If you live in Ontario and are planning to drive a vehicle, it’s important to know what kind of licence you need. Ontario has a total of 12 different classes of licences, each of which qualifies you to drive a specific type of vehicle. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the different classes of licences and the vehicles they allow you to operate.
Class G Licence
The most common licence in Ontario is the Class G licence, which allows you to drive a car, van, or small truck. You must have a Class G licence before you can be licensed to drive any other type of vehicle, with the exception of motorcycles.
Class M Licence
If you’re interested in riding a motorcycle, you’ll need a Class M licence. You can get a motorcycle licence without first getting a Class G licence. To qualify for a Class M licence, you’ll need to study the Official MTO Motorcycle Handbook and pass a road test.
Classes A, B, C, D, E, and F Licences
If you’re interested in driving larger vehicles, you’ll need to obtain a different class of licence. The Official MTO Truck Handbook and the Official MTO Bus Handbook provide information on the requirements for classes A, B, C, D, E, and F licences. These licences allow you to drive vehicles such as transport trucks, buses, and heavy equipment.
Air Brake Endorsement
If you plan to drive a vehicle equipped with air brakes, you’ll need to obtain an air brake endorsement. The Official MTO Air Brake Handbook provides information on how to qualify for this endorsement.
Off-Road Vehicles and Snowmobiles
If you plan to drive an off-road vehicle or snowmobile, you’ll need to meet special licence requirements. You can find information on these requirements in the Off-Road Vehicles section of the Ontario Driver’s Handbook.
Bicycles
It’s important to note that you do not need a licence to ride a bicycle in Ontario. However, bicycles are defined as vehicles in the Highway Traffic Act, and cyclists have rights and responsibilities similar to other vehicle operators. The Ministry of Transportation provides publications such as Cycling Skills and the Young Cyclist Guide to help ensure safe cycling practices.
In conclusion, obtaining the appropriate licence for the vehicle you plan to operate is important for your safety as well as the safety of others on the road. Make sure to study the appropriate handbooks and take the necessary tests to ensure that you have the right licence for your vehicle.
