Licence endorsements and restrictions

Scope

Licence endorsements and restrictions may vary depending on the province or territory where the driver is licensed.

Regulatory citations

• None

Key definitions

• Endorsement: A condition that expands the driver’s privileges for specific vehicles and/or equipment.
• Restriction: A condition that limits the drivers to privileges due to specific limitations such as vision.

Summary of requirements

Driver’s license endorsements and restrictions are codes that are added to a driver’s license to indicate that the driver is authorized to operate certain types of vehicles or that driving is subject to certain limitations or restrictions. Sometimes, endorsements and restrictions have the same codes, but they are usually listed separately on a driver’s license. Unlike endorsements, restrictions prohibit a driver from driving unless certain conditions are met.

Licence endorsements are additional qualifications that allow drivers to operate certain types of vehicles or perform certain functions. For example, drivers may need an endorsement to operate a motorcycle, a bus, a taxi, or a vehicle with air brakes. Licence endorsements may require additional knowledge tests, road tests, or training courses.

Licence restrictions are limitations that are placed on a driver’s licence to address specific conditions or situations. For example, drivers may have restrictions on their licence due to their age, medical condition, vision, hearing, or driving skills. Licence restrictions may require drivers to use corrective lenses, hearing aids, ignition interlock devices, or vehicle modifications. Licence restrictions may also limit drivers to certain hours, speeds, routes, or passengers.

Licence endorsements and restrictions are usually indicated by codes or symbols on the driver’s licence card. Drivers should always check their licence for any endorsements or restrictions and follow them accordingly. Failing to comply with licence endorsements or restrictions may result in fines, penalties, licence suspension, or insurance invalidation.

Some of the most common licence endorsements in Canada are:

• Air brake endorsement: This endorsement allows drivers to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes, such as trucks, buses, and trailers. The air brake endorsement is usually indicated by a Z or a Q code on the driver’s licence. Drivers may need to pass a knowledge test, a practical test, or a training course to obtain this endorsement.
• School bus endorsement: This endorsement allows drivers to operate school buses with a seating capacity of more than 24 passengers. The school bus endorsement is usually indicated by a S code on the driver’s licence. Drivers may need to pass a knowledge test, a road test, or a training course to obtain this endorsement.
• Motorcycle endorsement: This endorsement allows drivers to operate motorcycles and mopeds. The motorcycle endorsement is usually indicated by a 6 code on the driver’s licence. Drivers may need to pass a knowledge test, a road test, or a training course to obtain this endorsement.
• Heavy trailer endorsement: This endorsement allows drivers to tow trailers with a gross weight of more than 4,600 kilograms. The heavy trailer endorsement is usually indicated by a J code on the driver’s licence. Drivers may need to pass a knowledge test, a road test, or a training course to obtain this endorsement.
• House trailer endorsement: This endorsement allows drivers to tow recreational vehicles (RVs) with a gross weight of more than 4,600 kilograms. The house trailer endorsement is usually indicated by a R code on the driver’s licence. Drivers may need to pass a knowledge test, a road test, or a training course to obtain this endorsement.

The difference between a licence endorsement and a restriction is that an endorsement expands the driver’s privileges, while a restriction limits them. An endorsement allows drivers to operate certain types of vehicles or perform certain functions that are not covered by their regular licence class. A restriction imposes certain conditions or limitations on the driver’s licence to address specific issues or situations. For example, an endorsement may allow a driver to operate a motorcycle, while a restriction may require a driver to wear corrective lenses. Both endorsements and restrictions are meant to ensure the safety of the driver and other road users.