How to Get an AZ Licence in Ontario (2026): MELT Training, Cost and Truck Driver Pay

An AZ licence lets you drive tractor-trailers in Ontario, and it is one of the most direct routes to a steady, well-paid job without a degree. This guide is for Ontario residents who already hold a regular driver's licence and want to know exactly what the Class A process looks like in 2026: who qualifies, what Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) involves, what it costs, a rule change coming in January 2027, and what new drivers realistically earn.

What an AZ Licence Covers

In Ontario, Class A covers tractor-trailer combinations where the trailer weighs more than 4,600 kg. The Z endorsement is the air brake add-on, which you need because almost all tractor-trailers use air brakes. Together they are known in the industry as an "AZ". There is also a restricted Class A (condition R), which covers smaller truck-trailer combinations but not full-size tractor-trailers, double trailers or air-brake trailers. Most highway and regional trucking jobs ask for a full AZ.

Who Can Apply

• Age: you must be at least 18.
• Existing licence: you need a valid Ontario licence other than a G1, G2 or motorcycle class, so a full G is the usual starting point.
• New rule from 1 January 2027: Ontario says you will need to have held a Class G or higher for at least six months before taking the Class A road test.
• Medical and vision: you must submit an acceptable medical report and pass a vision test. Commercial drivers renew their medical regularly, and more often as they get older.
• Driving record: not a licensing rule as such, but most insurers and carriers want a clean abstract with few or no recent convictions.

Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) Explained

Since 1 July 2017, anyone going for a full Class A in Ontario must complete MELT before the road test. The course must be at least 103.5 hours, delivered by an approved provider such as a registered private career college, a public college or an approved employer program. A common split is about 36.5 hours in class, 17 hours in the yard and 50 hours behind the wheel.

Your completion must appear on your driver's record before your road test. If it is not there on test day, the test is cancelled and you lose half the road test fee. The good news is that MELT is valid for life, so you do not have to repeat it if you fail the road test. People upgrading only to a restricted Class A do not need MELT.

Step-by-Step: Getting Your AZ

1. Read the Official MTO Truck Handbook to prepare for the knowledge tests.
2. Get your medical report completed by a doctor and bring it to a DriveTest centre.
3. Pass the vision and Class A knowledge tests at DriveTest.
4. Complete an air brake course with a fleet, college or safety organization, then take the Z knowledge test and practical test at DriveTest within six months of receiving your referral.
5. Complete MELT with an approved school and confirm it shows on your record.
6. Book your Class A road test through DriveTest. The test vehicle must meet DriveTest's Class A requirements, including full air brakes and a trailer rated at 4,600 kg or more. You will do a daily vehicle inspection as part of the test.
7. Pass the road test and receive your full Class A with Z endorsement.

Check your school's road test truck carefully. Ontario has introduced transmission-related conditions, so testing in an automatic or automated-manual truck may limit which trucks your licence covers. Confirm the current rules with DriveTest before you book.

What It Costs

MELT schools set their own prices, so costs vary widely. Many Ontario schools quote several thousand dollars up to around $10,000 or more for a full AZ program including truck rental for the road test. Get a written quote that lists everything.

Funding can help. Eligible unemployed or laid-off Ontarians may qualify for training support through Employment Ontario programs such as Better Jobs Ontario, and some carriers run sponsored training in exchange for a work commitment. Read any repayment clause before you sign.

Truck Driver Pay in Ontario

Job Bank's wage data for transport truck drivers (updated 19 November 2025, using 2023-2024 data) shows the following hourly rates. New drivers usually start near the lower end, and long-haul drivers are often paid by the mile or kilometre rather than by the hour.

Real earnings depend on whether you drive local, regional or long-haul, cross-border runs into the US, specialized loads such as tankers or flatbeds, and how many hours you work. Experienced drivers with clean records tend to earn more and get better routes.

Class 1 in Other Provinces

Outside Ontario the equivalent is usually called Class 1. Most provinces now require mandatory entry-level training, and several programs are longer than Ontario's. British Columbia's ICBC course is 140 hours including air brakes, while Manitoba and Saskatchewan set a minimum of 121.5 hours. Alberta has been reworking its program, so check Alberta's official licensing pages before you enrol. If you move provinces later, ask the new licensing office how your Ontario licence will be exchanged.

Mistakes and Scams to Avoid

• Choosing an unapproved school: only training from an approved MELT provider counts. Check the school is registered with Ontario before paying.
• "Guaranteed job" or "guaranteed LMIA" promises: no school can guarantee a job, and a school selling immigration outcomes is a major warning sign.
• Hidden fees: some schools charge extra for road test truck rental, retests or yard time. Get everything in writing.
• The "Driver Inc." model: some carriers pressure new drivers to incorporate and work as contractors, which can mean no EI, no overtime protections and tax problems. Ask if you will be paid as an employee.
• Ignoring hours-of-service rules: pressure to drive beyond legal limits puts your licence and safety at risk.

Final Thoughts

Getting an AZ licence in Ontario takes a few months, several thousand dollars and real commitment, but it opens a career with consistent demand. Plan your timing around the January 2027 six-month G rule, choose an approved MELT school carefully, and look for a first employer that offers proper finishing training. A safe first year is the best investment you can make in your future pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: This article is general information only. Licensing rules, fees, training requirements and wages can change. Always confirm details with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, DriveTest, your training provider and Job Bank before making decisions.