101 Canadian Drivers Licenses
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The various states in Canada and each state have their own rules and regulations for non and Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDL), here are the 101 of Canadian drivers licenses.

Commercial and Non-Commercial Drivers Licenses

ALBERTA

Class 1 license permits an operator to drive: (1) any motor vehicle, or combination of vehicles, other than a motorcycle; and (2) class 6 type vehicles, for learning only. The minimum learning or licensing age is 18. Requirements: vision screening; written and road test; medical report; airbrake certificate. Vehicle for road test: A tractor-trailer combination with three or more axles equipped with airbrakes.

Class 2 license permits an operator to drive: (1) any motor vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that the holder of a Class 3, 4, and 5 operator’s license may operate; (2) any bus; and (3) classes 1 and 6 type vehicles, for learner only. The minimum learning or licensing age is 18. Requirements: vision screening; written and road test; medical report; airbrake certificate for vehicle with airbrakes. Vehicle for road test: a bus with a seating capacity exceeding 24, excluding the operator.

Class 3 license permits an operator to drive: (1) any motor vehicle, or combination of vehicles that the holder of a class 5 operator’s license may operate; (2) a single motor vehicle with 3 or more axles; (3) a motor vehicle with 3 or more axles towing a trailer with 1 or more axles, if the trailer is not equipped with airbrakes; (4) classes 2 and 4 type vehicles without passengers; and (5) all motor vehicles included under class 1, 2, and 6, for learning only. No holder of a class 3 operator’s license shall operate a motor vehicle: (1) that has a seating capacity of more than 15, while that vehicle is transporting any person in addition to the operator; or (2) to transport passengers for hire. The minimum learning or licensing age is 18. Requirements: vision screening; written and road test; airbrake certificate if the vehicle is equipped with airbrakes. Vehicle for road test: any single motor vehicle having 3 or more axles.

Class 4 license permits an operator to drive: (1) a taxi, ambulance, or bus (including school or kindergarten buses) where seating capacity is not over 24, excluding the operator; (2) all motor vehicles included under class 5; and (3) all motor vehicles included under classes 1, 2, 3, and 6, for learning only. The minimum learning or licensing age is 18. Requirements: vision screening; written test; medical report; road test required if operator does not hold a class 1, 2, or 3 license. Vehicle for road test: any 2-axle motor vehicle, excluding a motorcycle.

Class 5 license permits an operator to drive: (1) a 2-axle single motor vehicle, excluding a motorcycle; (2) a 2-axle motor vehicle towing a trailer with 1 or more axles, if the trailer is not equipped with airbrakes; (3) a recreational vehicle or any combination of a recreational vehicle and a trailer, if the trailer has not more than 2 axles and is not equipped with airbrakes; (4) a moped; and (5) classes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 type vehicles, for learning only. No holder of a class 5 operator’s license shall operate a motor vehicle: (1) that has a seating capacity of more than 15, while that vehicle is transporting any person in addition to the operator; or (2) to transport for hire. The minimum learning age is 14. The minimum licensing age is 16. Requires a road test with any 2-axle motor vehicle, excluding a motorcycle.

Class 6 license permits an operator to drive: (1) a motorcycle or a moped; and (2) all motor vehicles under class 5, for learning only. The minimum learning or licensing age is 16. Requirements: written test and vision screening, and a road test for applicants with a class 7 or if no license presented. Written test, vision screening, and skill test for applicants with a class 5 or better. Vehicle for road test: motorcycle without sidecar.

Class 7 license permits an operator to drive: (1) a moped; (2) a motor vehicle referred to in the class 5 category, as a learner only; and (3) a motorcycle, as a learner only, if the operator is at least 16 years of age. The minimum learning or licensing age is 14. Requires a written test and vision screening.

Alberta has a limited occupational hardship license law. 

BRITISH COLUMBIA

The types of licenses are classes 1 through 8.

A Class 1 license holder can drive a semitrailer truck and all motor vehicles or combinations except motorcycles.

