Are you interested in starting a career as a commercial driver in Ontario? Commercial drivers are highly sought after and have a lot of room for career growth. Many commercial driver jobs require specific types of licences and certifications. Here is a quick breakdown of Ontario’s different driver’s licences by our driver recruitment experts at Nova Staffing Driver Services.
Class A
People with Class A licenses are allowed to drive any tractor-trailer combination. This means allows you to drive a motor vehicle and towed vehicles where the towed vehicle exceeds a total gross weight of 5,600 kg (10,000 lbs). You can also drive in Class D and G.
Class B
Those with Class B licenses are allowed to drive any school-purpose bus. You can drive school buses with seating for more than 24 passengers. You may also drive in Class C, D, E, F, and G.
Class C
Class C drivers are allowed to drive any regular, non-school bus with seating more than 24 passengers. This also allows you to drive Class D, F, and G vehicles.
Class D
Class D drivers can drive motor vehicles exceeding 11,000 kg gross weight or registered gross weight, or any truck or combination provided the towed vehicle is not over 4,600 kg. You may also drive in Class G.
Class E
Those with class E licenses can drive any school purposes bus with a maximum capacity of 24 passengers. You may also drive in Class F and G.
Class F
Class F drivers can drive any regular, non-school bus, with a maximum capacity of 24-passengers. This includes a 15-passenger van and an ambulance. You can also drive in Class G.
Class G
Class G is the standard licence for Ontario drivers. Those with a G license can drive any car, van, or small truck, or combination of vehicle and towed vehicle up to 11,000 kg, provided the towed vehicle is not over 4,600 kg.
The G class has three levels:
- G1: Level One of graduated licensing. G1 drivers can drive G Class vehicles with a fully licensed driver with at least four years of driving experience. Some conditions apply.
- G2: Level Two of graduated licensing. G2 drivers can drive Class G vehicles without an accompanied driver but are subject to certain conditions.
- G: A full G driver can drive any G Class vehicle without an accompanied driver or restrictions.
Class M
Class M drivers are allowed to drive any motorcycles, including motor tricycles, motor scooters, or mopeds. There are different levels and types of M licenses.
- M1: Level One of graduated licensing for Class M. May drive a motorcycle under certain conditions.
- M2: Level Two of graduated licensing for Class M. May drive a motorcycle with zero blood alcohol level.
- Class M with L condition: Can operate a limited-speed motorcycle (motor scooter) or moped only.
- Class M2 with L condition: Can operate a limited-speed motorcycle or moped only
- Class M with M condition: Holders can operate a motor tricycle only
- Class M2 with M condition: Holders can operate a motor tricycle only
Z Endorsement
A “Z” endorsement, or Z license, allows you to drive a vehicle fitted with an air brake system or an air-over-hydraulic brake system. There is extra testing required for this. Many commercial driver jobs require a Z endorsement as well as other class licenses.
Looking for a commercial driver job or looking to hire commercial drivers? Contact Nova Driver Services today. Our team of driver recruitment experts are here to help!