A newbie here

Discussion in 'Canadian Truckers Forum' started by s.trucker, Mar 15, 2023.

  1. s.trucker

    s.trucker Bobtail Member

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    Mar 15, 2023
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    I'm totally new to trucking. I want to get started as a truck driver as soon as possible.

    The only license I have is a G1 license.

    I have a question about Class A license requirement:

    • be at least 18 years old

    • hold a valid Ontario licence other than G1, G2, M, M1 or M2

    • pass a vision test

    • submit a valid medical report

    • pass a knowledge test about operating large trucks and tractor-trailers

    • complete a mandatory entry level training course

    • pass a road test using a vehicle that meets the requirements for a full Class A
    What does "hold a valid Ontario license other than G1, G2, M, M1 or M2" mean?
    So, I have a G1 license. Does this mean I can't get started until I get a different license?
    That's weird because a lot of truck training schools say I can get started with G1 license.

    How did you guys get your Class A license?
     
    Last edited: Mar 15, 2023
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  3. dk8

    dk8 Bobtail Member

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    Can you specify which trucking training schools said you can get started with a G1? Not all truck schools are equal and some are more shady than others.

    But let's just say the school is shady, you may be able to write the written exam part of the A & Z and might even be able to go through the MELT program, however I doubt DriveTest will let you do the road test without a G. AZ lets you drive AZ, DZ and G so it doesn't make sense why would they would just let you jump from G1 to A without anyone from DriveTest ever seeing your capabilities in a 4 wheeler on the road, let alone a semi-truck.

    The truck school I went to Durham Truck Training in Pickering doesn't even let you enroll unless you have the AZ written test done and carry the G license.
     
  4. s.trucker

    s.trucker Bobtail Member

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    Mar 15, 2023
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    Wow, sorry, I misread the requirements. Yes, they need a G license.
     
  5. gokiddogo

    gokiddogo Road Train Member

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    Are you at least 21 when you finish getting your AZ? It is required to go to usa. Local options may be limited is all. It was for me when I graduated at about 19.5. Got lucky, had a night run windsor to Cambridge 5 days a week. The company was reluctant to give me the run since there were several drivers with more seniority who wanted the run rather than go over the bridge. Otherwise there was not a whole lot of Canada only work they would of had for me.

    If you will be under 21 when you are done you may want to call some target companies for dump trucks or local steel hauling perhaps logging if you're up at the top, whatever it is and they should tell you. Insurance may also be an issue if it's a small company with only a few trucks, that's their issue not yours just might limit them from hiring someone young and with no experience.

    Update if you can, nice seeing someone who speaks English taking an interest in this industry.
     
  6. classicxl

    classicxl Medium Load Member

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    you need to get your G license before you can even think about getting a AZ and even though you only have to be 18 years old to get a AZ very few and I mean very few companies will even look at you until you’re at least 21 years old and that’s for insurance purposes. I had the same dreams/ ideas as you I finished high school early because I had all my credits and got my Az at 18 only to find out no one will hire you not even the big boys who are self insured. until your 21 . Also make sure you go to reputable trucking school like humber college or cross roads truck training because as I also found out you can’t just go to any fly by night school like what’s around Brampton and think you will get hired .Depending on how old you will be once you get your AZ ,If you really want to drive for a living while you wait until your 21 try a DZ local straight truck/dump truck company or maybe do like Amazon van delivery work because it’s not going to be easy to get hired before 21 or even at 21 for that matter
     
  7. ilovetruckz

    ilovetruckz Light Load Member

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  8. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Word of mouth and connections go a long way too. A few of my friends went straight into trucking the moment they graduated highschool.
     
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