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Single licence concept
Application
To ensure that driving violations are assigned to a single licence, a driver in Ontario may hold only one driver’s licence unless a second licence is a motorcycle learner’s permit or is required and issued by another province or state.
Procedure
Upon application, a driver must surrender any out-of-jurisdiction licences to the Ministry of Transportation. The licence(s) will then be returned to the issuing province or state, and the driver’s record will be updated accordingly. A record exchange system will permit the Ministry to determine the licensing status of the applicant (in Canada).
Enforcement
Compliance will be monitored at the time of application, as well as during roadside inspections and facility audits. Violations of the standard will be recorded on both the driver’s file and the operator’s Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR) file.
Law
Highway Traffic Act, Section 35
Classified licence system
The table below outlines the vehicles which may be driven by a holder in each class. Vehicles equipped with air brakes may be operated only if a “Z” endorsement has been obtained from the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO).
| LICENCE | PERMITS THE OPERATION OF | MINIMUM AGE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A |
| 18 | |
| Class A Restricted | Vehicles in Classes D & G
Drivers with the Class A-Restricted licence may not operate:
Note: A Class A-Restricted licence will be issued to a driver that completes the road test with a smaller truck-trailer combination. Current Class A licence holders will retain their Class A licence; however, if a road test is required at renewal, a Class A licence holder must ensure that a full-size tractor-trailer combination is used during the road test to retain the full Class A licence. | 18 | |
| Class B |
| 21 | |
| Class C |
| 18 | |
| Class D |
| 18 | |
| Class E |
| 21 | |
| Class F |
| 18 | |
| Class G |
| 16 | |
| Class G1 & G2 |
| 16 | |
| Class M |
| 16 | |
| Class M1 & M2 |
| 16 | |
In addition to being the driver’s responsibility, it is also the operator’s responsibility to ensure that a driver under his/her employ is properly licenced. This information can be found in the driver’s abstract, which may be purchased from the MTO.
Entry-level driver training
Applicants for a Class A driver’s licence are required to complete an entry-level training course prior to taking the road test to obtain a Class A license. For more details, see www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/trucks/mandatory-entry-level-training.shtml.
“Z” Endorsement (Air Brake Endorsement)
Drivers wishing to operate a vehicle with air brakes must obtain a “Z” endorsement on the licence. To obtain the “Z” endorsement, a driver must pass one of three knowledge tests depending on the type of combination he/she operates. Version 1 of the knowledge tests includes tractor and trailer air brake system questions, Version 2 excludes trailer air brake system questions, and Version 3 covers only trailer air brake systems. Then, the driver must pass a practical test demonstrating knowledge of air brake systems. Again, there are two versions depending on the type of combination he/she operates. Version 1 of the practical test covers trailer air brake systems while Version 2 does not cover trailer air brake systems.
To avoid test cancellation, drivers must be prepared with certain items when taking the practical test. Items a driver must bring to the test include but are not limited to head and eye protection, a brake adjustment limits chart, a marker or chalk to mark the pushrod and ruler or tape measure (to measure pushrod stroke), stopwatch or other time-keeping device that measures seconds, wheel chocks, and a method of continuously applying the brake pedal.
Upon completion and passing of the knowledge test and practical test, drivers must go to a DriveTest centre and provide the test results to add the “Z” endorsement to the driver’s licence. Go to www.drivetest.ca for more information.
Class G drivers operating into the United States
Ontario-based drivers with Class G licences must meet medical standards to operate commercial vehicles in the United States.
Drivers of a vehicle defined as a “commercial motor vehicle” in 49 CFR §390.5 (essentially vehicles with a gross weight or gross weight rating of 4,536 kilograms [10,001 pounds] or more) must complete a medical examination indicating they are physically qualified to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.
The Canada-U. S. medical reciprocity agreement recognizes a Canadian commercial licence as proof that a medical has been completed. However, the reciprocity agreement only addresses commercial-class licences, not the Ontario Class G licence.
There are three options to obtain the appropriate medical confirmation:
- Submit a completed FMCSA Medical Report form found at: https://roar-assets-auto.rbl.ms/documents/18310/5080E.pdf. The form can be completed by a physician or nurse practitioner to confirm the national medical standards are met. Drivers can fax a full copy of the report to MTO at (416) 235-3400 or (800) 304-7889. Drivers should clearly indicate on the fax cover sheet, “This request is for a Medical Confirmation Letter for a G class licence holder operating in the United States.” Drivers should keep a copy of the medical report and fax confirmation for their records in their possession when operating in the United States.
- Upgrade an existing Class G licence to a licence class whereby a medical report is required – for more information see http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/medical-vision-hearing-standards.shtml; or
- Seek the services of a certified medical examiner in the United States and be issued a medical certificate; for more information see https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/NRPublicUI/home.seam.
Proof of medical confirmation must be in the driver’s possession when operating in the United States.
Enforcement
Licensing requirements are enforced by Ministry personnel and provincial or regional police officers during roadside inspections and facility audits. Violations that occur while driving truck or bus will be recorded on both the driver and operator’s files.
Knowledge & performance tests
Application
An applicant for a truck or bus licence must pass the vision, written and road examinations for the class of licence for which he has applied. Knowledge tests, which may be written, oral or by computer, test the applicant’s understanding of the basic traffic laws and road signs. Road or performance tests, which may be administered only after an applicant has successfully completed the vision and knowledge tests, generally include:
- Knowledge of braking system.
- Knowledge of pre-trip inspection.
- Ability to couple and uncouple vehicle.
- Ability to safely operate vehicle.
Procedure
When the applicant is properly trained and qualified, he must make an appointment with a Ministry of Transportation Driver Licence Examination Centre to take the vision, written and road tests. Applicants exchanging out-of-province licences which equivalent to Ontario class (A, B, C, D, E, F) or applying for a truck or bus licence must also obtain a medical examination from a qualified physician. The medical must be submitted to the ministry before a licence will be issued. Applicants for a schoolbus licence (Class B, E) must also have a criminal record search completed.
Truck and bus operator licences and air brake endorsements must be renewed every 5 years until age 65, and annually thereafter.
NOTE: Procedures for licence testing, renewing and upgrading for applicants employed by an operator who is a Recognized Authority under the Driver Certification Program are the same as for other drivers. A Recognized Authority is an operator who has been approved by the Ministry to train and test its own employees and certify that they qualify for renewed or upgraded driver’s licences.
Law
Highway Traffic Act, Section 32
Regulation
341/94 (Driver Licence Examinations), 390/94 (Driver Licences) and 339/94 (Demerit Point System)