Leaders in Driver Safety & Trade Skill Development
MY LOCATION
Hamilton Campus
Don’t settle for the minimum standard – We never have!
TTCC can help you access government-funded programs such as Better Jobs Ontario and financing through your bank. Our specialists will guide you step-by-step to make your career training affordable and accessible.
Our Admissions Specialists and Government Grant Experts are standing by.
Better training = better jobs
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MTO Approved Air Brake ‘Z’ Endorsement Training:
A valid “Z” endorsement is required to operate any vehicle equipped with air brakes in the province of Ontario. This includes (but not limited to) large motor homes, some RV’s, buses, medium‐duty and all heavy‐duty vehicles.
The objective of the course is to familiarize all air brake equipped vehicle operators with the workings of air brake systems, to increase safety awareness on Ontario’s highways and to reduce the number of accidents resulting from improper brake usage and maintenance.
This 2‐Day (approximately 12 hours) Air Brake or ‘Z’ Endorsement Course teaches participants how the air brake system works, its many components, how to operate the air brake system and to identify defects in the system. Day 1 begins at 8:00 a.m. SHARP and goes to about 4:30 p.m. We use our in-class air brake board and learning tools as well as practical training at our truck. Day 2 begins at 8:00 a.m.; written and practical testing will be done on day 2. Most practical training and testing is in the classroom but there is also some time spent outdoors around a commercial air brake equipped vehicle so dress appropriately.
Written and practical Air Brake testing will be completed throughout the curriculum of this 2‐Day course. Successful participants will be able to have the ‘Z’ Endorsement added to their license 5 business days after completion of this course. Please visit a DriveTest Centre near you to add the Z endorsement to your license after you complete your course.
Upon successful completion of the written and practical exams you simply go to a Drive Test Centre (after 48 hours but within 6 months) to have the Z-endorsement added to your license. You MUST get your Z-endorsement applied to your driver’s licence within 6 months of taking this course. If you are doing a road test in a vehicle equipped with air brakes you must have the Z-endorsement on your licence at the time of testing.
Nationally Recognized Skid Control and Recovery Training Facility for Class 1, AZ
We operate the only commercial “hands-on” Skid Control and Recovery training centre in Canada. As the irrefutable leaders in accident-avoidance training, we know how to keep the shiny side up.
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Learn Decision Truck Driving Techniques both in the classroom and in actual hands-on activities using our exclusive skid pad training facility for truck drivers (Class 1, AZ).
Our hands-on skid control and recovery truck driver training program is dramatic training that will show you how to anticipate and recover from skids.
Studies show that even the best of drivers have a tendency to overestimate their driving abilities. This could have serious consequences in a dangerous situation that requires highly developed decision-making skills and quick reactions for truck drivers specific for Class 1, AZ.
Costs
Takes place in Shannonville, ON
Master the Art of Shifting and Backing
Enhance your skills with state-of-the-art simulators, providing a realistic, hands-on training experience. Perfect your skills before driving on the road with stress-free, self-paced learning.
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Learn how to drive a truck (Class 1, 3, AZ, DZ) before getting behind the wheel. The old way to teach someone how to drive would be to let the truck student loose on the road and hope for the best. A rookie pilot learning to fly a plane would never learn this way. Most quality truck driving schools in North America now use simulators to supplement shifting and backing training (these are the two most difficult skills to master) for their Class 1, 3, AZ, DZ students. Truck driver training school courses are of a set duration. This means you spend your truck training hours on certain exercises. If you didn’t learn in the allotted time you will either fail or get stuck paying for more training time just to learn the bare minimum for your Class 1, 3, AZ or DZ. Use of our simulator gives you the time you need to learn and master the skills you need for the career in as a truck driver that you deserve.
