A and D Licence Classes and Requirements +9Ontario · CDL · English

A licensed driver wishing to learn to operate a truck or tractor-trailer must hold a Class G or higher licence and be accompanied by a driver holding a valid Class D (truck) or Class A (tractor-trailer) licence respectively. Competence is assessed at a DriveTest Centre or by a Recognized Authority.

• ✓Must hold a Class G or higher licence to learn to operate a truck or tractor-trailer
• ✓Must be accompanied by a Class D (truck) or Class A (tractor-trailer) licensed driver
• ✓Road test can be done at a DriveTest Centre or authorized Recognized Authority

A full Class A vehicle is any truck/tractor and trailer combination with MGVWR of at least 4,600 kg AND a full air brake system on both truck/tractor and trailer. A restricted configuration has the same MGVWR but the trailer is NOT equipped with air brakes. Completing the road test on a non-full vehicle results in an AR (A Restricted) licence.

• ✓Full Class A requires MGVWR of at least 4,600 kg and full air brakes on both truck/tractor and trailer
• ✓Restricted Class A has a trailer not equipped with air brakes
• ✓A road test on a non-full Class A vehicle results in an AR (A Restricted) licence, unable to operate a full Class A vehicle

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, hold a valid Ontario Class G or higher licence or equivalent, pass a test of operating knowledge of large trucks and tractor trailers, meet vision standards, provide a satisfactory medical certificate, and demonstrate driving competence during a road test on the appropriate vehicle type.

• ✓Must be at least 18 years of age
• ✓Must hold a valid Ontario Class G or higher licence or equivalent
• ✓Must pass a knowledge test, meet vision standards and provide a satisfactory medical certificate

When applying for Class A or D, a completed satisfactory ministry medical certificate is required. Medical practitioners and optometrists are legally required to report any physical, neurological, cardiovascular or other condition affecting safe operation. Application will be refused if the condition does not meet HTA regulation standards.

• ✓A satisfactory ministry medical certificate is required for Class A or D
• ✓Medical practitioners/optometrists must report conditions affecting safe vehicle operation by law
• ✓Application is refused if physical or medical condition does not meet HTA regulation standards

Most drivers of smaller vehicles do not understand what it is like to drive a large vehicle. A tractor-trailer needs twice as much stopping distance as the average car and takes much longer to get up to speed. Drivers of small vehicles may make sudden or unexpected moves when a large vehicle is near.

• ✓A tractor-trailer needs twice as much stopping distance as the average car
• ✓Be courteous when smaller, faster vehicles are trying to pass — slow down to allow them to fit in front safely
• ✓Signal intentions clearly before turning, slowing or stopping
• ✓Always check that a vehicle has not moved into your turning space before completing your turn

Cyclists are expected to ride about one metre from the curb or as close as practical to the right-hand edge, but may use any part of the lane for safety. When passing, allow at least one metre and change lanes when possible.

• ✓Allow at least one metre between your vehicle and a cyclist when passing; change lanes to pass whenever possible
• ✓When turning right, check mirrors and your right blind spot to avoid cutting off a cyclist
• ✓When turning left, stop and wait for oncoming bicycles to pass before turning
• ✓Stop for a traffic signal behind the bike box — do not stop in the box
• ✓Check mirrors and blind spots for passing cyclists before opening a door

Pay special attention to pedestrians crossing, walking, jogging or using crossings. Watch for children, seniors and pedestrians with disabilities who need extra caution. Mobility device users are treated the same as pedestrians.

• ✓Drive slowly and cautiously through school zones, residential areas and where children may be walking or playing
• ✓Watch for Community Safety Zone signs indicating special risk to pedestrians
• ✓Pedestrians who are blind may use a white cane or guide dog — give appropriate consideration
• ✓Persons operating mobility devices are treated the same way as pedestrians and travel along the left shoulder facing oncoming traffic when no sidewalk exists
• ✓Pass streetcar safety islands and zones at a reasonable speed

Motorcycles, limited-speed motorcycles and mopeds are harder to see because of their size and may make sudden moves. They are more likely to be injured in a collision. These vehicles have the right to use the whole lane.

