Ontario Truck Driving School (OTDS)

Before I would ever pay anyone that kind of money, hell would freeze over and the Devil would learn to skate. Start by driving a small body job in town making pickups and deliveries etc.

 

When you do your A licence you dont need to do another one for a D, all you need is your AZ to drive tractor trailers or drump trucks.

 

When i got my AcZ in '05 i paid $4000 for my az and 2 pieces of heavy equipment at TTCC, not the greatest place or best equipment, but that $4000 was paid off in no time when i got my first OTR job

 

Dont think that would work....as far as im aware you need a minimum 45' trailer with a fifth wheel, no pintle hook. Also i dont think the ministry allows automatics either. $8000 just for your Az, thats a crime..

 

You could always just get your DZ and get on with a small outfit that runs straight trucks and has a few tractors. If they see you are eager and posses a good work ethic, I almost guarantee they'll upgrade your license, using their truck for the road test..

 

paid around $3500 for my license in hamilton
took 29hr of driving @ $75/hr. + z endorsment $500, all the test's/medical dont think it went over $3500

 

I bought the books then wrote the test and passed. Then I hooked onto trailers from our yard and taught myself on the back roads around here. Then I drove and passed.

Soon found out I couldn't get insurance to drive in the US because I didn't have 2 years experience. Markell Insurance told me the only way I could go to the US right away was take a truck driving course that they approved of. There was only 2 that they approved...OTDS and Markell's own in house program. So I ponied up $5000 and went to OTDS in London back in '06 I think it was. 40 hrs of city driving + the in class stuff. I got alot of strange looks when people found out I already had an AZ but whatever.

So my advice to you is take a course that Northbridge (formerly Markell) and Old Republic will recognize if you want to make yourself more employable (US eligible).

 

Very sound advice>ensure that Zurich Insurance is on that list also.

If you're going to school you MUST take the AZ course. I realize cash is tight BUT if you just get your DZ and you can't find work you're screwed. You're in a great location to do cross border work>find the extra scratch and get your AZ, just be sure that it's an accredited course. Check with Moe's Transport, check with Drive Logistics, check with Wolverine Freight and if they tell you you're @ the right school then go there.