How to get an AZ licence in Ontario
Every step to an Ontario AZ licence: eligibility, the medical and knowledge tests, mandatory entry-level training (MELT), the Class A road test, the Z air brake endorsement and DriveTest fees, with each fact linked to ontario.ca or DriveTest.
By the Canada Exam Prep Editorial Team ·
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- Checked October 17, 2026
An AZ licence is the Ontario Class A licence plus the Z air brake endorsement. Together they let you drive full tractor-trailers with air brakes, double trailers and everything covered by Classes D and G. Class A also comes with mandatory entry-level training (MELT), which new applicants must finish before the road test.
This guide puts the path in order: eligibility and documents, the medical report, the knowledge test, MELT, choosing a road-test truck, the road test itself and the Z endorsement, then renewals and medicals. Each step links to the Government of Ontario or DriveTest page it comes from. Fees and rules change, so check the linked page before you book.
Step by step
Check that you can apply
You must be at least 18 and hold a valid Ontario licence other than G1, G2, M, M1 or M2. As of January 1, 2027, you must also have held a Class G or higher licence for at least 6 months before taking the Class A road test.
Source: ontario.ca — Get a truck driver's licenceGather your documents
Bring original ID showing your legal name, date of birth and signature. Since May 11, 2026, Class A to F applicants also prove that Ontario is their primary residence, that their presence in Canada is legal and that they are eligible to work in Canada.
Source: ontario.ca — Get a truck driver's licenceGet the medical report filled in
You must hand in a completed, satisfactory ministry medical certificate. Blank forms are available at any DriveTest centre, and the application is refused if your medical condition does not meet the Highway Traffic Act standards.
Source: Official MTO Truck Handbook — A and D licence classes and requirementsPass the vision and knowledge tests
The knowledge test is multiple choice, not timed (until the office closes), marked on the spot and needs a total score of at least 80%. Computerized commercial knowledge tests are offered in 20 languages. If you fail, you pay again, and if you retry within a year you only redo the sections you missed.
Source: DriveTest — Knowledge Tests (archived copy, Aug. 2026)Complete mandatory entry-level training (MELT)
Before the Class A road test, new applicants complete at least 103.5 hours of training with an approved provider: a registered career college or an organization in the ministry's Driver Certification Program, which includes approved Ontario colleges. Your driving record is updated automatically, and the training is valid for life.
Source: ontario.ca — Mandatory training for Class A driver's licence applicantsChoose the right truck for the road test
For a full Class A, the test vehicle needs a trailer with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of at least 4,600 kg, full air brakes on the tractor and the trailer, and a manual transmission with at least eight forward gears and a high-low range. A trailer without air brakes gives a restricted Class A (AR), and an automatic or automated-manual truck adds a restriction that bars you from manual Class A and AR vehicles.
Source: ontario.ca — Get a truck driver's licenceBook the Class A road test
Book through DriveTest with your Ontario licence number, a preferred location plus second and third choices, and a preferred date and time. Cancel at least 48 hours ahead to avoid a cancellation fee.
Source: ontario.ca — Get a truck driver's licencePass the road test
The test has a daily inspection with uncoupling and coupling, a backing manoeuvre and an on-road drive. You may make errors on one inspection item, up to two errors in total for uncoupling and coupling with no more than 5 pull-ups, and up to 30 errors on the backing and road parts, with the backing finished in under 10 minutes.
Source: Official MTO Truck Handbook — Road testAdd the Z air brake endorsement
To drive a vehicle with air brakes you need a Z endorsement on your licence, either by attending an approved air brake course and taking the referral envelope to DriveTest within 6 months, or by taking the air brake knowledge and practical tests at a DriveTest centre.
Source: ontario.ca — Get a truck driver's licence
Who can get it
- At least 18 years old, holding a valid Ontario Class G or higher licence (not G1, G2, M, M1 or M2). Source: Official MTO Truck Handbook — A and D licence classes and requirements
- You must meet vision standards and provide a satisfactory medical certificate on application and periodically after that. Source: Official MTO Truck Handbook — A and D licence classes and requirements
- MELT is required before the road test if you are a new Class A applicant, hold a restricted AR and want a full A, had a full A that has been invalid for three or more years, hold a commercial licence from another country, or have held another province's Class 1 for less than 12 months (from 12 to 24 months you may choose MELT or the Class A tests). It is not needed for a restricted AR. Source: ontario.ca — Mandatory training for Class A driver's licence applicants
- As of January 1, 2027: at least 6 months with a Class G or higher licence before the Class A road test. Source: ontario.ca — Get a truck driver's licence
- Since May 11, 2026: documents showing Ontario residence, legal presence in Canada and eligibility to work in Canada. Source: ontario.ca — Get a truck driver's licence
What it costs
| Item | Amount | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial licence package for applicants under the age of sixty-five (knowledge test and road test) | $122.75 | Source: DriveTest — Fees (archived copy, July 2026) |
| Commercial knowledge test, each attempt | $23.75 | Source: DriveTest — Fees (archived copy, July 2026) |
| Commercial road test (with or without the Z practical test) | $99.00 | Source: DriveTest — Fees (archived copy, July 2026) |
| Air brake (Z) endorsement package (knowledge test and practical test) | $66.00 | Source: DriveTest — Fees (archived copy, July 2026) |
| Printed Official MTO Truck Handbook (cash only; free to read online) | $23.00 | Source: DriveTest — Fees (archived copy, July 2026) |
| Mandatory entry-level training (MELT) | Not confirmed by an official source; check with the provider | Source: ontario.ca — Mandatory training for Class A driver's licence applicants |
Fees change. Check the amount on the official page or with the provider before you pay.
