truck License in Ontario

A Step-by-Step Guide

Truck drivers in Ontario can earn up to $85,000 annually, and experienced drivers often make more than $100,000. Did you know that?

Your truck license in Ontario is your ticket to a stable, high-paying career in one of Canada’s vital industries. You can choose between an AZ license for driving long-haul routes or a DZ license for local deliveries. Becoming a licensed truck driver requires specific requirements, tests, and training programs.

These requirements might look complex at first glance. There’s no need to worry, though. This piece summarizes everything you need to know about getting your truck license in Ontario. From medical requirements to road tests, we’ve made the process simple.

Ready to begin a journey toward a rewarding career in trucking? Let’s take a closer look at the details!

Truck License in Ontario

Understanding Ontario Truck License Classes

Ontario categorizes truck licenses into different classes based on vehicle weight and configuration. Your career goals in trucking will determine which license class you need.

Class A, D, and G License Differences

Ontario’s truck license system has these key classes:

  • Class A License: This license lets you drive any tractor-trailer combination where towed vehicles exceed 4,600 kg [1]. Long-haul trucking careers typically need this license.
  • Class D License: You can operate trucks that exceed 11,000 kg, with towed vehicles under 4,600 kg [1]. Delivery drivers and municipal workers often use this license.
  • Class G License: This covers vehicles up to 11,000 kg combined weight, with towed vehicles not exceeding 4,600 kg [2].

MELT Program Requirements

The Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) program is a prerequisite for your Class A license. This detailed training takes at least 103.5 hours [3]. Students learn through classroom sessions, yard practice, and on-road training to master safe truck operations.

Air Brake (Z) Endorsement Explained

Commercial trucks typically use air brake systems, so you’ll need a Z endorsement on your license. To get this endorsement, you must complete an air brake course and pass knowledge and practical tests [4]. Ontario launched an online air brake learning module on September 1, 2023, which replaces the in-person knowledge test for renewals [4].

Your test vehicle’s transmission type now determines what Class A trucks you can drive since July 1, 2022. Taking your road test in an automatic transmission vehicle restricts you to driving only automatic transmission trucks [4].

Medical and Testing Requirements

Getting behind the wheel of a commercial truck in Ontario requires specific medical and testing requirements that ensure road safety for everyone.

Medical Examination Process

A medical report from a licensed Canadian physician or nurse practitioner is essential for your commercial truck license. Your age determines how often you need medical reports:

The ministry sends medical forms 90 days before their due date, which gives you enough time to schedule an appointment and submit the completed form [5].

Vision Test Standards

Commercial driving demands strict vision standards. Class A and D licenses require:

  • Visual acuity not poorer than 20/30 with both eyes examined together [6]
  • Visual acuity not poorer than 20/100 in the weaker eye [6]
  • A horizontal visual field of at least 150 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian [6]

Knowledge Test Components

The knowledge test reviews your grasp of commercial driving rules and regulations. Each test takes about 20-30 minutes [7] and has multiple-choice questions covering:

You need at least 80% to pass the test [7]. You can retake the test after paying the fee if you don’t pass. Note that your test results stay valid for one year, and you must complete your road test within this period [7].

The Official MTO Truck Handbook has study materials to help you prepare for these requirements. The medical report stays valid 180 days from your examination date, so schedule your medical examination with plenty of time.

Required Documentation and Fees

Getting a truck license in Ontario requires specific documents and careful budget planning. Here’s what you need and how much you should expect to spend.

Essential Documents Checklist

You’ll need these documents to apply for your truck license:

  • Valid Ontario Class G license or equivalent
  • Completed medical report form
  • Two pieces of government-issued identification
  • Proof of completion of mandatory entry-level training (for Class A)
  • Air brake endorsement documentation (if applicable)

Current License Fee Structure

The license costs have several components. These are the simple fees:

  • Class A knowledge test and road test package: CAD 171.03 [4]
  • Five-year license fee: CAD 125.40 [4]
  • Medical examination: CAD 69.67 to CAD 209.00 [8]
  • Official MTO Truck Handbook: CAD 27.87 [8]
  • Air Brake Handbook: CAD 27.87 [8]

The Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) costs between CAD 6,966.80 and CAD 13,933.60 [8].

