How to Get a Class A (AZ) Truck Licence in Ontario in 2026

To drive a tractor-trailer in Ontario, you need a Class A licence and a Z air brake endorsement. Here is each step, including the new document rules from May 11, 2026 and the six-month G rule starting January 1, 2027.

What a Class A licence lets you drive

A full Class A licence lets you drive any truck/tractor-trailer combination, including combinations where the towed vehicles weigh more than 4,600 kg (10,000 lbs) and have air brakes, and double trailers. It also covers Class D heavy trucks and Class G cars and light trucks.

A Class A licence does not let you drive a bus carrying passengers, a motorcycle or a moped. To drive a truck with air brakes, you also need a Z air brake endorsement on your licence. Together, they are called an "AZ" licence.

Who can apply

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must hold a valid Ontario licence other than G1, G2, M, M1 or M2. In practice, this means a full Class G (or higher).
• From January 1, 2027: to take the Class A road test, you must have held a Class G or higher licence for at least 6 months.
• You must meet the vision standards and give a satisfactory medical report.
• From May 11, 2026, you must prove Ontario residence, legal presence in Canada and work eligibility (see below).

Steps to get your AZ licence

1. Gather your documents. Bring original identity documents that show your legal name, date of birth and signature, plus the residence, legal presence and work eligibility documents listed below.
2. Get a medical report. Pick up the commercial medical report form at a DriveTest centre. A physician or nurse practitioner licensed in Canada fills it out. The report is valid for 180 days. MTO medical requirements must be met before you can take any test except the vision test.
3. Apply and take the vision and knowledge tests. Go to a DriveTest centre (or the ServiceOntario Bay and College location in Toronto, by appointment). Commercial knowledge tests need no appointment. They are multiple choice and not timed. Study the Official MTO Truck Handbook and try our Class A practice test.
4. Complete mandatory entry-level training (MELT). See the section below. Your training must be recorded on your driver's record before the road test.
5. Get your Z air brake endorsement. Take the air brake knowledge and practical tests (see below).
6. Book and pass the Class A road test within one year of passing the knowledge test.

Mandatory entry-level training (MELT)

Since July 1, 2017, you must finish MELT before your full Class A road test. Key facts:

• It includes at least 103.5 hours of instruction on the knowledge and skills to drive a large truck safely on Ontario roads.
• Take it from an approved provider: a registered private career college, or an organization in MTO's Driver Certification Program (including approved Ontario public colleges).
• Providers set their own prices. Funding may be available through Better Jobs Ontario, WSIB, Ontario Works or Aboriginal Bands.
• Your driver's record is updated automatically when you finish. The training is valid for life.
• Drivers with a commercial licence from another country also need MELT.

Z air brake endorsement

You need a Z endorsement to drive any vehicle with air brakes. You take an air brake knowledge test and a practical test at DriveTest. Study the Official Air Brake Handbook and our air brake (Z) practice test.

• The practical test takes about 30 minutes in a parking lot with a stopped vehicle. For AZ, it includes the trailer air brake system.
• You can book it on the same day as your Class A road test (an AZ combination test). If you fail the air brake test, you cannot continue to the road test.
• Bring wheel chocks, a way to time seconds, a way to hold the brake pedal down, and a pushrod stroke measuring device.
• If you took an air brake course at an accredited school, you may not need to take the Z tests.

The Class A road test

You bring your own vehicle. DriveTest does not supply one. The test includes:

• A daily vehicle inspection of six randomly chosen items, plus an in-cab check.
• Uncoupling and coupling the trailer.
• On-road driving and one backing manoeuvre.

Vehicle rules:

• For a full Class A, the trailer must weigh more than 4,600 kg and have full air brakes on both the tractor and trailer.
• Bring a valid daily inspection report and the inspection schedule. If you do not, the test is cancelled and you lose 50% of the prepaid fee.
• If you test in an automatic, semi-automatic or automated-manual truck, your licence gets a restriction: you cannot drive manual Class A trucks. To avoid this, test in a manual with at least eight forward gears and a high-low range.

Cancel at least 48 hours ahead to keep your fee. If you fail, wait at least 10 days before you try again.

Documents required from May 11, 2026

When you apply for a Class A, B, C, D, E or F licence, you must prove three things: Ontario is your primary residence, you are in Canada legally, and you can work in Canada.

Proof of Ontario residence

• Bring two documents, as originals or printed copies, in English or French. Photocopies and electronic versions are not accepted.
• Examples: a recent tax assessment or other government tax/benefit document (current or previous year), pay stubs for your three most recent pay periods, bank or credit card statements for the last 3 months, an insurance policy, a lease or rental agreement, a property tax bill, or a utility bill. Phone bills are not accepted.

Legal presence and work eligibility

• Documents must be valid, in your name, and valid for at least six more months in Canada.
• Citizens and permanent residents can use one document, such as a Canadian passport, Canadian birth certificate, PR card or citizenship certificate.
• Temporary residents can use a work permit or study permit (IMM 1442) with a valid foreign passport. A closed work permit must name an Ontario truck or bus driver employer. An open work permit is accepted unless it restricts the work area or limits you to another province.
• If you have temporary status, you may need to show documents again when you renew.

Check the full list on the DriveTest acceptable documents page before you go.

After you get your licence

You must send a new medical report every five years until age 46, every three years from 46 to 64, and every year from age 65. If MTO does not get your report on time, your licence is downgraded to Class G.