Overview of Licences for Trucks, Buses, Air Brakes & More
If you’re ready to start a rewarding career in trucking, the first step is choosing the right commercial driver’s licence. The licence you need depends on the type of vehicle you want to drive, where you plan to work, and your career goals.
This guide breaks down the differences between the key licences, the vehicles you can operate, and the training options available at Transport Training Centres of Canada (TTCC).
Comparison Chart of Canadian Licence Classes
| Licence Class | Vehicles Allowed | Ideal For | Training Highlights | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
AZ / Class 1
| Tractor-trailers of any weight, air brakes (Z Endorsement required), trucks pulling trailers over 4,600 kg | Long-haul, cross-border trucking, logistics careers | Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT), Air Brake ‘Z’ Endorsement, hands-on + classroom training, simulator & skid control options | |
AR (Restricted Class A)
| Tractor-trailers pulling low-capacity trailers (utility, horse, recreational) | Towing small trailers professionally or recreationally | Hands-on practical training, pre-trip inspections, conditional driving privileges, road test prep | |
B & E / Class 2 & 4
| School buses, vans, and coaches within specified seating capacities | Driving a large or small school-purposed bus on established routes | Not currently offered by TTCC —school bus operating companies typically provide their own training | |
Class C (Ontario)
| Regular (non‑school) buses designed to carry more than 24 passengers | Driving large passenger buses (transit, charter, shuttle) except for school | Class C licence included free as part of the AZ MELT package | |
DZ / Class 3
| Straight trucks up to 11,000 kg, dump trucks, tow trucks | Local/regional trucking, construction, municipal services | Ministry-certified practical training, road test prep, optional Z Endorsement | |
G / Class 5
| Any standard car, van, or light truck under 11,000 kg GVW | Daily commuting, personal transportation, and beginner drivers | Safe driving skills, road rules, defensive driving, and preparing for road tests. | |
Class F (Ontario)   | Ambulances, regular buses up to 24 passengers (excluding school buses) | Emergency services, small passenger transport | Practical driving, pre-trip inspections, road test preparation | |
M / Class 6
| Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles | Personal or recreational motorcycle riding, including city and highway use | Not currently offered by TTCC | |
Z Endorsement
| Operation of air-brake-equipped vehicles | Certification to drive vehicles equipped with air brakes | 2-day MTO-approved theory and practical course | |
Which Licence Is Right for You?
If you’re unsure which commercial licence fits your goals, consider these questions:
- Do you want to drive long-haul tractor-trailers or stay local with straight trucks?
- Are you interested in construction, logistics, or municipal driving?
- Do you qualify for government-funded training programs?
Our expert advisors are here to help you choose the right path and guide you through financing options and career support.
Call us at 1-800-805-0662 or request a free consultation to get started.
Why Choose TTCC?
No matter your licence choice, Transport Training Centres of Canada provides:
- Hands-on training with industry-expert instructors
- Access to government funding and grants (Better Jobs Ontario, WSIB, ODSP, Indigenous Band Funding, and more)
- Industry-leading simulators and Canada’s only skid control training for commercial drivers
- Lifetime job placement assistance across Canada
Take the wheel and drive your career forward with TTCC — your trusted partner in commercial driver training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which licence pays the most?
AZ (or Class 1) licenses often lead to the highest-paying jobs, especially in long-haul or specialized freight.
What’s the difference between AZ and DZ?
AZ lets you drive full tractor-trailers. DZ is for straight trucks like dump or garbage trucks. AZ includes more advanced training and often leads to higher-paying jobs.
What licence do I need to drive a dump truck?
In Ontario, you need a DZ licence. In NB/NS, you’ll need Class 3.
Do I need a Z Endorsement?
Yes — if your vehicle has air brakes (most trucks do), you need the Z Endorsement to operate it legally. All our AZ and DZ packages include Z Endorsement training at no additional cost.
How long does training take?
- AZ: 5–8 weeks
- DZ: 2–4 weeks
- Class 1/3: 2–8 weeks
- Z Endorsement: 2 days