How To Get A Driver’s License in Ontario And British Columbia

How to get a drivers license in Ontario and British Columbia .  To drive a vehicle in Canada, you will need a drivers license issued by the government of your province or territory. You must have it with you whenever you are driving. with this valid drivers license, it can be used to drive in Ontario, British Columbia an other Canadian states not mentioned we would find out How To Get A Drivers License in Ontario And British Columbia in the below. With the license, you can drive anywhere in Canada smoothly without any mishap or worries encountered with the checks at the stops.

The process to get a driver’s license in Canada depends on the province or territory where you live and on your driving background. We will be focusing on how to get a driving license from the comfort of your home in Ontario and British Columbia without taking any driving test or exam . we discovered that , a lot of people have been failing this driving test . so we decided to put in place a system and group of experts who can easily sort out this drivers license problems and the card delivered to your door steps.

Requirements For Driving In Ontario

If you have a valid license from your country, you will be able to use it to drive in Canada for a short time after you arrive. If you plan to use a foreign driver’s license in Canada, you should get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your country. An IDP will give you a translation of your license into French and English.

Residents:

You must be at least 16 years old and have a valid Ontario driver’s license to drive.

Visitors:

If you are visiting Ontario, and you want to drive, you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license from your province, state, or country. If your visit will exceed 3 months, you will need an International Driver’s Permit from your country.

New Residents:

If you have a valid driver’s license from another province, state, or country, you can use it for 60 days. And after that, you must get an Ontario driver’s license which is produced by our group of dedicated Experts.

License Exchange for Countries with Reciprocating Jurisdictions

Ontario has license-exchange agreements with every Canadian province and territory (including Canadian Forces Europe). There are also agreements with;

Australia

Austria

Belgium

France

Germany

Great Britain

Ireland

The Isle of Man

Japan

New Zealand

Northern Ireland

Republic of Korea

Switzerland

Taiwan

United States

License Exchange for Non-reciprocating Jurisdictions

All applicants for an Ontario driver’s license are required to present;

• a valid foreign driver’s license,
• pass a vision test,
• a knowledge test,
• pay all applicable fees and
• provide acceptable proof of identity.

How to get a Drivers license in Ontario and British Columbia & Their  Different Classes.

There are 12 different classes of licenses in Ontario. Each one qualifies you to drive a different type of vehicle. Vehicles come in different shapes and sizes. Just because you are comfortable driving one type of vehicle doesn’t mean you will be comfortable behind the wheel of another one.

The class of license you have must match the type of vehicle you are driving. The 12 classes of licenses in Ontario include;

1. Class A License

This license allows you to drive any tractor-trailer combination including towed vehicles greater than 4,600 kg. You can also drive vehicles in Classes D and G.

2. Class B License

With a Class B license, you are allowed to drive any school-purpose bus. You can also drive vehicles in Classes C, D, E, F, and G.

3. Class C License

A Class C license allows you to drive any regular bus. You can also drive vehicles in Classes D, F, and G.

4. Class D License

This license is for driving motor vehicles exceeding 11,000 kg (excluding buses with passengers) and any tractor-trailer combination providing the towed vehicle is less than 4,600 kg. You can also drive vehicles in Class G.

5. Class E License

With a Class E license, you can drive any school-purpose bus (maximum of 24-passenger capacity). You can also drive vehicles in Classes F and G.

6. Class F License

A Class F license allows you to drive any regular bus (maximum of 24-passenger capacity) and ambulances. You can also drive vehicles in Class G.

7. Class G License

This license allows you to drive any car, van or small truck, or combination of vehicles and towed vehicle up to 11,000 kg provided the vehicle towed is not over 4,600 kg.

8. Class G1 License

Level one of graduated licensing for Class G vehicles.

9. Class G2 License

Level two of graduated licensing for Class G vehicles.

10. Class M License

This license allows you to drive any motorcycle, including motor tricycles, limited-speed motorcycles (motor scooters), and motor-assisted bicycles (mopeds).

11. Class M1 License

Level one of graduated licensing for motorcycles.

12. Class M2 License

Level two of graduated licensing for motorcycles.

Air Brake (Z) Endorsement

If you want to drive a vehicle with an air brake or an air-over-hydraulic brake system, you need a Z endorsement on your driver’s license in Ontario. You can do this by attending an air brake endorsement course. If you do not want to attend one, we can sort that out for you in the system.

