To become a commercial truck driver in Ontario, you need to have a commercial driving licence. It is common to get confused between AZ and DZ licence as you’re just starting your reserach. Both terms are often used together when talking about trucking as a career. While becoming a truck driver is a great career opportunity, you need to find your specialisation.
Before we explain the difference, let us walk you through what Z means in AZ and DZ licence. The “Z” stands for the air brake certification, which is an eight-hour long training, split into two days. Most schools include it in their MELT program but it isn’t compulsory for other commercial drivers. However, we highly recommend getting the endorsement as a way to grow in your driving career.
What’s the difference between AZ and DZ licence?
AZ licence
You will need to take the AZ licence course if you want to become a long-haul truck driver in Canada. It allows you to drive trucks that weigh more than 4,600 kg or 10,000 lbs.
You can drive any motor vehicle, or truck and trailer combination using the licence. These include long-haul trucks, heavy equipment trucks, tanker trucks, and furniture or equipment delivery trucks. You aren’t required to load or unload the truck, unless it’s required by your employer.
However, this licence doesn’t let you drive buses. For that, you’ll require the C-Class certification.
DZ licence
Getting the DZ licence is easier than the AZ licence for two reasons. Since you can only drive a heavy vehicle not exceeding 4,600 kg or 10,000 lbs, you can challenge the best without backing up a trailer. You may be required to load or unload the truck.
DZ licence is typically recommended for truck drivers looking for a career in municipal work. With this licence, you can drive garbage trucks, rescue vehicles, cement mixers, fire trucks, or similar trucks. The biggest benefit of getting a DZ licence is getting to come home every night. It’s a highly rewarding field as well.
For both of these licences, you can either learn on automatic or manual training. Training for manual trucking is more expensive but it opens up a lot of more opportunities.
How do I get the AZ or DZ licence in Ontario?
The first step is ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria, which is as follows:
- Minimum 18 years of age
- Valid Ontario class ‘G’ licence or higher
- Pass a vision test
- OSSD grade 12 diploma (or higher), or proof of grade 10 English equivalency
- Submit MTO approved medical form
- Knowledge verification of rules of the road and signs
Then you need to apply for the Learner’s Licence, which makes you eligible to attend any approved MELT Program followed by the road test. It is a five-week long program and we offer it at Caledon Truck Driving School. We know every student is unique, so we create a personalized plan to help you get the most out of our program. To ensure you get the attention you deserve, we assign one trainer for every four students.
Once you complete the program, you’ll be ready to take the Class A or D license test. Right now, we’re offering two complimentary road tests if you enroll within the next two weeks. Have questions or want to join our MELT program? Contact us today!