A Class 2 license holder can drive all buses and vehicles in Classes 4 and 5.

A Class 3 license holder can drive trucks with more than 2 axles, including dump trucks, large tow trucks, and Class 5 vehicles.

A Class 4 license holder can drive taxis, limousines, ambulances, special buses used to transport people with disabilities, and also Class 5 vehicles.

A Class 5 or 7 license holder can drive 2-axle vehicles except for Class 4 vehicles and motorcycles. These include cars, vans, 2-axle trucks, and utility vehicles, motor homes (including those with more than 2 axles), limited speed motorcycles (e.g., mopeds or mini-scooters), all-terrain vehicles, construction vehicles, trailers 4,600 kg or less, and buses or vans seating not more than 10 people.

A Class 6 or 8 license holder can drive motorcycles, all-terrain cycles, and all-terrain vehicles.

MANITOBA

A Class 1 license authorizes the holder to operate semitrailer trucks and all motor vehicles or a combination of vehicles in Classes 2, 3, 4, and 5.

A Class 2 license authorizes the holder to operate a bus, including a school bus, with a seating capacity of over 24 passengers while carrying passengers; includes all vehicles in classes 3, 4, and 5.

A Class 3 license authorizes a person to operate a truck with more than 2 axles, including any combination of vehicles, or a truck with not more than 2 axles towing a trailer with a registered Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of more than 4,540 kg except for semitrailer trucks; includes all vehicles in classes 4 and 5.

A Class 4 license authorizes the holder to operate taxis, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles; buses with a seating capacity between 10 and 24 passengers (while carrying passengers); school buses with a seating capacity between 10 and 36 passengers (while carrying passengers); includes class 5 vehicles.

A Class 5 license authorizes a holder to operate passenger cars; a bus while not carrying passengers; a truck with not more than 2 axles; any combination of vehicles consisting of a truck with not more than 2 axles and a towed vehicle with a registered GVW of not more than 4,540 kg; Class 5 and 3 trucks registered as farm trucks; and mopeds.

A Class 6 license authorizes the holder to operate a motorcycle and a moped. The operation of vehicles in Classes 1 to 5 are prohibited, unless the motorcycle Class 6 license is held in combination with Classes 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 licenses. 

NEW BRUNSWICK

Class 9 – motor driven cycle license

Class 7

Level 1 – learners license authorizes a person who is receiving instructions in the operation of a motor vehicle to drive a motor vehicle.

Level 2 – authorizes the holder to drive vehicles described in Class 5 with the exception of class 9 (motor driven cycles).

Class 6 authorizes the holder to drive a motorcycle or any of the vehicles described in Class 9.

Class 5 authorizes the holder to drive any motor vehicle including:

  • Any vehicle from Class 9,
  • Any two-axle motor vehicle except an ambulance, a taxicab or a bus, or
  • To tow a towed vehicle which is registered up to and including 4,500 kg gross vehicle mass behind a motor vehicle or motor home referred to herein but not equipped with air brakes.

In addition to a class, a driver’s license may be endorsed with a letter to expand on the types of vehicles that can be driven by the holder of the license. The endorsements are as follows:

  • A – valid for all motorcycles
  • B – valid for school buses
  • C – valid for motorcycle and school buses
  • D – valid for motorcycles with engine size exceeding 50 cubic centimeters, but not exceeding 550 cubic centimeters
  • E – valid for vehicles equipped with air brakes

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

A Class 8 license permits the holder to operate traction engine vehicles only.

A Class 6 license permits the holder to operate a motorcycle.

A Class 5 license permits the holder to operate all motor vehicles with no more than 2 axles and a combination of vehicles where the towed vehicles do not exceed 4,500 kg; buses, taxis, and ambulances while not carrying passengers; self-propelled motor homes with 2 or more axles; farm tractors; fork lifts and emergency vehicles excluding ambulances; trucks designed for off-highway use; and vehicles commonly known as backhoes.

A Class 4 license permits the holder to operate taxis, ambulances, all Class 5 motor vehicles, and buses up to 24 passengers.