LEARN TO SHIFT THE RIGHT WAY
Learning to shift a truck (Class 1, 3, AZ, DZ) with a non-synchronized manual transmission is a skill that takes time and patience. This is not like shifting a car with a standard transmission. The first thing you have to learn at a truck driver training school is how to shift gears. You can’t learn anything else until the basics of shifting is learned. Like anything else, once you know how, shifting is easy and fun. When you fail to master the art of shifting you will be stuck with an “automatic” restriction on your Class AZ/ Class 1 license. This means you will only be licensed to drive a truck with an automatic transmission which makes up about half of the trucks on the road today.
By using the simulator, students learn how to shift at their own pace before they even get behind the wheel of the actual truck (Class 1, 3, AZ, DZ). You can use your driving time to work on much more advanced skills. Practice makes perfect and that’s why our truck driving school students are the best of the best.
MASTER THE ART OF BACKING
Without a simulator the only way to learn how to back up a tractor trailer at a truck driver training school is by trial and error. Modern simulator truck training allows you to learn all the concepts of backing while practicing in a real simulated environment. It allows for a self paced, stress and pressure free way to learn the concepts of backing a tractor trailer (Class 1, AZ). You can replay maneuvers and watch what you’ve done from different vantage points, you can learn from your own mistakes by yourself without an audience. Once you start your “hands on” truck driver training you will already know how to back up a tractor trailer allowing you the opportunity to put what you learned on the simulator to work in real life.
This is how you master the Art of Backing!
Get your AR licence with TTCC to unlock a rewarding career in the Canadian trucking industry. This course includes road test prep and knowledge training, with a clear explanation of towing licence restrictions and upgrade paths.
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The restricted Class A (condition R) licence is meant for drivers operating smaller truck-trailer combinations, such as a recreational, horse or utility trailer. As of July 19, 2021, the type of transmission in the vehicle you use for your road test will determine what types of Class AR vehicles you can drive in Ontario.
You can also drive:
What you can’t drive
With a restricted Class A licence, you can’t:
Requirements
To obtain a restricted Class A licence (condition R), you must:
To remove the “R” condition and upgrade your licence to a full Class A, you must successfully complete a road test using a vehicle with a full Class A vehicle configuration. This includes:
Using an automatic truck for your AZ training and road test will result in a restricted licence.
Driving a truck with a manual transmission is easy once you know how. The trick is to be taught and to have the opportunity to learn.
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Driving a manual transmission truck is easier than many expect—especially with the right training and support. While it may be tempting to choose automatic-only training, doing so limits you to a restricted AZ license. With manual training, you earn a full AZ license, opening up far more job opportunities across Canada.
At Transport Training Centres of Canada (TTCC), we specialize in manual transmission training. Each year, thousands of students build confidence and skill under the guidance of our experienced instructors. Using proven teaching methods and advanced simulators, we ensure every student—regardless of background—can learn to shift gears smoothly.
Many students are surprised by how quickly they become comfortable shifting. In just a few weeks, you’re likely to be shifting like a pro. We’re so confident in our ability to teach manual transmission that we offer a road test guarantee to back your success.
Our programs are designed to meet both the industry’s expectations and your individual goals. While we provide the option for automatic transmission training, we encourage students to pursue manual to ensure maximum job flexibility and career growth.
Jobs that require manual transmission trucks often offer better pay and more mobility. According to the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, the demand for qualified heavy equipment operators continues to grow, especially in construction, transportation, and logistics.
Additionally, manual transmission handling is a key competency in heavy equipment and transport truck training programs. Gaining this unrestricted license increases your long-term employability and puts you in high demand across multiple industries.
We’ve helped thousands of students get comfortable with manual transmission—even those who had never driven standard before. Just because you haven’t shifted gears yet doesn’t mean you can’t learn. Whether you’re training for the first time or upgrading your license, TTCC will give you the tools and support you need to succeed.
Ready to start? We’ll help you every shift of the way.
Obtain the skills, knowledge and certification required for employment as a Heavy Equipment Operator.
Transport Training Centres of Canada will provide you with the very best training so you can arrive prepared. Combine AZ + HEO to maximize your skills and career potential.
Employers love TTCC graduates.