• ✓Motorcycles and mopeds have the right to use the whole lane even if they drive to the right edge
• ✓Be careful turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle with its turn signal on — the signal may not have shut off automatically
• ✓Make sure the motorcyclist is actually turning before proceeding

Many roadways have indented stopping areas called bus bays. There are three types: mid-block indented bays, indentations before/after intersections, and bus-stop areas between parking areas. You must yield to a bus re-entering traffic.

• ✓When a bus in a bus bay flashes its left-turn signals to leave and you are approaching in the adjacent lane, you must allow the bus to re-enter traffic
• ✓There are three types of bus bays: mid-block indented bays, indentations before/after intersections, and bus-stop areas between parking areas

Farm machinery moves slowly compared to other road users. Most tractors and combines have a maximum speed of 40 km/h and are often oversized, making it hard for the driver to see behind. They must display a slow-moving vehicle sign.

• ✓Farm machinery on the road must display an orange and red slow-moving vehicle sign warning it travels at 40 km/h or less
• ✓Slow down, stay well back and do not pass until it is safe to do so
• ✓Be cautious as farmers may be on roads after dark during peak planting and harvesting seasons

Vehicles/loads exceeding dimensions under Section 109 of the HTA must display bright red or orange flags at least 40 cm square at the extremities, kept clean and effective. They must also display an 'OVERSIZE LOAD' sign (black letters at least 200 mm high on yellow, visible 150 m) or a 'D' sign on front and rear. At night the sign must be high-intensity retro-reflective, must not obstruct lights, and must be removed/covered when not in use.

• ✓Oversize load flags must be at least 40 cm square, bright red or orange
• ✓OVERSIZE LOAD lettering must be at least 200 mm high and visible for 150 metres
• ✓Night signs must be high-intensity retro-reflective material
• ✓The sign must not obstruct lights and must be removed when not in use

The slow-moving vehicle sign is an orange triangle with a red border, alerting others the vehicle travels at 40 km/h or less. Farm tractors, farm machinery and vehicles unable to sustain over 40 km/h must display it. Watch for these vehicles and reduce speed as needed.

• ✓The slow-moving vehicle sign is an orange triangle with a red border
• ✓Vehicles travelling 40 km/h or less must display the slow-moving vehicle sign

When transporting dangerous goods, safety marks, placards or labels identify the dangerous-goods classification and nature of danger. An LCV placard indicates a long commercial vehicle (double trailer up to 40 metres). Recognize LCVs by rear signage and anticipate their extended length and limited speed when passing.

• ✓Dangerous goods placards identify the classification and nature of danger
• ✓An LCV is a double trailer up to 40 metres long; anticipate its length and limited speed when passing

Vehicles/loads exceeding dimensions under Section 109 of the HTA must have bright red or orange warning flags at least 40 cm square mounted at the extremities. In addition, front of vehicle and rear of load must display an OVERSIZE LOAD sign (black letters at least 200 mm high on yellow, visible 150 m) or a 'D' sign. At night the sign must be high-intensity retro-reflective.

• ✓Warning flags must be bright red/orange and at least 40 cm square at load extremities
• ✓OVERSIZE LOAD lettering must be at least 200 mm high, visible for 150 metres
• ✓At night the sign must be made of high-intensity retro-reflective material
• ✓The sign must not obstruct lights and must be removed or covered when not in use

When transporting dangerous goods, safety marks, placards or labels are displayed to identify the dangerous-goods classification and the nature of the danger. They provide quick identification on trucks, cargo and pallets.

• ✓Dangerous goods placards identify the classification and nature of danger
• ✓They may appear on trucks, cargo and even pallets

An LCV placard indicates a long commercial vehicle — a double trailer up to 40 metres long. Recognize an LCV by its rear signage and anticipate its extended length and limited speed when preparing to pass on the highway.

• ✓An LCV is a double trailer that can be up to 40 metres long
• ✓Anticipate extended length and limited speed when passing an LCV

EDR (Emergency Detour Route) signs guide traffic around unscheduled highway closures when OPP detour all traffic off the highway, and back onto the highway. Some information signs use a numbering system to aid emergency route determination. Bilingual signs appear in designated areas; read the message in the language you understand best.

