What you will NEED
Ontario class G drivers license or higher.
- This is a requirement from the Ministry of Transportation's Highway Traffic Act. Individuals holding class G1 or G2 drivers licenses are not able to upgrade to any commercial drivers license until they obtain their full G class license.
No DUI (Driving Under the Influence) convictions.
- If you have received a pardon for your conviction, you are eligible to obtain a D-Z License.
(Technically, even people with such convictions can obtain D their license, but it will be very difficult for them to find work in the industry as drinking and driving is a very serious offense and a taboo in the transport industry. We accept applicants with such convictions and will attempt to help them find work, but it may be a difficult task.)
Applicants must be 18 years old or older.
- Some companies prefer applicants to be 25 years old or older, but this is more common for carriers operating class A-Z equipment.
Pass a M.T.O. (Ministry of Transport) MedicalTest.
- This is a basic test to ensure you are healthy enough to become a commercial vehicle driver. This test can be conducted by any doctor practicing in the province of Ontario. Because it is not covered under O.H.I.P., most doctors charge fees for these exams. A fair cost is $60-$80 for this 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 license. For details on what kind of medical conditions they check for, click Medical Conditions
You can download the form required to be filled out by the doctor below;
medical_report_form.pdf
Reasonably Priced M.T.O Medical Facilities - MTO Medical Facilities
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. One or two minor tickets aren't huge problems, but the cleaner your driving record the easier it will be for you to be employed/the better company you can get in to.
Having a clean criminal record.
- This is for bonding purposes, some loads can value into the millions of dollars.
Having previous experience with large vehicles.
- Ever worked on a construction site driving heavy equipment? Ever worked as a mechanic or apprentice in a shop?
Costs:
Our D driver training and courses range in tuition fees from as little as $1995 for our basic automatic transmission program to as much as $3995 for a comprehensive non-synchronized manual transmission program.
Choosing a course depends on; ability to drive manual transmissions, mechanical aptitude, previous experience with heavy equipment, and of course learning curve as well as your job requirements. Contact our school today and schedule a FREE assessment to see which course would be recommended for you.
| D Basic Course | D-Z Basic Course | D-Z Mid-Range Course | D-Z Comprehensive Course |
| $1795 | $1995 | $2595 | $3995 |
| From $78.52 / month for 24 months | From $89.77 / month for 24 months | From $116.77 / month for 24 months | From $179.77 / month for 24 months |
| 12 hours in class training | 12 hours in class training | 12 hours in class training | 12 hours in class training |
| Valid class Z Required | 12 hour Air Brake Endorsement Course | 12 hour Air Brake Endorsement Course | 12 hour Air Brake Endorsement Course |
| 6 hours in cab training | 6 hours in cab training | 9 hours in cab training | 15 hours in cab training |
| Automatic Transmission | Automatic Transmission | Automatic Transmission | Automatic or Manual Transmission |
| Road Test Included | Road Test Included | Road Test Included | 2 Road Tests Included |
Procedure (listed in order to be completed)
1. Pass M.T.O. Medical Exam
This is the first step in obtaining your license. Any doctor can perform this exam, you can download and print out the form from the link above or pickup a paper copy from most DriveTest locations, some doctors 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 within the law every day you're on the road.
In-Class Curriculum includes:
Pre-Trip, En-Route, and Post-Trip Inspections,
Space and Speed Management, Backing and Turning Maneuvers,
Hours of Service Regulations (U.S and Canadian), Emergency Procedures,
Air Brake Endorsement (M.T.O Signing Authority), Drug & Alcohol Awareness, Defensive Driving Techniques,
Border Crossing Procedures, The Law and You, Accident Prevention & Reporting,
Written Test Preparation.
3. Pass M.T.O. Written Test
This test covers everything you have learned in class. It is 40 questions, 20 D 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 vehicle, 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. Parking for all students is FREE.
5. Pass M.T.O. Road Test
The road test consists of a Pre-Trip Inspection, a 90° Backing Maneuver, and On-Road driving.
6. Job Placement
This is your entry into the trade as a professional bus driver. As with all parts of the training, we will assist you with choosing the right company for you.