How To Become a Truck Driver
Welcome, This page is designed to show you the process of obtaining your commercial drivers licence (A-Z) in Ontario.
Note: This process describes what RICHARDS Truck Driving School students go through, not all schools cover the material to the same level of detail we go to, so do your research before choosing a school to begin your Truck Driver Training in Ontario.
Call us now to find out about how our new Tuition Reimbursement Program can get you your A-Z licence for FREE! Call (905) 281-0764
What you will NEED:
- G licence. This is a requirement from the Ministry of Transportation. G1 or G2 applicants cannot upgrade to any commercial drivers licence until they obtain their full G class licence.- No DUI (Driving Under the Influence) convictions in last 7 years. If you have received a pardon for your conviction, you are eligible to obtain a A-Z Licence. Technically, even people with convictions can obtain their licence, but it will be very difficult for them to find work in the industry as drinking and driving is a very serious offense.
- Over 18 years old (25+ preferred). Anyone over 18 is able to obtain their licence, but because of Insurance Companies charging premiums to insure individuals under 25, it will make many employers seek older applicants. Note: This applies mostly to A-Z applicants, B,C and D-Z licencees don't seem to run into the issue.
- Be able to pass a MTO Medical Test. This is a basic test to ensure you are healthy enough to become a driver. This test can be conducted by any doctor. Because it is not covered under O.H.I.P., most doctors charge fees for these exams. A fair cost is $60 for the examination. Note: Physicians and Optometrists are required by law to report any conditions that may impair your driving ability physically or mentally so be aware that you may need to consult a specialist to obtain permission to obtain your drivers licence.
Medical conditions that the MTO sees as impairing your driving includes but is not limited to those listed below:
| High Risk Conditions: | ||
| Advanced dementia or Alzheimer's disease | Uncontrolled seizures or diabetes | |
| Substance abuse, psychiatric disorders with symptoms of suicidal thoughts, extreme agitation, impulsive or violent behaviour etc. | Uncontrolled sleep apnea refusing treatment | |
| Low Risk Conditions: | ||
| Controlled sleep apnea | Seizure occurring one year ago or more | |
| Controlled diabetes | Heart disease | |
| Reactive depression | Cast/splints | |
| Stable psychiatric disorders | ||
If you have any further questions regarding medical conditions, or if you have been sent for review, you can contact the Medical Review Board, at (416) 235-1773 or toll-free at 1-800-268-1481.
What HELPS:
- Having a clean drivers abstract or driving record. As a new recruit, this is your best proof of how good/safe a driver you are.- Having a clean criminal record. Because trucks cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the cargo they carry runs into the millions, a clean criminal record will make you eligible for all types of transport work.
- Having previous experience with large trucks. Ever worked on a construction site driving heavy equipment? Ever shunted trailers in a yard, all this can come in handy when learning for your A-Z licence.
- Being able to drive a manual transmission. This helps because 95% of the A-Z vehicles out in the field are manual transmissions. Manual transmission drivers already possess the co-ordination required to graduate to non-synchronized transmissions that are on most rigs.
Procedure
1. Pass MTO Medical Exam - (Form can be obtained from most M.T.O. locations and our office free of charge)
2. Complete In Class Training - This prepares you for your written test, gives you the building blocks for your in vehicle training and covers all that you will need to know to do your job properly and legally every day you're on the road.
| Topics Covered in Class: | ||
| Pre-Trip Inspections | En-Route Inspections | Post-Trip Inspections |
| Space Management | Speed Management | Backing and Turning Maneuvers |
| Hours of Service Regulations (U.S and Canada) | Transportation of Dangerous Goods | |
| Air Brakes | Drug & Alcohol Awareness | Defensive Driving Techniques |
| Load Securement | Accident Prevention | Accident Reporting |
| Border Crossing Procedures | The Law and You | Written Test Preparation |
3. Pass MTO Written Test - This test covers everything you have learned in class. It is 60 questions, 20 A class, 20 Z (Air Brake) Class and 20 Road signs & General Traffic Law Rules questions. It can be done at any DriveTest location in Ontario.
4. Complete in vehicle driver training. This is the most important part of your course as its where you area learning the trade hands on. Only 1 on 1 training meaning just you and your instructor in the cab, no one watching you over your shoulder slowing your progress. We offer a safe and private 1.5 acre training yard to give you a safe/comfortable place to start, and move on to public roads when you are ready.
5. Pass MTO Road Test - The road test consists of a Pre Trip Inspection, Coupling/Decoupling the unit, a 90° Backing Maneuver, and On-Road driving.
6. Job Placement - This is your entry into the trade as a professional truck driver. As with all parts of the training, we will assist you with choosing the right carrier for you.