• ✓EDR markers guide motorists around highway closures and back to the highway
• ✓In bilingual areas, read messages in the language you understand best

EDR (Emergency Detour Route) signs are used during unscheduled provincial highway closures when OPP detour all traffic; markers along alternate routes guide motorists around the closure and back onto the highway. Some information signs have a numbering system to help emergency vehicles determine a route.

• ✓EDR markers guide traffic around an unscheduled highway closure and back on
• ✓Emergency response numbering assists emergency vehicles in route selection

In designated bilingual areas, read messages in the language you understand best. Bilingual messages may be on the same sign or separate, with an English sign immediately followed by a French sign.

• ✓Read bilingual sign messages in the language you understand best
• ✓Bilingual messages may be combined or an English sign followed by a French sign

Wheel hubs use bearings requiring lubrication. Oil-lubricated hubs may have a sight glass window to view the oil level. Wheel seals keep lubricant inside; a leaking seal can cause bearing failure.

• ✓Minor defect: hub-oil level below minimum (when fitted with sight glass)
• ✓Minor defect: evidence of a leaking wheel seal
• ✓Look inside the wheel for oil and stains to detect a leaking seal

Know the normal appearance of wheel and hub components and recognize visual indications of serious unsafe conditions signaling potential failure.

• ✓Major defect: visual evidence that a wheel, hub or bearing failure could occur
• ✓Inspect inner and outer wheel assemblies, opening the hood if it improves visibility

Know the visual features of wheel systems and the importance of keeping fasteners tight. Detect missing fasteners and recognize signs of looseness such as a gap between the nut and wheel.

• ✓Major defect: any wheel has a loose, missing or ineffective fastener
• ✓A gap between the nut and wheel indicates a loose or ineffective fastener

Inspect the wheel, rim, and any part used to attach them for damage, cracks or breaks.

• ✓Major defect: any wheel, rim, or attaching part is damaged, cracked or broken
• ✓Inspect both inner and outer wheel assemblies

Candidates must know the normal appearance of wheel and hub components and recognize visual indications of serious unsafe conditions. Any visual evidence of imminent failure is a major defect.

• ✓Major defect: visual evidence that a wheel, hub or bearing failure could occur
• ✓Inspect wheel and hub assemblies for signs of imminent failure

Wheel fasteners (nuts and bolts) must remain properly tightened. Candidates must detect missing fasteners and recognize signs of loose or ineffective ones, such as a gap between the nut and wheel. This is a major defect.

• ✓Major defect: any wheel has a loose, missing or ineffective fastener
• ✓A gap between the nut and wheel indicates a loose or ineffective fastener
• ✓Inspect for missing fasteners and visual signs of looseness

Candidates must know the normal appearance of individual wheel components. Any damage, crack or break to a wheel, rim or attaching part is a major defect. Open hood if access improves visibility, and inspect inner and outer wheel assemblies.

• ✓Major defect: any wheel, rim, or attaching part is damaged, cracked or broken
• ✓Inspect inner-and-outer wheel assembly; open hood if it improves visibility

Wheel hubs use bearings that require lubrication, often oil, viewable through a sight glass. A leaking wheel seal can cause bearing failure. Both low hub oil and a leaking seal are minor defects.

• ✓Minor defect: hub-oil level is below minimum (when fitted with sight glass)
• ✓Minor defect: evidence of a leaking wheel seal
• ✓Inspect sight glass for oil above minimum and look inside the wheel for oil and stains

Under O. Reg. 512/97 the Registrar may impound a commercial vehicle with critical defects (brakes, steering, wheels/rims, tires, frame, suspension). First offence impoundment is 15 days; a second within two years is 30 days; third or subsequent within two years is 60 days. Fines can reach $20,000.

• ✓Critical defects cover brakes, steering, wheels/rims, tires, frame and suspension
• ✓First offence impoundment is 15 days, doubling to 30 days for a second within two years
• ✓Third or subsequent offence within two years results in 60-day impoundment
• ✓Fines for driving with critical defects can be up to $20,000

Under O.Reg 512/97 the Registrar may impound a commercial vehicle with critical defects (brakes air/hydraulic, steering, wheels/rims, tires, frame and suspension). Impoundment is 15 days for a first offence, 30 days for a second within two years, and 60 days for a third or subsequent within two years. Fines for driving with critical defects can be up to $20,000.

