Drivers
There are many people who come to The Working Centre looking for information on transitioning into a career in driving. A professional driver could take on a number of different roles: dump-truck driver, tractor-trailer, courier driver, driving passengers from a service centre, bus or school bus drivers, etc. Each job will have its own set of unique requirements and employer expectations. It’s important to network and conduct information interviews to learn more about these expectations.
Licence Classes
In Ontario there are 15 licence classes. The following are the most common classes for professional drivers:
|
Class of Licence |
Types of Vehicles Allowed |
May Also Drive Vehicle in Class |
|
A |
Any tractor-trailer or combination of motor vehicle and towed vehicles where the towed vehicles exceed a total gross weight of 4,600 kilograms |
D, G and A with condition (R) |
|
B |
Any school purposes bus with designed seating capacity for more than 24 passengers |
C, D, E, F and G |
|
C |
Any regular bus with designed seating capacity for more than 24 passengers |
D, F and G |
|
D |
Any truck or motor vehicle combination exceeding 11,000 kg provided the towed vehicle is not over 4,600 kg |
G |
|
E |
School purposes bus - maximum of 24 passenger capacity |
F and G |
|
F |
Regular bus maximum of 24 passenger capacity and ambulances |
G |
|
G |
Any car, van or small truck or combination of vehicle and towed vehicle up to 11,000 kg provided the towed vehicle is not over 4,600 kg. |
Other Requirements
Driver Abstract
Many employers will require a Driver Abstract before hiring a driver. These reports cost $12 and can be ordered from the MTO Licence Issuing Office, Service Canada Kiosk, and can be ordered online at http://www.ontario.ca/en/services_for_residents/ONT04_020860.
Criminal Record Check
Many employers will also require a Criminal Record Check. It’s important to remember that employers are often concerned about specific charges related to a specific job – never let a criminal record hold you back. (At The Working Centre we can help you through the steps of seeking a Record Suspension for a previous offense). You can obtain a Criminal Record Check from the Waterloo Region Police Service and find information about the procedure here.
FAST Card
Many companies who employ truck drivers are requiring FAST cards. A FAST card is a document for truck drivers who travel frequently to the United States that allows them to swiftly cross the border. You can find more information about obtaining a FAST card here.
