The Best Truck Driving Schools of 2025

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Last updated January 20, 2025

One short drive on any of Canada’s main highways is enough to remind us that there are a lot of trucks on the road. But even if it might feel like there’s an endless convoy of tractor-trailers, or ‘big rigs’, on the road, there’s actually a persisting shortage of professional drivers in Canada.

The country’s vast geography makes the transportation of goods a vital service to keep our economy – and households – running. The annual revenue of the Canadian trucking industry was $39.55 billion as of 2022, according to Statista, representing 66.5 million annual shipments. Today there are 765,300 truck drivers and logistics workers in the field, as reported by TruckingHR Canada. In 2024, 13,600 jobs were added to the trucking and logistics sector – however, the majority of these roles were not transport truck drivers, instead filling positions in human resources or general administration.

The driver shortage is further exacerbated by a fast-aging driver population. One in four drivers is between the age of 55-64, Trucking HR Canada revealed in May 2022. Statistics Canada estimates that there are currently 15,350 job vacancies; if trends continue, by 2035, the gap could increase by an additional 30,000 vacancies. There’s also an extreme shortage of women in the industry. They make up a drastically small percentage of truckers, coming in at just 4 percent of the Canadian truck driver workforce, according to Truck News.

To help address this shortage, in 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced the first-ever category-based selection of newcomers with work experience in transport, including commercial truck drivers. Still, there remains ample opportunity for qualified drivers.

The potential for strong earnings is there: An annual salary of $59,846, plus benefits, is achievable in many parts of the country for those just starting out. For long-haul drivers with five plus years of experience, annual salaries can jump up to $90,000. The average salary of a truck driver in Canada ranges significantly, and depends heavily on years of experience, the type of trucking job, and where in the country you’re working. According to the Government of Canada, the hourly rate can range from a low of $15.95 in New Brunswick to a high of $44.13 in Nunavut.

Fortunately, Canada’s top trucking schools are well positioned to handle these and other challenges. They prepare prospective truckers for success in a variety of settings, including cross border and long-haul runs, dry van and refrigeration van (reefer) hauling, and specialized driving including flatbed, tank and fuel hauling.

Schools offer programs for both AZ training (or a Class 1 licence outside of Ontario) and DZ training (or a Class 3 licence outside of Ontario). AZ training gives drivers the ability to operate tractor-trailers – essentially any truck or trailer combination weighing more than 4,600 kg or 10,000 lbs (except passenger vehicles such as buses). AZ programs range from five weeks to 12 weeks, with prices from $5,300 to $15,400. The result is an AZ licence in most cases, or a certificate. An AZ licence allows you to drive any vehicle that falls under the DZ classification.

DZ training gives drivers the ability to operate vehicles that travel mostly municipal routes, including garbage trucks, dump trucks, cement mixers, fire trucks, snowplows and rescue vehicles. Essentially this means any vehicle weighing up to 4,600 kg or 10,000 lbs. DZ programs range from five lessons to three weeks, with prices from $1,300 to $3,350.

If you’re itching to get on the road, and enjoy good pay and benefits, then read on. Here are the best truck driving schools across Canada of 2025.

1.

Valley Driving School 5/5

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2.

Trans-Canada College 5/5

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3.

Integrity Driving School 5/5

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4.

Canada Trust Driving School 5/5

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5.

Friendly Truck Driving School 5/5

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6.

Modern Training Ontario 5/5

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7.

Professional Transport Driver Training School 5/5

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8.

Ontario Truck Training Academy 5/5

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9.

Best Canadian Truck & Forklift Training Centre 5/5

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10.

Metro Truck Driving School 5/5

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11.

CCA Truck Driver Training 5/5

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12.

Crossroads Truck Training Academy 5/5

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13.

5th Wheel Training Institute 5/5

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14.

Ontario Truck Driving School 5/5

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15.

A2Z Training School 5/5

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16.

Canadian Truck Training Centre 5/5

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17.

Globe Driving Academy 5/5

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1

Valley Driving School

truck-driving-school
$ $ $ $

About Valley Truck Driving School

Based in southern and coastal British Columbia, Valley Truck Driving School offers a full range of driver training programs, including all types of truck, car and motorcycle training, plus instructor and corporate training. The school has locations in Abbotsford, Coquitlam, Surrey, Langley and Chilliwack. They have provided training to thousands of truckers since 1955. VTDS offers customizable programs for drivers of all ages and experience levels. They provide themselves on having professional instructors who will help you feel comfortable and confident throughout your driver training. The school offers a complete range of programs for people with or without experience. These programs are designed to include one-on-one training with a strong focus on road safety and accident prevention.

