Ontario is introducing a new experience requirement for Class A truck license applicants, requiring drivers to hold a full Ontario Class G license or equivalent for at least six months before taking a Class A road test beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
Under the new rule, applicants seeking a full Class A license must hold a valid Ontario Class G license or a higher-class license that permits operation of Class G vehicles, including A(R), B, C, D, E or F licenses, for at least six months before attempting the Class A road test. G1, G2, M, M1 and M2 licenses will not qualify.
The six-month period begins on the date a driver first obtains a full Ontario Class G license. Equivalent driving experience from other Canadian provinces and territories may be recognized and counted toward the requirement under existing license exchange policies.
As Trucknews.com reports, applicants must have been fully licensed in a Class G-equivalent category for at least six of the previous 12 months before taking a Class A road test. Drivers from other Canadian jurisdictions may also qualify if they held an equivalent license for at least 24 of the preceding 36 months.
The ministry said the waiting period applies only to full Class A licenses, including manual and automatic transmission versions. It does not apply to restricted Class A licenses or other commercial license classes. The six months of license time do not have to be consecutive but must total at least six months within a 12-month period.
Applicants will still be able to complete other licensing requirements during the waiting period, including medical examinations, knowledge testing and mandatory entry-level training. However, the road test cannot be taken until the six-month requirement has been satisfied.