A truck licence opens the door to a stable career in Ontario’s transportation industry. In Ontario, truck drivers need a Class A or Class D licence, and a Z endorsement if the truck has air brakes. This guide explains each licence, the requirements and how to apply.
Types of Truck licence
Class A: Covers tractor-trailer combinations where the towed vehicle is over 4,600 kg. A full Class A also covers Class D and G vehicles and needs air brakes on both the truck and the trailer. A restricted Class A (condition R) covers smaller combinations such as recreational, horse or utility trailers. It does not allow air-brake trailers, full-size tractor-trailers or double trailers.
Class D: Covers trucks over 11,000 kg, or combinations where the towed vehicle is 4,600 kg or less. It also covers Class G vehicles.
Z endorsement: Required to drive any vehicle with air brakes.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a valid Ontario licence other than a G1, G2, M, M1 or M2
- Provide a valid medical report and pass the vision test
- Pass the knowledge test on operating large trucks and tractor-trailers
- For Class A: complete Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) before the road test
- Pass a road test in the right type of vehicle
From January 1, 2027, Class A applicants must have held a Class G or higher licence for at least six months before the Class A road test. Applicants must also show that Ontario is their primary residence, that they are legally present in Canada, and that they are eligible to work in Canada.
What Can You Drive with a Class A licence?
A full Class A licence lets you drive tractor-trailer combinations, including those with air brakes, and any Class D or G vehicle. It does not allow you to drive a passenger bus, a motorcycle or a moped.
What you can’t drive: A restricted Class A (AR) holder cannot drive an air-brake trailer or a full-size tractor-trailer.
What You Can’t Drive?
With a restricted class A, you can’t drive a:
- Trailer with air brakes
- Full-size tractor-trailer
For a full Class A road test the vehicle must have a trailer rated at least 4,600 kg, full air brakes on the truck and trailer, and a manual transmission with at least eight forward gears and a high-low range. The test includes a daily vehicle inspection, driving in traffic, and coupling, uncoupling and backing the combination. Cancel at least 48 hours ahead to avoid a cancellation fee.
How To Apply For a Truck licence Ontario?
- Get a medical report from your doctor and bring your Ontario licence and ID.
- Pass the vision test and the knowledge test at a DriveTest centre.
- For Class A, complete MELT with an approved provider.
- Book your road test online, by phone or at a DriveTest centre.
- Pass the road test in the correct vehicle.
- If the truck has air brakes, get your Z endorsement through an air brake course or by testing at DriveTest.
How Can GClass Drivers Help You?
G-Class Drivers can help you build the foundation before you apply for a truck licence. Our G and G2 lesson packages help you prepare for your road tests, and our AZ licence guide explains the Class A process in detail. We teach in Hamilton, Burlington and Milton. Register now.
Conclusion
Getting a truck licence in Ontario takes the right licence class, the right training and passing the required tests. Start with the licence that matches the vehicle you want to drive, then follow the steps above. Contact G-Class Drivers if you need help getting road-test ready.
FAQs
What is the minimum age to get a truck licence in Ontario?
18 years old.
What are the requirements for a truck licence in Ontario?
A valid Ontario licence (not G1, G2 or M-class), a medical report, a vision test, the knowledge test, MELT for Class A, and a road test in the right vehicle.
Can a newcomer get a truck licence in Ontario?
Yes, if you meet the requirements. You must show that Ontario is your primary residence, that you are legally present in Canada and that you are eligible to work in Canada.
Do I need training?
Class A applicants must complete Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) before the road test. Ask your approved training provider for the current course length.
What is the Z endorsement?
It is required to drive a vehicle with air brakes. You can get it through an air brake course or by testing at DriveTest.