TTCC offers dedicated job placement assistance to connect graduates with truck driving jobs and heavy equipment operator roles throughout Canada. Your career is our priority.
Serving Hamilton and the surrounding area, our industry-leading truck driver training programs go beyond Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) standards—giving you the real-world skills employers are looking for.
Conveniently located to serve Hamilton and nearby residents of Burlington, Grimsby, and Oakville, our campus connects you with top trucking companies across Southwestern Ontario and throughout Canada that are actively hiring new drivers. From day one, you’ll have access to lifetime job placement assistance, plus guidance on government grants and tuition reimbursement programs that can significantly reduce your training costs.
As Canada’s largest provider of truck driver and heavy equipment operator training, Transport Training Centres of Canada gives you a competitive edge:
Employers across Hamilton, Ontario, and beyond recognize TTCC graduates as some of the best-trained, job-ready drivers on the road—and our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Start your truck driving career off right with TTCC.
400 Grays Rd.
Hamilton, ON L8E 3J6
Monday – Friday
8:00 am–5:00 pm ET
Kevin is an outstanding instructor who truly cares about his students’ success. He’s patient, supportive, and takes the time to explain everything in a way that’s easy to understand. Kevin’s passion for teaching and his calm approach made learning both enjoyable and stress-free. I’m so grateful for his guidance and would recommend him to anyone looking to start a career... see more in trucking.
Arash D.Took my Schooling here and passed on my First go! TTCC is a great school and has great staff, one of the best experiences in my life and ready to start my new Career! Thank you Brent, Jacquie and Kyle!
David K.I managed to get my DZ on my first try thanks to the excellent instructers and fellow students at TTCC in Hamilton. The campus administator, Jacquie, has managed to cultivate a great atmosphere where students will help out in any way they can. She is also incredibly supportive, and tries her best to accomodate your schedule as best she can. She... see more expends a lot of her energy making sure everything runs smoothly, and it shows. The primary trainer at this location, Brent, is a great instructor. His more relaxed training style worked well for me, allowing me to have time to think through my mistakes and correct them myself. He is still attentive and will help you should you not be able to find said mistake. As I mentioned, other students are often eager to help out as well, whether that be by giving shifting tips while on the simulator, or going over and drilling the air endorsement tests and Schedule 1 inspections needed for your practical exam. All in all I found this location to be an excellent place to learn for both the road test itself, as well as for your career in trucking, whether that be as an AZ or DZ driver. I would recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade their license.
Matt A.Had a wonderful experience training for my DZ license at TTCC's Hamilton campus. My instructor, Andrew, from TTCC London, was a very knowledgeable, patient trainer, with a great sense of humour (Bonus!). Jacquie, their office manager, was always very helpful. Well worth every penny!I I'd recommend them anytime. Brian Sutherland
Brian S.A couple months ago I had never driven a manual transmission or anything bigger than a pickup truck. Now thanks to Jacquie and my trainer Brent I have an A-Z license. I encourage anyone looking to get their A-Z license to consider TTCC Hamilton.
Craig J.TTCC was an amazing driving school. Because of Covid it took longer then it should have to complete my training but that was out of my control. I have never driven on a manual transmission before joining TTCC... with that being said i got my AZ license with ease thanks to the amazing trainers.. both of my trainers had 20+... see more years of experience which is what i was looking for. It is a very serious driving school and they make sure you can excel to the best of your abilities. The HR clerk at the Hamilton campus cares about you just as much as the trainers and will help you with ANYTHING you need to progress in your training and or career. if you've never driven manual before like i did and are scared to make the jump in learning i assure you this school will make the best driver out of you. thanks again for everything TTCC.
chescoShawn White and Jacquie are both amazing after having 2 drive tests canceled they bent over backwards to make my 3rd test happen after I got a call from drive test at 6pm on a Friday night when the office was closed they both honestly want to see everyone succeed and will do what ever they can to make things... see more come together and keep you as calm as they can to make it happen thanks to both of you for helping me get a start at my new career I couldn't have done it without both of you
Kevin B.The Hamilton campus was an excellent experience. I learned so much with TTCC at the Hamilton campus. The learning environment and knowledge that was taught here was above and beyond what a student could ask for. So welcoming and rewarding, the staff (JACQUIE) and teachers (BRENT + others) made this all possible. Worth it so much to attend this school. Thanks to TTCC Hamilton... see more campus, I now have my ACZ license.
