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Truck drivers needed across Ontario

February 16, 2023   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

If you are looking for a new career, transportation is a growing industry as most of the goods moved across North America arrive by truck, and there is always a demand for drivers.

First, you will have to take a training course to learn how to drive a truck or big rig.

In Ontario, becoming a truck driver requires a different license depending on the type of truck you will be driving.

The license depends on the weight of the truck, towed vehicle, combined weight, if the truck is a tractor-trailer, and whether the vehicle has air brakes.

A full Class A License is the only license that covers full air brake systems on both tractors and trailers. A mandatory entry-level training course must be successfully completed before attempting the Class A road test.

A full Class AZ, air brake endorsement license allows you to drive any truck and tractor-trailer combination, a vehicle pulling double trailers, heavy trucks covered by the Class D license, and any vehicle covered under a restricted Class A license.

You will have to pass a written test as well as a road test and be at least 18 years old. For the road test you vehicle must have a trailer with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of at least 4,600 kg, a full air brake system on both the truck and trailer and a manual transmission that consists of at least eight forward gears with a high-low range.

A restricted Class A license allows you to operate a smaller truck-trailer combination such as a recreational, horse, or utility trailer.

A Class D license will allow you to drive a truck with a gross weight or registered gross weight of more than 11,000 kg. These are typically heavy-duty delivery-style trucks with one unit and do not have a trailer.

There are handbooks supplied by the MTO to help you get ready for the written test.

During the road test, you will be tested on your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle. During the test you will also be required to demonstrate knowledge of the vehicle and its operation.

Becoming a truck driver can lead to a long and rewarding career in a growing industry.

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