Becoming a commercial truck driver in Ontario is a great career choice and will open many lucrative opportunities. Trucking is an essential industry in Canada; however, it is also heavily regulated, and those interested in joining must meet specific requirements. Nova Driver Services is one of the top driver recruitment agencies in the province, and one of the first things we do when we get a new applicant is to see if they meet the following criteria.

 

Age Requirements

To become a commercial truck driver in Ontario, you must be at least 18 years old. This is the minimum age requirement, but if you are interested in higher-paying trucker positions, such as cross-border trucking jobs, fleets tend to prefer drivers with a bit more experience. The good news is that there are no maximum age restrictions for drivers in Canada.

 

Medical Requirements

All drivers must pass a vision, wearing corrective eyewear, such as glasses or contact lenses, if necessary. You will also need to pass a medical exam. Unfortunately, you may not be eligible if you suffer from some medical conditions that could cause problems on the job.

 

Education Requirements

The great thing about trucking is that, unlike other lucrative career paths, you do not need higher education to land a job. In Ontario, drivers only need to prove they have a Grade 10 (or equivalent) education. However, some fleets do ask for a high school diploma (or equivalent).

 

Besides a basic high school education, interested drivers must also enroll in an accredited truck training school or program, which usually takes around three months. This is where you will get all the required training hours needed in order to take the Ontario Class 1 Drive test, which will earn you an A license.

 

License Requirements

To get hired as a commercial trucker, you will need a class A or D license, with most fleets requiring an A license. To get these, you will first need a full G license in Ontario. You will get all the training, hours, and knowledge needed to get an A license during the entry-level training course. After that, you can take the official test.

 

Record Requirements

Trucking is a heavily regulated industry, meaning drivers must undergo a record and background check before getting hired. You will need a clean driving record, and most fleets want a clear criminal record as well, especially if you are looking at cross-border jobs. A criminal record doesn’t mean you can’t become a commercial trucker; you just won’t qualify for every job.

 

If you want to learn more about becoming a commercial truck driver, contact Nova Staffing today. If you already have all the requirements and are just looking for an exciting opportunity, check out our online trucker job board.  

 

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