Truck License In Ontario

Truck drivers in Ontario require a commercial license known as AZ or DZ license to drive. Regular drivers who already have a G or M license in Ontario can upgrade their licenses to AZ or DZ if they wish to drive commercial vehicles. This can either be Class A or Class D license. It all depends on the type of truck you wish to drive. ‘A’ and ‘D’ are designations that specify the vehicle’s weight, while ‘Z’ signifies the air brakes in the vehicle.

Therefore, the type of truck license you need in Ontario depends on:

• The weight of the truck, towed vehicle, and their combined weight.
• Whether the vehicle is a tractor-trailer.
• Whether or not the vehicle has air brakes.

What is a G2 License?

A G license is a base for driving any vehicle except motorcycles. G-class vehicles are any car, van, or small truck. A G2 license gives a driver the freedom to drive solo and without any time restrictions unless you are under the age of 19. To obtain a G2 license, you will need to pass a G1 exit road test. Drivers are required to hold a G2 license for a minimum of 1 year before they are eligible to take a G2 exit road test.

How To Get a G2 License In Ontario

If you are applying for a G2 license, you will have to go through the graduated licensing process.

Graduated licensing

Graduated licensing enables new drivers to get driving experience and skills gradually. The two-step licensing process takes at least 20 months to complete.

To apply for a license;

• you must be at least 16 years old,
• pass a vision test,
• Submit the necessary documents,
• pass a test on the rules of the road and traffic signs.

After you pass these tests, you will enter level one and get a Class G1 license.

You must pass two road tests to become fully licensed. Passing the first road test lets you move to level two, which is Class G2. The second test gives you full Class G driving privileges.

What is a DZ License?

A DZ license is a commercial driving license in Ontario. The class D license allows drivers to operate trucks and trailers over 11000 kg, as long as a towed vehicle is not above 4600kg. Only a recreational vehicle towed by a pick-up truck may exceed the 4600kg weight limit.

The Class D license also allows its holders to drive vehicles in Class G. You can’t drive a commercial vehicle with passengers, like a bus, or a motorcycle. The “Z” in DZ  is an endorsement that covers air brakes.

A DZ license allows you to drive:

• a truck with a gross weight or registered gross weight of more than 11,000 kg (24,000 lbs) and have air brakes.

• any truck or truck and towed vehicle combination of more than 11,000 kg (24,000 lbs) gross weight or registered gross weight, provided the towed vehicle is not over 4,600 kg (10,000 lbs).

• With a Class D license, you can also drive a car or light truck covered by a G Class license.

How To Get a DZ License In Ontario

To apply for a DZ license, you need to:

• be at least 18 years of age,
• have a valid Ontario license other than G1, G2, M, M1, or M2,
• pass a vision test,
• submit a medical report and necessary documents,
• pass a knowledge test about operating large trucks, and
• pass a road test using a vehicle that meets the requirements for a Class D

Once you obtain your DZ license, there are various driving jobs that you can apply for:

• dump trucks
• straight trucks
• cement trucks
• garbage trucks

What is an AZ License?

An AZ license is also a commercial driving license in Ontario. However, it is higher than the DZ license. With an AZ license, you are allowed to drive any truck/ tractor-trailer combination, and tow vehicles that exceed 4,600kg.

An “A” license gives you the flexibility to drive the biggest vehicles in the truck driving industry and carry any haul without restriction. Just like the DZ license, The “Z” in AZ is an endorsement that covers air brakes. How To Get A Driver’s License in Ontario And British Columbia.

An AZ license allows you to drive:

• any truck/tractor-trailer combination.

• a combination of a motor vehicle and towed vehicles where the towed vehicles exceed a total gross weight of 4,600 kg (10,000 lbs) and have air brakes.

• a vehicle pulling double trailers.

• a car or light truck covered by a Class G license.

• heavy trucks covered by the Class D license.

How To Get An AZ License In Ontario

To get a DZ license, you must:

• be at least 18 years old,
• hold a valid Ontario license other than G1, G2, M, M1, or M2,
• pass a vision test,
• submit a valid medical report and necessary documents,
• pass a knowledge test about operating large trucks and tractor-trailers,
• complete a mandatory entry-level training course, and
• pass a road test using a vehicle that meets the requirements for a full Class A license.

Once you get an AZ license,

• You can embark on long, cross-country drives with your haul.
• You can also go on international drives.
• You get to drive both construction and vehicles.

Z-endorsement

A Z-endorsement on your commercial driver’s license qualifies you to drive a vehicle operating with air brakes. Air brakes are common on most trucks so it is important to get your Z endorsement. Not only will it make you a more versatile driver, but it will also make you more valuable to employers.