Where to take the test
Apply and take the knowledge and road tests at a DriveTest centre, or apply by appointment at the ServiceOntario Bay and College location in downtown Toronto. MELT is taken with an approved training provider, and road tests are booked directly through DriveTest. Source: ontario.ca — Get a truck driver's licence
What to bring or have ready
- For the knowledge test: two pieces of identification or your Ontario driver's licence, the completed medical report form, money for the fee (cash, debit or credit card) and glasses or contact lenses if you need them to read. Source: Official MTO Truck Handbook — A and D licence classes and requirements
- Since May 11, 2026: proof of Ontario residence, legal presence in Canada and work eligibility, from the accepted documents list. Source: ontario.ca — Get a truck driver's licence
- For the road test: a full Class A combination in good working order with valid annual inspection stickers, plus a valid, completed daily inspection report and the schedule for the vehicle. Source: Official MTO Truck Handbook — Road test
- Wheel chocks or blocks, a way to time seconds, a means of holding the brake pedal down and a pushrod-stroke measuring device, required for Class A and AR road tests (and for Class D tests in trucks with air brakes). Without them the test is declared out of order and you pay 50% of the road-test fee before rebooking. Source: Official MTO Truck Handbook — Road test
After you pass
A full Class AZ lets you drive any truck and tractor-trailer combination, combinations whose towed vehicles exceed 4,600 kg and have air brakes, vehicles pulling double trailers, and the vehicles covered by Classes D and G. To lift an AR or manual-transmission restriction later, you pass another road test in a qualifying vehicle. Source: ontario.ca — Get a truck driver's licence
Validity and renewal
Class A drivers under 80 pass a vision and knowledge test to renew, usually every five years; drivers 65 to 79 also take a road test after an at-fault collision or three or more demerit points, and drivers 80 and over before every renewal. Medical reports are due every five years under 46, every three years from 46 to 64 and every year from 65, or the licence is downgraded to Class G. Source: Official MTO Truck Handbook — Keeping your licence
Common mistakes
- Booking the road test before finishing MELT. New Class A applicants must complete the training before attempting the Class A road test. Source: ontario.ca — Mandatory training for Class A driver's licence applicants
- Taking the road test in an automatic or automated-manual truck without realising it adds a restriction: you could then not drive manual Class A or AR vehicles in Ontario. Source: ontario.ca — Get a truck driver's licence
- Arriving without a valid daily inspection report and the vehicle's schedule: the test is cancelled and you lose 50% of the pre-paid road-test fee. Source: ontario.ca — Get a truck driver's licence
- Using a trailer without air brakes and expecting a full Class A: that configuration only earns a restricted AR licence. Source: ontario.ca — Get a truck driver's licence
- Training with an unapproved school. MELT counts only with a registered career college or a Driver Certification Program organization. Source: ontario.ca — Mandatory training for Class A driver's licence applicants
Prepare for the test
Free practice written from the official material: full practice tests, a study guide, a printable sheet and a timed mock exam.
- Ontario Class A (AZ) practice tests272 original practice questions with explanations
- Ontario Class A (AZ) questions and answers (printable)50 original Ontario Class A (AZ) practice questions on one printable sheet, with a separate answer key, an explanation and the handbook chapter for every answer. Print it or save it as a PDF. Free; not the official test.
- Ontario Class A (AZ) study guideFree Ontario Class A (AZ) study guide: 353 key points from the The Official MTO Truck Handbook in plain words, organised by topic, each topic linked to its practice questions.
- Ontario Class A (AZ) Mock Exam 1 – 40 QuestionsUntimed practice · answers explained
- Ontario Class A (AZ) exam simulator40 new random questions every time, full screen, no hints
- DriveTest centres in OntarioEvery DriveTest location by region, the road tests each one offers, and a page per city with fees and what to bring.
We last checked the official pages on October 17, 2026. Rules and fees can change; the official source always wins.
FAQ
How to get an AZ licence in Ontario: common questions
How much does an AZ licence cost in Ontario?
