17 Jul A Guide to Ontario Truck Driving Licenses
At Toronto Truck Driving School, we offer specialized training programs tailored to meet the unique requirements of aspiring truck drivers. Whether you aspire to operate heavy commercial vehicles with a Class A license or prefer driving smaller trucks with a Class D license, our experienced instructors will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to excel in your chosen field. Discover the endless possibilities that await you with a truck driving license.
Class A License
A Class A license is a commercial driver’s license (CDL) that permits individuals to operate combination vehicles such as tractor-trailers. The license allows drivers to operate vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeding 4,600 kg (10,000 pounds) while towing a trailer with a GVWR of 4,600 kg or more. Class A license holders may also drive vehicles in Classes D, G (personal driver’s license), and A with condition (R). A Class A license does not permit driving a bus carrying passengers, a motorcycle (Class M), or a moped.
A Class A with condition (R) refers to a Class A license that is restricted. This license prohibits drivers from operating a motor vehicle pulling double trailers or a trailer with air brakes. Class A (with Condition R) license holders may also drive vehicles in Classes D and G. With both Class A and Class A with condition (R), the type of transmission in the vehicle you use for your road test will determine the types of Class A and Class A with condition (R) trucks you can drive in Ontario.
With a Class A license, individuals can pursue various career opportunities in the transportation and logistics industry. They may find employment as long-haul truck drivers, delivery drivers, freight haulers, or in specialized sectors such as tanker or refrigerated trucking. Class A license holders are also eligible to pursue additional endorsements, such as hazardous materials (Hazmat) or double/triple trailer endorsements, further expanding their job prospects and earning potential.
Class B License
A Class B license is a type of CDL that allows individuals to operate any school-purpose bus with a seating capacity designed for more than 24 passengers. With a Class B license, individuals can pursue a career as a school bus driver. Class B license holders may also drive a vehicle in Classes C, D, E, F, and G, but not a motorcycle or moped.
Class C License
A Class C license is a type of CDL that allows individuals to operate any regular bus with a seating capacity designed for more than 24 passengers. With a Class C license, individuals can pursue a career as a bus driver or in specialized transit services. Class C license holders may also drive a vehicle in Classes D, F, and G, but not a motorcycle or moped.
Class D License
A Class D license is a type of CDL that authorizes individuals to operate specific types of commercial vehicles. A Class D license allows individuals to drive straight trucks, buses, and other vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeding 4,600 kg (10,000 pounds) while towing a trailer with a GVWR not exceeding 4,600 kg. Class D license holders may also drive a vehicle in Class G. A Class D license does not permit you to drive a bus carrying passengers, a motorcycle, or a moped.
With a Class D license, individuals can pursue various career opportunities in the transportation and passenger services industries. They may find employment as delivery drivers or operate straight trucks for cargo transportation. Class D license holders can pursue additional endorsements such as air brakes (Z endorsement) if they plan to operate vehicles equipped with air brake systems.
Class E License
A Class E license is a type of CDL allowing individuals to operate any school-purpose bus with a seating capacity of up to 24 passengers. With a Class E license, individuals can pursue a career as a school bus driver. Class E license holders may also drive vehicles in Classes F and G, but not a motorcycle or moped.
Class F License
A Class F license is a driver’s license category that allows individuals to operate specific types of vehicles, primarily related to passenger transportation. The Class F license is generally intended for individuals who wish to drive vehicles designed to transport more than 10 passengers, including the driver, such as buses and certain types of vans. The Highway Traffic Act defines a bus as a “motor vehicle designed for carrying ten or more passengers and used for the transportation of persons.”
With a Class F license, individuals can pursue a career as an ambulance driver, paratransit driver, or in specialized transport services. A Class F license may also be helpful for large families or businesses that regularly transport employees and require a passenger van. Class F license holders may also drive a vehicle in Class G, but not a motorcycle or moped.
Class Z License
A Class Z license is an air brake endorsement that can be added to an existing license. The air brake endorsement (Z endorsement) allows individuals to operate vehicles equipped with air brake systems. The Z endorsement can be combined with any Class A, B, C, D, E, F, or G licenses. However, the most common combinations are the Z endorsement with the Class A license for a Class AZ license and the Z endorsement with the Class D license for a Class DZ license.
By completing your chosen program and acquiring your chosen truck driving license, along with additional endorsements such as the air brake endorsement (Z), you open a world of opportunities in the trucking industry. These licenses grant you the legal authorization to operate specific types of commercial vehicles and demonstrate your commitment to professionalism, safety, and expertise. Take the first step towards an exciting future in the trucking industry by enrolling in Toronto Truck Driving School.