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
AZ MELT - $6,995 | Standard or Automatic Transmission
Limited-time offer: Start your career in trucking with industry-recognized training at a reduced cost. We have been authorized to offer this discounted AZ MELT driver training package to support hiring demand with the truck driver shortage for our preferred carriers.
Your training also includes a Class C licence, allowing you to drive:
We’ll guide you through the simple process of adding this classification at DriveTest.
Note: A Class AZ licence does not permit operation of passenger buses, motorcycles, or mopeds.
AZ MELT - Little or No Cost Options | Standard or Automatic Transmission
Our AZ MELT program qualifies for multiple funding and support options, and our funding specialists will guide you through the process from start to finish.
Every year, we help thousands of students secure funding they don’t have to pay back. Many also qualify for non-repayable living allowances during training.
Your training also includes a Class C licence, allowing you to drive:
We’ll show you exactly how to add this classification during your DriveTest process.
Note: A Class AZ licence does not permit operation of motorcycles or passenger buses.
DZ - $1,495 | Automatic Transmission
Get job-ready fast. This 3-day DZ training program is designed for careers driving automatic transmission straight trucks, including fire services, municipal operations, and winter maintenance. Train on the equipment and skills employers expect.
In addition to all vehicles covered by a Class G licence, a DZ licence allows you to operate:
For heavier trailers, a Class A or Class AR licence is required.
DZ - $2,495 | Standard Transmission
Complete your DZ training with confidence. This program combines classroom instruction and hands-on training to prepare you for a career operating standard transmission straight trucks. Gain the skills employers want while earning your DZ licence.
In addition to all vehicles covered by a Class G licence, a DZ licence allows you to operate:
For heavier trailers, a Class AZ or restricted Class AZ licence is required.
DZ - Little or No Cost Options | Standard Transmission
Access funding for your DZ truck driver training. This package qualifies for multiple government and private funding options, so you can start your career in trucking with minimal or no out-of-pocket cost.
In addition to all vehicles covered by a Class G licence, a DZ licence allows you to operate:
For heavier trailers, a Class AZ or restricted Class AZ licence is required.
AR Licence - $1,895
The Class A Restricted (Condition R) licence is designed for drivers operating smaller truck and trailer combinations, such as utility, equipment, or horse trailers. It’s a great option if you need towing capability beyond a Class G licence, without training on a full tractor-trailer.
Important: As of July 19, 2021, the transmission used during your road test may restrict the type of vehicle you are licensed to operate.
With a Class AR licence, you can also operate:
With a Class A Restricted licence, you cannot:
To obtain your Class A Restricted (R) licence, you must:
To upgrade to a full Class A (AZ) licence, you must pass a road test in a vehicle that includes:
F Licence - $1,795
Our MTO-approved Class F course prepares you to drive ambulances and standard buses (non-school buses) carrying up to 24 passengers.
Accordion Content
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.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
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.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
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.
Accordion Content
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.
Accordion Content
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 the surrounding region, 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
Hamilton Instructor Kevin, cares about his students and does everything he can to help them succeed, his efforts are greatly appreciated
Michael was a great instructor, kept the atmosphere light. A lot of information was imparted to us and he kept it interesting. The Heo class with Gerry was also great and informative, really looking forward to starting practical.
Kevin did 19 out of the 20 classes I did and he is an incredible instructor very on point with every instruction and helping you understand! Very easy to get on with and is willing to go the extra mile to help you in your classes!
I cannot recommend this school enough! From the start of class with Chris, who taught and shared his many experiences with us, he was an encouraging and engaging teacher. Jackie, who handled the administrative work and was my first contact, made the transition into the learning environment smooth with her warm, passionate, welcoming personality. Finally, Brent, who did my in-truck... see more training, I couldn’t have asked for anyone more experienced or better; he supported me through challenges in a very supportive way, he made the learning experience enjoyable and engaged me the entire time; he also helped build the passion for starting my truck driving career. This team is the BEST, and I am grateful I had them throughout the process!! Thank you, Treon
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
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!
Good school. Jacquie is the best super accommodating and a lovely lady easy to deal with. Brent’s great guy too super cool trainer
I want to start off by thanking the ttcc staff Jackie is great she makes sure ur days are planned and always have time for the students.. Brent great trainer I was unsure if I even wanted to get my Az but wit motivation n great support he helped me understand n learn everything I needed and more so I... see more could pass my az road test the environment in the school is amazing the students all work together to better n push each other tyvm TTC Hamilton I will highly recommend this school to all as u get the pass form the staff....
Best place to learn to drive a tracktor trailer. Everyone here is professional, extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Couldn't recommend them more.
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
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
The practical training I received was very organized and confidence boosting. Bruce Agar was very knowledgeable & made sure I received the proper education.
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.
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
I had the most amazing experience with ttcc Hamilton during my time with them. First of all, I would not have been able to successfully complete my course without the help of Jacquie! Due to the pandemic, there was a lot of uncertainty regarding where to go or even sign up, given that certain stages have moved to virtual learning.... see more Jacquie was there every step along the way to make sure I had everything that I needed. Someone that is starting their career may have a lot of angst, and getting their career started during this time only adds to the pressure. Jacquie has an exceptional interpersonal skillset that made the journey as easy as possible, where all I had to focus on was learning and the rest was taken care of. She was easy to reach, quick with replies and always went the extra mile to sort things out in case of an issue. A huge part of my success was the support that was offered to me and the family atmosphere of ttcc Hamilton. The instructors were also fantastic and know how to work with the individual and can accommodate to that person's style of learning. As someone who is not mechanically inclined, the instructors had a way of bringing the information down to a level that I could more easily digest which was crucial to my success. After my time with ttcc Hamilton it is my opinion that if you show up and bring your best effort you will find success. Definitely start your career here!
great campus I did my az training here Shawn was a great trainer and Jackie is a awesome and well organized campus coordinator, any problems with scheduling she would make it work for your schedule.
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.
Shawn N and Jacquie in Hamilton were amazing. I'm so glad I chose this school over others. I took the Bronze Construction course. Way more knowledge taught than just the bare minimum to pass the MTO tests.
Or call us toll-free at 1-800-805-0662
Admissions Specialists are standing by!