Emanuel A.The practical training I received was very organized and confidence boosting. Bruce Agar was very knowledgeable & made sure I received the proper education.
Iain C.I want thank Hamilton campus, jacquie, wilson, and her cohorts chloe and brendan bell from st kitts in passing my ACZ test, woooo hooooo Im a trucker
Tristan F.I would recommend the hamilton training center to anyone looking to get a commercial license.... jacquie was more than amazing working with my schedule and helping me through every step of the process involved including observation of other students doing yard work which was invaluable experience. Brent my instructor helped me every step of the process even with some questions... see more that i had to ask multiple times to ensure i had my knowledge understood, the students i had the pleasure of observing and working with were more than amazing and helped me along the way!!!! TTCC is an amazing place to train for your future driving career
Justin P.Great school! They taught me everything I needed to know to get my ACZ license, the simulator helped alot. Really enjoyed my experience 🙂. Professional environment, everyone is friendly and helpful. Special thanks to my campus coordinator Jacquie, and my instructor Brent.
Nickolas S.After my first week of attending TTCC Hamilton (zoom class), I felt that this career was not for me until I had spoken to Jacquie (campus coordinator) and Melissa (admissions specialist) and they both convinced me that I should not give up on the course. After going back and forth, I had come to a conclusion that I would leave the... see more course. About a week later I decided I would return to the school to start my course again. After speaking with Jacquie many times, she believed in me and my abilities. She never gave up on me and she knew I could do it! I had started my truck training with my instructor, Brent. I told him I was a slow learner and I never drove a manual before. He totally understood. He also took the time to go over things with me many times, he was very patient and had a great sense of humour. By using the simulator it helps you understand how the truck operates. It really helped me out with shifting. I can’t say enough about this school. I love how the students work together. I highly recommend this school for anyone who is looking to obtain there AZ license. I was able to pass my road test in no time! Sending out a special thanks to my campus coordinator Jacquie, and my instructor, Brent. I’m so excited to start my new career! “The harder you work for something, the greater you’ll feel when you achieve it.”
Jason L.Both pit instructor and in-class instructor where awesome and learned a lot from them, 10/10 on my experience with TTCC, Highly recommended 100% , thank you
Daniel N.Chris and Rachael are the best very professional and always willing to accommodating.
Mike S.Great place to learn and great staff. Jacquie and Brent made this a breeze :)
Jimmi R.Edit/ Update 4/8/22: I was accepted this week into the NABET 700-M UNIFOR Transport department as a permit. I took the course at TTCC to further my career in the television and fIlm industry. WIth Jacquie and Brent's attentive help with course. I now have the position I wanted and achieved one of my life goals. Thank you so... see more much!!! The team at Hamilton TTCC was amazing. Definitely a great course to take your AZ, and DZ license training. Original review: Jaquie in the office and Brent the resident practical /driving instructor did everything possible to help attain my z endorsement and d class (manual shifting) license - which I was successful on the first attempts. The in class portion was very detailed and informative. There's an excellent driving simulator you can use at an unlimited capacity at the campus which I used often to practice manual shifting when not in the actual truck. - great value there The airbreak (z) endorsement they have efficiently broken down into simplified concise steps I found was very effective to help with memorization. I found other students were always more than happy and willing to help / partner up with for studying and encouragement. Above all it was a very positive learning environment. I very much had fun learning, coming to school, and definitely appreciated the people there. Thank you so much!
Aaron C.Good school. Jacquie is the best super accommodating and a lovely lady easy to deal with. Brent’s great guy too super cool trainer
Tyson A.Or call us toll-free at 1-800-805-0662
Admissions Specialists are standing by!
