What is an AZ License?

An AZ license is a commercial driver’s license that allows you to drive tractor-trailers, including those with air brakes, in Ontario. It qualifies you to operate any truck/tractor-trailer combination.

What is MELT?

MELT stands for Mandatory Entry-Level Training if you want to get an AZ license in Ontario, you must complete the (MELT), which includes at least 103.5 hours of instruction on the skills and knowledge needed to drive a large truck safely.

Who Is Required to Complete Mandatory Entry-Level Training

1. If you have a restricted Class A (AR) license and want to upgrade to a full Class A license.
2. If you had a full Class A license, but it has been invalid (e.g., expired, downgraded, or suspended) for three or more years.
3. If you have a commercial driver’s license from another country.
4. If you held a Class 1 commercial license (Class A equivalent) from another Canadian province for less than 12 months.

Can I transfer my AZ license to another province?

Yes, an AZ license obtained in Ontario can generally be transferred to other Canadian provinces, though you may need to meet specific requirements of the province you are moving to.

Can I exchange my commercial driver’s license from another province for an Ontario license?

To exchange a Canadian commercial license for an Ontario license, you must have two years of driving experience in any vehicle class, excluding school bus licenses (Classes B and E).

School Bus Licenses:If you have a Class B license (or similar) from another province, you will receive an Ontario Class C license. If you have a Class E license (or similar), you will receive an Ontario Class F license. To get a Class B or E school bus license in Ontario, you must complete the full new applicant process.

An air brake endorsement (Ontario Z condition) earned in Quebec cannot be processed for exchange. Applicants from Quebec must apply again to obtain the Z endorsement.

Starting July 1, 2017, applicants seeking to exchange their Class 1 license from another Canadian province for an Ontario Class A license must demonstrate having held the Class 1 license for at least 24 months in the past three years. Those with less Class 1 experience must show completion of the MELT (Mandatory Entry-Level Training) program in their province or comply with additional testing and training requirements for Class A licenses in Ontario.

If I obtain my license with an automatic transmission, will I be able to drive a manual tractor-trailer?

Starting July 1, 2022, if you pass the road test using an automatic transmission vehicle, your license will have a restriction that prevents you from operating manual transmission vehicles.

How can I remove the manual transmission restriction from my AZ license?

To have the restriction removed from your license, take lessons or practice driving a manual transmission vehicle, schedule a road test with the MTO, and successfully complete the test.

How often are commercial drivers required to submit a medical report to the MTO?

Under 46 Years Old: Medical reports are due every five years.

Aged 45 to 64 Years: Medical reports are also required every three years.

Aged 65 and Over: Medical reports are required annually.

If my license has been downgraded to a “G” because I didn’t take the written test, how can I restore it?

If your license has expired for less than 3 years, you can reinstate it by passing a vision test and a knowledge test. You might also need to submit a new medical report if it has expired.

If I’ve held a DZ license for over 10 years, am I eligible for any advanced standing when applying for an AZ license?

Regardless of your previous commercial driving experience, you must go through the 103.5 MELT program to get AZ License.

If I completed part of the MELT course at a different school, would I be eligible for advanced standing at your school?

Please note that the training you’ve completed up to this point cannot be transferred. If you choose to enroll with us, you will be required to start the full 103.5 hours of Class A training from the beginning