A Class 3 license permits the holder to operate trucks with 3 or more axles including a combination of vehicles and other classes as shown by endorsements.

A Class 2 license permits the holder to operate all buses over 24 passengers and other classes as shown by endorsements.

A Class 1 license permits the holder to operate all semitrailer trucks and other classes as shown by endorsements on the license. 

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Class 1 permits the operation of semitrailers and tractor trailers; any vehicle in Class 2, 3, 4, or 5; and any vehicle in Class 6 while the driver is supervised and learning to operate it.

Class 2 permits the operation of a bus of any seating capacity; a vehicle or any combination of vehicles in Class 3, 4, or 5; any combination of vehicles without air brakes where the towed vehicles exceed a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 4,500 kg; and any vehicle in Class 1 or 6 while the driver is supervised and learning to operate it.

Class 3 permits the operation of a single vehicle with 3 or more axles; any combination of vehicles where the towed vehicles in the combination do not exceed a GVWR of 4,500 kg; any combination of vehicles without air brakes where the towed vehicles exceed a GVWR of 4,500 kg; a vehicle or any combination of vehicles in Class 4 or 5; and any vehicle in Class 1, 2, or 6 while the driver is supervised and learning to operate it.

Class 4 permits the operation of a bus having a seating capacity not exceeding 24 passengers; a taxi; an ambulance; any vehicle in Class 5; and any vehicle in Class 1, 2, 3, or 6 while the driver is supervised and learning to operate it.

Class 5 is the standard license for passenger vehicles. Class 5 permits the operation of a 2-axle vehicle other than a motorcycle, bus, taxi, or an ambulance; any combination of a 2-axle towing vehicle and towed vehicle where the towing and towed vehicles do not exceed a GVWR of 4,500 kg; a recreational vehicle; a moped; certain construction vehicles with no more than 2 axles; and any vehicle in Class 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6 while the driver is learning to operate it.

Class 6 permits the operation of a motorcycle and any vehicle in Class 5 while the driver is supervised learning to operate it.

Class 7 permits the operation of any vehicle in Class 5 or 6 while the driver is supervised and learning to operate it. A person must be at least 15 years old to have this type of license.

NOVA SCOTIA -101 Canadian Drivers Licenses

Class 1 permits the operation of semitrailer and tractor-trailer combinations and all type of vehicles in Classes 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8.

Class 2 permits the operation of buses having a seating capacity of more than 24 passengers, and all types of vehicles in Classes 3, 4, 5, and 8. Class 2 permit holders may not drive Class 1 vehicles (except as a learner).

Class 3 permits the operation of any single vehicle in excess of 14,000 kg and any combination of vehicles other than semitrailer or tractor-trailer combinations in excess of 14,000 kg Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) where the towed vehicle in that combination does not exceed a GVW of 4,500 kg, and vehicles in Classes 4, 5, and 8. Class 3 permit holders may not drive Class 1 or 2 vehicles (except as a learner), or public passenger vehicles (unless 19 years of age or older).

Class 4 permits the operation of buses under 24 passengers, taxis, ambulances, and all types of vehicles in Classes 5 and 8. Class 4 permit holders may not drive Class 1, 2, or 3 vehicles (except as a learner), or public passenger vehicles (unless 19 years of age or older).

Class 5 permits the operation of any single vehicle not in excess of 14,000 kg GVW, any combination of vehicles other than semitrailer or tractor-trailer combinations not exceeding 14,000 kg and the towed vehicle in that combination not exceeding a GVW of 4,500 kg, and Class 8 vehicles. Class 5 does not permit the operation of Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 vehicles (except as a learner).

Class 6 permits the operation of motorcycle and motor-driven cycles and Class 8 vehicles. Class 6 operators may be restricted to the operation of motor-driven cycles (mopeds) and motorcycles 100 cc and under.

Class 7 is a learner’s license which is valid only while holder is accompanied by a licensed driver in the class of vehicle being operated except Class 6 or 8. Class 7 does not permit the operation of Class 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 vehicles (except as a learner).