Financial Assistance Options

You can explore these funding options to help with the costs:

The Ontario Jobs Training Tax Credit provides up to CAD 2,786.72 in tax relief and covers 50% of eligible expenses [8]. On top of that, the Government of Canada’s initiative might give you up to CAD 13,933.60 in training grants plus a matching wage incentive [9].

Newcomers to Canada can access specialized loan programs through various organizations to finance their training and licensing costs [10].

Ensure you save all receipts and documentation for tax deductions and reimbursement claims.

Road Test and Practical Assessments

The road test is your final challenge to getting your truck license in Ontario. According to the Ministry of Transportation’s guidelines, you must show how to operate a commercial vehicle safely.

Pre-Trip Inspection Requirements

Your road test starts with a complete vehicle inspection. You must show how to inspect six randomly selected items from Schedule 1 in Ontario Regulation O. Reg. 199/07. Each item requires you to:

  • Show and describe the inspection process
  • Identify potential defects
  • Explain appropriate actions for any defects found

On-Road Testing Components

The driving portion tests your skills in actual traffic conditions. The test has:

  • Left and right turns
  • Intersections and lane changes
  • Expressway driving
  • Backing maneuvers
  • Roadside stop/start procedures

Class A tests require you to use a vehicle with a manual transmission that has at least eight forward gears with a high-low range [4]. If you don’t, you’ll get a restriction that limits you to automatic transmission vehicles.

Common Testing Mistakes to Avoid

You can boost your chances of passing by avoiding these critical errors:

  • Improper Mirror Use: Not checking mirrors regularly, especially during turns and lane changes [12]
  • Incorrect Lane Position: Drifting or poor positioning during turns [12]
  • Gear Shifting Issues: Grinding gears or shifting at the wrong times in manual transmission vehicles [12]
  • Rolling Stops: Not making complete stops at stop signs and red lights [12]

You can make up to 30 errors during the on-road and backing skills portions, but you must complete backing maneuvers within 10 minutes [13].

FAQs

Q1. What are the steps to obtain a truck license in Ontario? To get a truck license in Ontario, you must complete the Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) program, pass a written knowledge test, undergo a medical examination, and complete a road test. The process also includes obtaining the necessary documentation and paying the required fees.

Q2. How long does becoming a licensed truck driver in Ontario typically take? The duration can vary, but it generally takes 2-3 months to complete the necessary training and testing. This includes the MELT program, which requires at least 103.5 hours of instruction, followed by the licensing process.

Q3. What is the approximate cost of obtaining a truck license in Ontario? The total cost can range from CAD 7,000 to CAD 14,000. This includes fees for the MELT program, knowledge and road tests, license fees, medical examinations, and study materials. Financial assistance options are available, such as tax credits and training grants.

Q4. Can I drive a large truck with a regular G license in Ontario? With a Class G license, you can drive vehicles up to 11,000 kg combined weight, with towed vehicles not exceeding 4,600 kg. Depending on the vehicle’s specifications and intended use, you’ll need a Class A or D license for larger trucks.

Q5. What are the medical requirements for obtaining a truck license in Ontario? You must submit a medical report completed by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner. The frequency of medical reports depends on your age: every five years if under 46, every three years between 46-64, and annually if 65 or older. Vision tests are also required, with specific standards for visual acuity and field of vision.

References

[1] – http://www.ontario.ca/document/official-ministry-transportation-mto-truck-handbook/and-d-license-classes-and-requirements
[2] – http://www.ontario.ca/document/official-ministry-transportation-mto-bus-handbook/license-classes-and-combinations
[3] – https://www.ontario.ca/page/mandatory-training-class-drivers-license-applicants
[4] – http://www.ontario.ca/page/get-truck-drivers-license
[5] – https://ontariome.ca/drivers-medical-examination/
[6] – http://www.ontario.ca/page/medical-vision-and-hearing-standards-commercial-drivers
[7] – https://drivetest.ca/tests/knowledge-tests/
[8] – https://www.windmillmicrolending.org/resources/blog/how-to-get-an-az-license-in-ontario
[9] – https://truckinghr.com/career-expressway-thrc/driver-training-grants/
[10] – https://ttsao.com/new-driver-financing-options/

[12] – https://blogs.fastrackdriving.ca/mistakes-to-avoid-in-your-class-1-road-test
[13] – http://www.ontario.ca/document/official-ministry-transportation-mto-truck-handbook/road-test