Obtaining a Commercial License

Process for Obtaining a Commercial Vehicle Driver’s Licence

If you aspire to a career as a truck driver in Ontario, Canada, the first step you need to take is to apply to get a commercial driver’s license. This handy infographic will give you the information you need to begin the process.

Commercial Driver’s Licence Requirements

  1. You must be 16 years old (Class B or E – At least 21 years old.)
  2. Have a valid Class G licence or higher.
  3. You must meet the vision standards established by the MTO.
  4. Ability to meet hearing standards, except Class A and D.
  5. Satisfactory medical examination report.
  6. You must pass a knowledge test.
  7. Passing marks on the applicable road test at DriveTest or from an MTO-recognized authority.

Process for Obtaining a Commercial Vehicle Driver’s Licence

Step 1
Study for the written knowledge test.


Step 2
Complete the medical examination and the medical examination report form.


Step 3
Apply for a licence at the DriveTest Centre.


Step 4
Take a vision test at the DriveTest Centre.


Step 5
Pay the fees at the DriveTest Centre.


Step 6
Complete and pass the written knowledge test.


Step 7
Practice, practice, practice your driving.


Step 8
Book a road test and then take a commercial road test (and/or Z endorsement practical test).


Step 9
Enjoy your commercial licence. Drive safely.

Things To Know

  • The vision test takes a few minutes – if you need corrective lenses take them.
  • Fees can be paid by: Cash, Credit card, Debit card, Certified cheque, Bank draft, Money order, and Traveller’s cheque
  • The knowledge test takes approximately 30 minutes – no appointment is required.
  • You must successfully complete a road test within one year of completing a written test. Otherwise, start again.

Commercial Driver’s Licence Types

Class A: Any tractor-trailer or combination of a motor vehicle and towed vehicles where the towed vehicles exceed a total gross weight of 4,600 kilograms.

Class B: Any school-purpose bus with a designed seating capacity for more than 24 passengers.

Class C: Any regular bus with a designed seating capacity for more than 24 passengers.

Class D: Any truck or motor vehicle combination exceeding 11,000 kg, provided the towed vehicle is not over 4,600 kg.

Class E: A school-purpose bus with a 24-passenger capacity maximum.

Class F: A regular bus with a maximum 24-passenger capacity and ambulances.

Class A With Condition R: Drivers with a restricted Class A licence condition are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle pulling double trailers or a trailer with air brakes.

Z Endorsement: A Z air brake endorsement is required on a driver’s licence to operate any air-brake-equipped motor vehicle.

Source: https://drivetest.ca/licences/drivers-licences-commercial.html