Class 8 permits the operation of farm tractors. It does not permit the operation of any other class of vehicle except as a learner at age 16.

The following endorsements may be added to a driver’s license to allow the driver to operate additional vehicles or combinations of vehicles when the respective minimum requirements have been met: valid for any motorcycle or motor-driven cycle; valid for a school bus; valid for any motorcycle and any school bus; valid only for a motorcycle with engine size of 100 cc or less or motor-driven cycle; valid for school bus and motorcycle with engine size of 100 cc or less or motor-driven cycle; valid for a vehicle equipped with air brakes; Valid for a farm tractor and trailer, if the combined weight of the vehicle combination weighs 14 000 kg or less.

NUNAVUT – 101 Canadian Drivers Licenses

Class 1: permits the operation of semi-trailers and tractor trailers; any vehicle in Class 2, 3, 4 or 5; and any vehicle in Class 6, while the driver is learning to operate it.

Class 2: permits the operation of a bus of any seating capacity for passengers; a vehicle or any combination of vehicles in Class 3, 4 or 5; any combination of vehicles without air brakes where the towed vehicles exceed a gross weight of 4,500 kg; and any vehicle in Class 1 or 6, while the driver is learning to operate it.

Class 3: permits the operation of a single vehicle with three or more axles; a towing combination where the towed vehicles do not exceed a gross weight of 4,500 kg; any combination of vehicles without air brakes where the towed vehicles exceed a gross weight of 4,500 kg; a vehicle or any combination of vehicles in Class 4 or 5; and any vehicle mentioned in Class 1, 2 or 6, while the driver is learning to operate it.

Class 4: permits the operation of a bus having a seating capacity not exceeding 24 passengers; a taxi; an ambulance; any vehicle in Class 1, 2, 3 or 6, while the driver is learning to operate it.

Class 5: permits the operation of a two axle vehicle other than a motorcycle, bus, taxi or an ambulance; a towing combination where towing and towed vehicles do not exceed a gross weight of 4,500 kg; recreational vehicles; mopeds; and any vehicle mentioned in Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6, while the driver is learning to operate it.

Class 6: permits the operation of a motorcycle, and any vehicle in Class 5, while the driver is learning to operate it.

Class 7: permits the operation of any vehicle in Class 5 or 6, while the driver is learning to operate it.

ONTARIO – 101 Canadian Drivers Licenses

Class A: Towed vehicles exceeding 4,600 kg, excluding a bus carrying passengers; also authorized for Class D and G.

Class B: School buses with a seating capacity for more than 24 passengers; also authorized for Class C, D, E, F, and G.

Class C: Buses, excluding school buses, with a seating capacity for more than 24 passengers; also authorized for Class D, F, and G.

Class D: Motor vehicles and combinations exceeding 11,000 kg gross weight or Registered Gross Weight (RGW); also authorized for Class G, provided the towed vehicle is not over 4,600 kg.

Class E: School buses with seating capacity of not more than 24 passengers; also authorized for Class F and G.

Class F: Buses, excluding school buses, with a seating capacity of not more than 24 passengers and ambulances; also authorized for Class G.

Class G: Any motor vehicle or combination, including a motor-assisted bicycle, not exceeding 11,000 kg RGW and towed vehicles where the towed vehicle does not exceed a Total Gross Weight (TGW) of 4,600 kg; does not include motorcycles, buses carrying passengers, or ambulances in the course of providing ambulance services. 

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND – 101 Canadian Drivers Licenses

Driver’s license classes include:

Class 1 – any tractor-trailer or truck-trailer combination;

Class 2 – buses, taxis, and ambulances over 24 passengers;

Class 3 – straight truck over 4,600 kg, over 14,000 kg if trailer is less than 4,500 kg;

Class 4 – buses under 24 passengers;

Class 5 – passenger cars and light trucks, not exceeding 14,000 kg;

Class 6 – motorcycles;

Class 7 – learner’s permit;

Class 8 – mopeds;

Class 9 – farm tractor permit.

