Driver’s Licence Classification Chart and Podcast
Have you ever tried understanding the different drivers license classes in Ontario and was completely confused? You’re not alone! This can definitely be an area of confusion.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the different licence classes to help clarify what each one allows you to drive and what training is required. Each licence class is designed for specific vehicle types and responsibilities, from standard passenger vehicles to heavy commercial trucks. As the vehicle size and weight increase, so do the training requirements and level of skill needed. This ensures drivers are properly prepared to operate equipment safely and confidently on the road.
There are 2 different ‘sectors’, the industrial, freight carrying sector, which is dependant on the weight of your vehicle, and then a passenger sector i.e school buses, coach buses, etc. based on the purpose of the vehicle and number of passengers you are allowed to drive.
Class A
The A license is when the truck is towing a full-size trailer in excess of 4,600 kilograms.
The AZ license is when the truck is towing a full-size trailer in excess of 4,600 kilograms and both the truck and trailer are equipped with air brakes.
The AR license is when the trailer is not air brake equipped and is equipped with electric brakes. You can have a class AR license like a heavy duty pickup truck, which can haul more than 4,600 kilograms but the truck is hydraulic brake and the trailer is electric brake. Similar to the full class A but on a smaller scale.
A “Z” air brake endorsement is required to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes.
An ARZ is common to a hydro truck hauling a pole trailer. The truck normally needs a class D, but it is connected to an electric brake pole trailer. You need the A to haul more than 4,600 kilograms, but the trailer is electric brake so you dont need the full class A.
Simple Summary:
AZ- air brake equipped truck and trailer towing more than 4,600 kilograms, both air brake equipped.
ARZ- truck that is air brake equipped, towing a trailer that is capable of hauling more than 4,600 kilograms but is electric brake equipped.
AR- heavy duty pick up towing more than 4,600 kilograms but neither is air brake equipped.
Note: if you do your road test using an automatic truck, you will have a restriction on your license.
Class B
Allowed to drive any school-purposes bus, over 24 passengers.
Class C
Allowed to drive any regular bus like coach bus or Ontario Northland, not used for school. Over 24 passengers.
Class D
Allowed to drive a vehicle exceeding 11,000 kilograms gross weight or combination provided the towed vehicle is not over 4,600 kilograms.
Types of D vehicles: dump truck, straight truck.
DZ is the same but truck is air brake equipped.
Class E
School-purposes bus – 10- 24-passenger capacity.
Class F
Allowed to drive any passenger carrying vehicle, not for school – 10-24-passenger capacity.
Class G
Allowed to drive any car, van or small truck or combination of vehicle and towed vehicle up to 11,000 kilograms provided the towed vehicle is not over 4,600 kilograms.
G1, and G2 have restrictions, you can find out more at Ontario.ca
Class M
Allowed to drive any motorcycles. For different motorcycle restrictions and details, visit Ontario.ca.
| Licence Class | What You Can Drive | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| A / AZ / AR | Tractor-trailers & heavy combinations | Required when towing over 4,600 kg; AZ includes air brakes; AR for electric brake trailers (natt.ca) |
| B | School buses (24+ passengers) | Also covers smaller bus classes (natt.ca) |
| C | Coach / transit buses (24+ passengers, non-school) | Includes vehicles in D, F, G (natt.ca) |
| D / DZ | Heavy trucks over 11,000 kg | DZ includes air brakes; limited towing capacity (natt.ca) |
| E | Small school buses (10–24 passengers) | School-purpose only (natt.ca) |
| F | Small passenger buses (10–24 passengers, non-school) | Shuttle, medical transport, etc. (natt.ca) |
| G | Cars, vans, small trucks | Up to 11,000 kg; towing under 4,600 kg (natt.ca) |
| G1 / G2 | Beginner & intermediate licences | Graduated system with restrictions (Ontario) |
| M | Motorcycles | Includes scooters, mopeds (with variations) (Ontario) |
Understanding the differences can make it easier to choose the right path for your career goals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade, knowing the requirements, vehicle types, and endorsements (like air brakes) is key.
If you’re still not sure which license is best for you, contact Northern Academy! When you contact us, make sure you know what vehicle you need to be driving, the weight of the vehicle, and if possible have a photo available to send us for clarification.