DriveTest lists $122.75 for the commercial licence package (knowledge test plus road test) for applicants under 65, $23.75 for a knowledge test, $99.00 for the road test with or without the Z practical test, and $66.00 for the air brake (Z) package. MELT tuition comes on top.
How much does MELT cost, and is there funding?
Training providers set their own prices; Ontario's career college search shows approved providers and what they charge. Help may be available through Better Jobs Ontario, the WSIB, Ontario Works or Aboriginal bands, and employers can apply to the Ontario Job Grant.
How long is MELT?
At least 103.5 hours of instruction. Once you complete it, your driving record is updated automatically and the training stays valid for life.
Do I need MELT before the written test?
No. The training must be completed before the Class A road test, not before the knowledge test.
Can I take the AZ road test in an automatic truck?
Yes, but since July 1, 2022 passing in an automatic, semi-automatic or automated-manual truck restricts you to those transmissions for Class A and AR vehicles. A full Class A needs a manual with at least eight forward gears and a high-low range.
I have a Class 1 from another province. Do I need MELT?
If you have held it for less than 12 months, yes. With 12 to 24 months you can choose MELT or the Class A knowledge and road tests.
Where can I practise for the AZ knowledge test?
Use our free AZ practice tests, the timed mock exam and the printable questions, written from the Official MTO Truck Handbook. Each answer explains the rule and names the handbook page it comes from.
Keep practising
- AZ written test – 100 questionsOne long 100-question practice run for the Ontario Class A (AZ) written test, covering every chapter of the MTO Truck Handbook with an explanation for each answer.
- Ontario Class A (AZ) questions and answers (printable)50 original Ontario Class A (AZ) practice questions on one printable sheet, with a separate answer key, an explanation and the handbook chapter for every answer. Print it or save it as a PDF. Free; not the official test.
- Ontario Class A (AZ) study guide
- Ontario Class A (AZ) Mock Exam 1 – 40 QuestionsUntimed practice · answers explained
- Ontario Class A (AZ) Mock Exam 2 – 40 QuestionsUntimed practice · answers explained
- Ontario Class A (AZ) Practice Test 140 questions with explanations
- Ontario Class A (AZ) Practice Test 240 questions with explanations
- Ontario Class A (AZ) Practice Test 340 questions with explanations
Practice by topic
- Class A licence and requirementsWhat a full Class A, restricted AR and manual-transmission-restricted licence let you drive, the 4,600 kg towing threshold, age, medical, MELT training and documents needed to apply.
- Size, weight, CVOR and documentsLegal width, height and length limits for semi-trailers and combinations, CVOR registration, documents a driver must carry, inspection stations, weigh scales, impoundment and dangerous goods.
- Daily inspection and defectsSchedule 1 circle checks within 24 hours, major versus minor defects, reporting, tire tread and wheel checks, annual inspection decals and the defect limits for tractor-trailer air, coupler and suspension items.
- Coupling and uncouplingStep-by-step uncoupling and coupling of a tractor and semi-trailer: securing both units, landing gear, fifth-wheel height, the tug test, visual checks of jaws and plate, air lines and the road-test scoring.
- Cargo securement and oversize loadsSecuring and re-checking loads (80 km, 3 hours, 240 km), NSC Standard 10, rear overhang markings and the flags and signs required for oversize loads.
- Hours of service and logsWho must follow Ontario's hours-of-service rules, the four duty statuses, daily limits of 13 hours driving and 14 on duty, 7- and 14-day cycles, resets and daily log contents.
- Controls, braking and jackknife controlStarting and moving off, transmissions and clutch brakes, the inter-axle differential lock, balanced braking with a trailer, the trailer hand valve, jackknife responses, downgrades and parking a combination.
- Off-tracking, turns and backingHow a semi-trailer off-tracks on curves and right and left turns, roundabouts, clearances, straight backing, the driver's-side alley dock and offset backing.
- Class A road testThe three parts of the Class A road test, what to bring, how the daily inspection, coupling and backing are scored, and the habits examiners look for on the road.
- Driver conduct and sharing the roadFollowing distance for trucks, speed limiters, passing and bluffing, school buses, railway crossings, cyclists, emergency vehicles, right-of-way and HOV lanes.
- Night, weather and emergenciesHeadlight use, fog and whiteouts, skids and ABS, warning devices for a disabled truck, fire classes and causes, collision reporting, drowsiness and distraction.
- Signs, signals and markingsTruck-specific regulatory and warning signs (lane bans, weight limits, clearance, inspection stations), oversize and slow-moving vehicle signs, traffic lights and pavement markings.
- Keeping your Class A licenceRenewal tests by age, the medical report schedule, zero tolerance for commercial drivers, impaired driving, demerit points, vehicle branding and fuel-efficient driving.