QUEBEC

101 Canadian Drivers Licenses

The SAAQ issues learner’s licenses, probationary licenses, driver’s licenses, and restricted licenses.

Class 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B, and 4C driver’s licenses are commercial driver’s licenses. Class 1, 2, and 3 are more specifically for heavy vehicles (including buses), class 4A for emergency vehicles, class 4B for minibuses (24 passengers or less), and class 4C for taxis.

Class 5 authorizes the holder to drive a motor vehicle having 2 axles and a net mass of less than 4,500 kg, a motor home, an equipment vehicle, a service vehicle, a moped, and a farm tractor. The holder may also drive a covered vehicle hauling a trailer.

Class 6A authorizes the holder to drive any motorcycle or moped.

Class 6B authorizes the holder to drive any motorcycle with an engine size of not more than 400 cc or a moped.

Class 6C authorizes the holder to drive any motorcycle with an engine size of not more than 125 cc or a moped.

Class 6D authorizes the holder to drive a moped. No person may ride a motorcycle or moped equipped with a 125 cc or less engine on a limited access highway or on an entrance or exit ramp.

Class 6E authorizes the holder to drive a three-wheeled motorcycle.

Class 8 authorizes the holder to drive a farm tractor.

SASKATCHEWAN

101 Canadian Drivers Licenses

Class 1 motor vehicles are power unit and semitrailer combinations, trucks when towing a vehicle, or vehicles the Combined Gross Weight (CGW) of which exceeds 4,600 kg, and buses when towing a vehicle or vehicles, the CGW of which exceeds 4,600 kg (minimum age 18). (A power unit is defined as a vehicle designed and used for towing a semitrailer on a highway with a substantial part of the weight of the semitrailer and its load carried by the power unit)

Class 2 motor vehicles are buses that have a seating capacity of more than 24 passengers (minimum age 18).

Class 3 motor vehicles are trucks with more than 2 axles, except trucks registered in Class F, trucks when towing a vehicle or trailer, or vehicles with CGW which does not exceed 4,600 kg, and power units with more than 2 axles when not towing a trailer (minimum age 18).

Class 4 motor vehicles are buses that have a seating capacity of not more than 24 passengers, public service vehicles used in the operation of a taxi service when being used for hire, ambulances when being used for hire (minimum age 18).

Class 5 motor vehicles are vehicles with no more than 2 axles, other than motorcycles, vehicles with 2 axles when towing a vehicle or vehicles whose CGW does not exceed 4,600 kg, buses or school buses when not carrying passengers, motor homes with 3 axles, public service vehicles used in the operation of a taxi service when not being used for hire, law enforcement vehicles, any vehicle registered as a school bus, without passengers and vehicles registered in Class PB or PC when used exclusively to transport passengers with a disability for (maximum 24 passengers)(minimum age 16).

A Class 7 license allows the holder to drive Class 5 motor vehicles as a learner (minimum age 16 – 15 with High School Driver’s Education Program).

Any person age 16 or over can obtain an endorsement to his or her regular driver’s license by passing a vision, sign, road, and written or oral test for the endorsement that he or she is trying to obtain and by filing any appropriate medical report or consent form requested by the Department.

YUKON

101 Canadian Drivers Licenses

Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 licenses are for the operation of large commercial vehicles. An applicant must be 18 years of age or older.

A Class 5 license permits the operation of a single motor vehicle up to 11,000 kg (24,000 lbs.) Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), vehicle-trailer combinations up to 11,000 kg GVW where the trailer does not exceed 4,550 kg (10,000 lbs.) and learners being instructed on vehicles in Class 1, 2, 3, or 4.

Class 6 permits the operation of motorcycles and mopeds. An applicant must be 16 years of age or older.

Class 7 is a learner’s permit for the operation of all Class 5 and 6 vehicles.

A person who is 15 years of age or older may obtain a Class 7 learner’s license for the operation of passenger vehicles and motorcycles.

Reference American Automobiles Associations

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