You can take your Z-endorsement tests paired or separately from your A or D license tests. When you apply for Z-endorsement you will have to take a written knowledge test and a practical test. This is where combining the A or D License and Z-endorsement saves time.

What is the Difference Between a DZ License and an AZ License?

The DZ and AZ licenses are for commercial purposes. For either license, drivers need a valid G or M license first to qualify.

You may be wondering which of these licenses you should go for. Let’s break down the differences, then you can choose one depending on your lifestyle or work preference.

1. DZ licensed drivers are allowed to tow vehicles up to 4,600 kg, while AZ licensed drivers are allowed to tow vehicles that exceed 4,600kg.

2. A DZ license covers fire trucks, straight trucks, cement trucks, dump trucks, garbage trucks, rescue trucks, etc, while an AZ license covers truck/tractor-trailer combinations.

3. As a DZ driver you will be expected to load and unload your truck as part of common job responsibilities, whereas an AZ driver doesn’t load or unload their trucks.

Now, let’s talk – how to get a driver license in Ontario and British Columbia.

British Columbia Driver’s License

If you are a new resident to British Columbia and have a valid driver’s license from another province or country, you can use it for the first 90 days. You must then apply for a BC license within the 90 days. If you are an international student or a temporary foreign worker with a federal work permit, you are entitled to drive for up to 12 months on a valid license from your country or province. Any stay longer than 12 months as a temporary foreign worker, then you will be required to apply for a BC driver’s license.

British Columbia operates on a graduated license system, as it helps to reduce the risks that new drivers face. To possess a full driver’s license, drivers are required to go through two stages before they graduate to a full license. It consists of one written exam and two road tests. This system is designed to give novice drivers plenty of hands-on experience before they drive independently with little to no restrictions.

Here are the 3 levels of driver’s licenses in British Columbia;

1. Learner’s License

A learner’s license (also referred to as “Get your L”) is the first stage in becoming a driver in BC. You must be at least 16 years old to apply and applicants under the age of 19 need a parent or guardian to sign the application. Once you pass the multiple-choice knowledge test, you will hold a learner’s license for at least 12 months to practice with a supervising driver. Then, you can take a road test and graduate to the next level.

2. Novice License

The next stage is obtaining a novice license (also known as “Get your N”). To get a novice license, you will have to pass a 45-minute Class 7 road test. You can prepare for the road test by taking professional driving lessons and/or getting lots of driving practice as an L driver in different road conditions. The test will assess your ability to drive safely and in a controlled manner. Once you have passed the Class 7 road test you will receive a novice license and are legally allowed to drive on your own.

3. Full license

A full Class 5 driver’s license is the final step in BC’s graduation program. You can apply for a full license after two years of safe driving as a novice driver and completing the Class 5 road test. You may be eligible to take the Class 5 road test after 18 months if you have completed an ICBC-approved driver training course in the L stage of your license and met all other requirements. The 45-minute Class 5 road test will test your capability as a driver, including excellent vehicle control, merging and driving on highways, parking, and hazard awareness. 

The Different Classes of Driver’s License in British Columbia

There are different classes of licenses for different purposes. The most common license is the Class 5-passenger vehicle license.

Class 1 License

A Class 1 license allows you to drive;

• Semi-trailer trucks.
• All other Class 1-5 motor vehicles or combinations of vehicles.        

Class 2 License

With a Class 2 license, you can drive;

• buses, including school buses, special activity buses, and special vehicles.
• any vehicle allowed in Class 4 and 5  

Class 3 License

A class 3 license allows you to drive;

• drive trucks with more than two axles, such as dump trucks and large tow trucks but does not allow driving a bus carrying passengers.
• drive trailers or towed vehicles exceeding 4,600 kg provided the truck and trailers do not have air brakes.
• a tow car towing a vehicle of any weight.
• a mobile truck crane.
• any vehicle in Class 5.

Class 4 (restricted) License

With this license, you can drive;

• taxis and limousines.
• for a ride-hailing service such as Uber
• ambulances.
• buses with a seating capacity of not more than 10 persons.
• any vehicle in Class 5.

Class 4 (unrestricted) License

This license allows you to drive;

• buses with a maximum seating capacity of 25 persons.
• taxis and limousines.
• for a ride-hailing service such as Uber
• ambulances, and
• any vehicle in Class 5.