• ✓First critical-defect offence = 15-day impoundment; second within 2 years = 30 days; third = 60 days
• ✓Critical defects include brakes, steering, wheels/rims, tires, and frame/suspension
• ✓Fines for driving a vehicle with critical defects can be up to $20,000

Observe laws scrupulously and follow good driving practice. Back a truck with utmost care using all rearview mirrors and having someone give directions if possible. Bad weather requires changing driving procedures with exceptional care. Adjust speed to road, weather and traffic. Never load a truck beyond its licensed capacity. Avoid situations that call for quick stops. Never allow an unauthorized person to occupy the driver's seat or operate controls.

• ✓Never load a truck beyond its licensed capacity
• ✓Adjust your speed to meet road, weather and traffic conditions
• ✓Never allow an unauthorized person to operate the truck or its controls
• ✓Avoid situations that call for quick stops

On the road test you must demonstrate a daily inspection (naming items checked and describing condition). Class A applicants must demonstrate uncoupling and coupling, and backing (reversing) of combination vehicle units. All applicants must drive in traffic and handle the vehicle safely. Bring wheel chocks/blocks if the vehicle has air brakes.

• ✓You must demonstrate a daily inspection, naming items and describing condition
• ✓Class A applicants must demonstrate uncoupling, coupling and backing of combination units
• ✓Bring wheel chocks or blocks if the vehicle is equipped with air brakes

All road tests have a set time frame. The examiner informs you of the time allowed for each part and explains the test but is NOT allowed to coach you during the test — ask questions before you begin. Class D with RV restriction applicants do not need to demonstrate a daily inspection.

• ✓Road tests have a set time frame explained by the examiner beforehand
• ✓The examiner cannot coach you during the test — ask questions before beginning
• ✓Class D with RV restriction applicants do not demonstrate a daily inspection

There are specific rules about when you must yield the right-of-way, meaning letting another person go first. These rules apply at uncontrolled intersections, all-way stops, turns and yield signs.

• ✓At an intersection without signs or lights, yield to any vehicle approaching from the right
• ✓At an all-way stop, yield to the first vehicle to come to a complete stop; if two stop at the same time, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right
• ✓When turning left, wait for approaching traffic to pass and for pedestrians to cross; when turning right, wait for pedestrians to cross
• ✓A yield sign means slow down or stop if necessary and yield to traffic in or on the intersecting road
• ✓When entering a road from a private road or driveway, yield to vehicles on the road and pedestrians on the sidewalk

You must yield the right-of-way and wait for pedestrians to completely cross the road at specially marked pedestrian crossings, crossovers, and school crossings with guards. Signalling does not give you the right-of-way.

• ✓Yield and wait for pedestrians to completely cross at marked pedestrian crossings, crossovers, and school crossings with crossing guards
• ✓Signalling does not give you the right-of-way — you must make sure the way is clear

A green light lets you turn left, go straight or turn right after yielding to vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection; you must yield to pedestrians when turning. A yellow light means the red is about to appear — stop if you can do so safely. A red light means stop completely at the stop line, crosswalk, sidewalk edge or intersection edge.

• ✓On a green light, yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection
• ✓A yellow light means stop if you can do so safely; the red is about to appear
• ✓On red, stop at the stop line; if none, at the crosswalk, sidewalk or intersection edge

Unless a sign prohibits it, you may turn right on a red light only after a complete stop and when the way is clear. You may turn left on a red light only when moving from a one-way road onto a one-way road, after a complete stop and when clear.

• ✓Right turn on red is allowed only after a complete stop when the way is clear, unless prohibited
• ✓Left turn on red is allowed only from a one-way road onto a one-way road after a complete stop

A flashing red light or red beacon requires a complete stop; proceed only when safe. A flashing yellow light or beacon means drive with caution. During a power loss, blank traffic lights must be treated as an all-way stop — yield to vehicles in the intersection and those entering from your right.

