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.
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.
- If you have a restricted Class A (AR) license and want to upgrade to a full Class A license.
- If you had a full Class A license, but it has been invalid (e.g., expired, downgraded, or suspended) for three or more years.
- If you have a commercial driver’s license from another country.
- If you held a Class 1 commercial license (Class A equivalent) from another Canadian province for less than 12 months.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Regardless of your previous commercial driving experience, you must go through the 103.5 MELT program to get AZ License.
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
As of September 1, 2023, the air brake knowledge test is no longer required for renewal.
To renew your driver’s licence with a (Z) air brake endorsement, you must first complete the online air brake learning module before visiting a DriveTest Centre.
To get started:
- You’ll need your driver’s licence on hand to access the learning module.
- Visit https://mtoairbrakes.skillspass.com to complete it.
After completing the module:
- Download or print your Certificate of Completion.
- Bring either a digital or printed copy of your certificate, along with your driver’s licence, to a DriveTest Centre or your Driver Certification Program (DCP) organization.
Additional requirements for commercial drivers (Class A, B, C, D, E, or F):
- You must also complete a vision test and the commercial class knowledge test in person at a DriveTest Centre.
Renewal frequency:
- If you are under 80 years old, the endorsement typically needs to be renewed every 5 years.
- Once you turn 80, both the online learning module and a practical test are required annually to renew your (Z) endorsement.