If you’re planning on driving in Ontario, it’s important to understand the different types of driver’s licence classifications. Knowing what each class allows you to drive can help you make informed decisions when it comes to renting a vehicle or purchasing your own.
Here’s a breakdown of the different driver’s licence classifications in Ontario, as well as the vehicles each class allows you to drive:
Class A: This licence class allows you to drive any tractor-trailer combination, and you may also drive in classes D and G. A tractor-trailer is a vehicle where the trailer is connected to the tractor via a fifth wheel.
Class B: With a Class B licence, you’re allowed to drive any school purposes bus, and you may also drive in classes C, D, E, F, and G. A school bus is a vehicle designed to carry 10 or more passengers.
Class C: This licence class allows you to drive any regular bus, and you may also drive vehicles in classes D, F, and G. A regular bus is a vehicle designed to carry more than 24 passengers.
Class D: A Class D licence allows you to operate a motor vehicle exceeding 11,000 kilograms gross weight or registered gross weight or any truck or combination, provided the towed vehicle is not over 4,600 kilograms. You may also drive in class G.
Class E: This licence class allows you to drive any school purposes bus with a maximum of 24-passenger capacity, and you may also drive in classes F and G.
Class F: With a Class F licence, you’re allowed to drive any regular bus with a maximum of 24-passenger capacity, as well as ambulances. You may also drive in class G.
Class G: This is the most common driver’s licence class, and it allows you to drive any car, van, or small truck or combination of vehicle and towed vehicle up to 11,000 kilograms, provided the vehicle towed is not over 4,600 kilograms. A pickup truck towing a house trailer that exceeds 4,600 kilograms, but the total combined weight of the truck and trailer does not exceed 11,000 kilograms, is considered a Class G vehicle.
In addition to these licence classes, Ontario has a graduated licensing program for new drivers. The program has two levels: G1 and G2. Holders of a G1 licence may drive Class G vehicles with an accompanying fully licensed driver with at least four years of driving experience, subject to certain conditions. Holders of a G2 licence may drive Class G vehicles without an accompanying driver, but they are subject to certain conditions.
Ontario also has specific driver’s licence classifications for motorcyclists. Class M licences allow you to drive any motorcycle, including motor tricycles, limited-speed motorcycles (motor scooters), and motor-assisted bicycles (mopeds). Holders of a Class M licence may also drive a Class G vehicle under the conditions that apply to a Class G1 licence holder.
There are also several subclasses within the Class M licence. Class M1 is the first level of graduated licensing for motorcycles, and holders of this licence may drive a motorcycle under certain conditions. Class M2 is the second level of graduated licensing for motorcycles, and holders of this licence may only drive a motorcycle with a zero blood alcohol level. Holders of a Class M2 licence may also drive a Class G vehicle under the conditions that apply to a Class G1 licence holder.
Finally, it’s important to note that a “Z” air brake endorsement is required on a driver’s licence to operate any air brake equipped motor vehicle.
In conclusion, understanding the different driver’s licence classifications in Ontario can help you make informed decisions about your driving options. Whether you’re a new driver or an experienced one