• ✓A flashing red light or beacon requires a complete stop before proceeding
• ✓A flashing yellow light or beacon means proceed with caution
• ✓Treat blank/inoperative traffic lights as an all-way stop, yielding to traffic on your right

A green light means you may turn left, go straight or turn right after yielding to vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection; when turning you must yield to pedestrians crossing. A yellow (amber) light means red is about to appear — stop if you can do so safely, otherwise proceed with caution. A red light means come to a complete stop.

• ✓On green, yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection before turning
• ✓On yellow, stop if you can do so safely; otherwise proceed with caution
• ✓On red, come to a complete stop

At a red light stop at the marked stop line. If none, stop at the crosswalk (marked or not). If no crosswalk, stop at the edge of the sidewalk. If no sidewalk, stop at the edge of the intersection. Wait for green and a clear intersection before proceeding.

• ✓Stop at the stop line; if none, at the crosswalk, then sidewalk edge, then intersection edge
• ✓Wait for green and a clear intersection before moving through

A flashing green light or a left-pointing green arrow with a green light lets you turn left, go straight or turn right from the proper lane, because oncoming traffic still faces a red light. Pedestrians must not cross on a flashing green light unless a pedestrian signal tells them to.

• ✓An advance green (flashing green/left arrow) means oncoming traffic faces a red light
• ✓You may turn left, go straight or right from the proper lane on an advance green
• ✓Pedestrians must not cross on a flashing green light

A left-turn green arrow with a red light allows a left turn from the left-turn lane; oncoming left-turners may also face the same arrow. After the arrow, a yellow arrow means green is about to appear — do not start your turn, stop if safe. Fully protected left turns have separate lights and you may not begin turning left once the through-traffic green appears.

• ✓A left-turn green arrow lets you turn left from the left-turn lane
• ✓A yellow arrow after the green arrow means do not start your left turn; stop if safe
• ✓In fully protected turns, do not begin turning left after the through-traffic green appears
• ✓If the light changes while you are in the intersection, complete your turn with caution

A flashing red light requires a complete stop; proceed only when safe. A flashing yellow light means drive with caution through the intersection. During a power failure with blank traffic lights, treat the intersection as an all-way stop — yield to vehicles in the intersection and to those on your right.

• ✓A flashing red light means come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe
• ✓A flashing yellow light means proceed with caution
• ✓Treat blank/non-working traffic lights as an all-way stop

A flashing green light or left-pointing green arrow with a green light (advance green) lets you turn left, go straight or turn right while oncoming traffic faces red. A left-turn green arrow with a red light lets you turn left; a following yellow arrow means the green is about to appear — do not start your turn, stop if safe. Pedestrians must not cross on a flashing green or left-turn green arrow unless a pedestrian signal allows.

• ✓An advance green means oncoming traffic still faces a red light
• ✓Do not start a left turn when the yellow arrow appears; stop if you can do so safely
• ✓Pedestrians may not cross on a flashing green light or left-turn arrow unless signalled

At a transit priority signal (white vertical bar on top of the traffic signal), all traffic and pedestrians must yield to public transit vehicles while conflicting traffic faces red. Fully protected left-turn intersections have separate signals; you may only turn left on the green arrow and must not begin a left turn once the through-traffic green appears.

• ✓Traffic and pedestrians must yield to transit at a transit priority signal
• ✓At fully protected left turns, do not begin turning left after the through-traffic green appears

A traffic beacon is a single flashing light over an intersection or on signs/obstacles. A flashing red beacon means come to a complete stop and proceed only when safe. A flashing yellow beacon warns you to drive with caution.

• ✓A flashing red beacon means come to a complete stop before proceeding
• ✓A flashing yellow beacon warns you to drive with caution

At a transit priority signal, traffic and pedestrians must yield to public transit vehicles. The round signal on top shows a white vertical bar on a dark background, allowing transit to go through or turn while conflicting traffic faces a red light.

• ✓Traffic and pedestrians must yield to transit at a transit priority signal
• ✓A white vertical bar on dark background allows transit to proceed while others face red