Class 5 Or 7 License

A Class 5 or 7 license allows you to drive;

• cars, vans, trucks, construction, utility vehicles (2 axles maximum), and motor homes (may exceed 2 axles).
• tow trailers or vehicles up to 4,600kg.
• a limited-speed motorcycle or an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).
• 3-wheeled vehicles but does not include 3-wheeled motorcycles.

How To Apply For a Driver’s License In BC

How To Get A Driver’s License in Ontario And British Columbia .If you don’t have an existing driving license and would like to apply for a BC driver’s license, you have to;

• be at least 16 years old.
• Prepare for the knowledge test in advance.
• Book an appointment at an ICBC driver licensing office.
• Pay an application fee.
• do a vision screening test.
• submit a valid ID.
• submit a consent form signed by your parents or legal guardian if you are under 19 years.
• take the multiple-choice knowledge test and answer at least 40 out of 50 questions.

Once you pass the test, you will receive your learner’s license and are considered a beginner driver. You then need to wait 12 months before applying for a novice license.

If you are applying for a new driver’s license in BC based on previous driving experience in your country, you may belong to one of the following categories:

1. You are moving from a country where British Columbia has a reciprocal arrangement for a driver’s license.

2. You are moving from a country where British Columbia does not have a reciprocal arrangement for a driver’s license.

Let’s explain further for easy comprehension.

1. Moving from a country with a reciprocal arrangement for driver’s license

Eligible countries:

United States

Puerto Rico

Austria

Australia

Belgium

France

Germany

Guernsey

The Isle of Man

Ireland

Jersey

Japan

Netherlands

New Zealand

South Korea (except for motorcycles)

Switzerland

Taiwan (except for motorcycles)

United Kingdom (including England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland)

How to Apply;

• Exchange your existing license from your country at an ICBC office. 
• Proof of previous driving experience of at least two years on a full license.
• Submit your valid ID card and foreign driver’s license.
• Pay the renewal fee.

If you have a learner’s permit from any of these countries listed or do not have two years of driving experience on a full license, you cannot swap it for a B  driver’s license. You will need to apply to enter the Graduated Licensing Program. For this, you will take a knowledge test and get a vision test, then pass through the graduate program from learner to novice to a full license.

2. Moving from a country with no reciprocal arrangement for driver’s license

If you are moving from a country that does not have a reciprocal agreement with British Columbia, you can still exchange your driver’s license. However, in addition to applying, you will also be required to pass a knowledge test and road test. You will receive a learner’s license after passing the knowledge test and you can book a Class 5 road test immediately. You do not have to wait 12 months.

How to Apply;

• Prepare for the knowledge test in advance.
• Book an appointment to visit an ICBC driver licensing office.
• Submit your valid ID Card and foreign driver’s license.
• Proof of driving experience.
• Pay application fee
• Once you pass the multiple-choice knowledge test you will receive a learner’s license.
• If you qualify on your knowledge test, book a Class 5 road test.

Once you pass your Class 5 road test, you will receive your full British Columbia Driver’s license.

If you have less than two years of driving experience in your country without a reciprocal agreement. You cannot swap it for a BC driver’s license. You will need to apply to enter the Graduated Licensing Program. For this, you will take a knowledge test and get a vision test, then pass through the graduate program from learners to novice to a full license.

How To Get a Motorcycle License In BC

With a class 6 or 8 driver’s license, you can use it to ride motorcycles, all-terrain cycles, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

The steps involved How To Get A Driver’s License in Ontario And British Columbia . to easily get a motorcycle license in BC depend on whether you already have a BC driver’s license or not.

Existing BC drivers

If you already have a full-privilege BC driver’s license (Class 1-5), here’s how to get started.

• Pass the motorcycle knowledge test.
• Pass the motorcycle skills test.
• Get your full motorcycle license after passing the class 6 road test.

L & N Drivers Or New Drivers

Drivers with less than two years’ driving experience have some extra steps in getting licensed. It is a way to help reduce your crash risk while you are getting on-road experience. The steps include;

• Pass the passenger-vehicle knowledge test (if you don’t have your L or N).
• Pass the motorcycle knowledge test.
• Pass the motorcycle skills test.
• Pass the Class 8 motorcycle road test.
• Get your full motorcycle license.

We have taken time to explain and detailed you through the different types of driving licenses and the application process for getting a driver’s license in Ontario and British Columbia. Do you have other questions about getting your License in any of these provinces?

Novelty DMV Experts is your one-stop online site to cater to all your documents, including driver’s licenses, passports Certificates etc. We are professionals that will help answer all your questions and provide quality documents without going through a rigorous process. Contact us today!