Valley Truck Driving School is ICBC approved and a member of the BC Trucking Association.

What Students Are Saying

I choose the school based on reputation and recommendations. I certainly made the right choice. The Air Brake Course was outstanding. My Instructor Mr Deen made it fun & easy to understand. His extensive knowledge of Air Brakes was a definite plus. I can't say enough about my Instructor. He made a sometimes nervous, and anxious student feel at ease and comfortable. He answered all my questions in an easy to understanding manner. He made the whole experience highly enjoyable and he made me feel very confident in my abilities. And guess what I passed my knowledge test 95%. So I decided to take my class 1 lessons form Valley driving.

Praveen, Class 1 MELT Program

What You’ll Learn

The Class 1 MELT (Mandatory Entry Level Training) program is 150-plus hours in duration and includes 14 theory sessions (54 hours), eight in-yard sessions (16 hours), 17 in-cab sessions (66 hours) and two mountain driving trips (20 hours). Students will get to use a school truck for the ICBC road test. Topics include defensive driving, hours of service, road rules and regulations, fuel-efficient driving, hauling freight, backing, load security, chaining tires, pre-trip inspections, coupling/sliding the trailer. In-cab sessions are four hours in length and include extensive practice backing the trailer into various spots and docks, plus longer mountain driving trips.

Locations

Langley, Abbotsford, Port Coquitlam, and Surrey, British Columbia

2

Trans-Canada College

truck-driving-school
$ $ $ $

 About Trans-Canada College

Trans-Canada College is a terrific East Coast training option for anyone that wants to get into the world of tractor-trailer professional driving. The locally owned and operated school, formerly called GW Driver Training, has been training long-haul truckers since 1989. They have training locations in Bathurst, Sussex, Saint John, Oromocto, and Moncton, New Brunswick.

This private career college prides itself on having excellent industry relationships and having developed a strong reputation with Atlantic Canadian Trucking companies. TCC also proudly boasts a 95 percent job placement rate upon graduation. Each of their programs has been designed with industry requirements in mind, ensuring students have received the proper training needed to enter into the trucking workforce immediately.

The school’s curriculum is approved by the Province of New Brunswick and The Trucking Human Resources Sector Council Atlantic, and is a member of the Professional Truck Training Alliance of Canada.

What Students Are Saying

The best instructors. Shawn, Ricky and Miramichi were fun but direct when they needed to be. This is a motivating place to learn and you will get along with the people around you. I wouldn't be where I am right now without them.

John Turner, Transport Training Class 1 Internship

What You’ll Learn

Over 12 weeks, you will complete a minimum of 100 hours of interactive in-class safety training coupled with a minimum of 80 hours of practical truck time. You will then move to a four-week real life internship with one of Trans-Canada College’s Transport Carrier Partners.

Locations

Bathurst, Sussex, Saint John, Oromocto, and Moncton, New Brunswick

3

Integrity Driving School

best truck driving schools in canada - integrity driving school
$ $ $ $

About Integrity Driving School

Located in the Fraser Valley, Integrity Driving School has successfully trained over 10,000 students. With instructors offering over a century’s worth of combined experience, Integrity Driving School secures a 98 percent driving test pass-rate.

Family owned and operated, the school offers driving instructor classes in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Maple Ridge and Langley, and are planning to also cover other cities in the lower mainland. The company won the Vancouver consumer choice awards in 2016 and 2017, and their training programs use the latest road safety techniques and regulations.

What You’ll Learn

Integrity Driving School offers Class 1 MELT driving lessons for students over the age of 19 with a full privilege B.C. driver’s license or an out-of-province equivalent. Over the course of 140 hours, students engage in both theory and practice.

The school also offers class 2 bus driving training, with two different programs ranging from 12 to 24 hours. Their class 3 commercial driver training programs range from a minimum of 2 hours, to 12 or 16 hours, depending on the selected plan. They also offer both unrestricted and restricted class 4 truck driving training programs, which include defensive driving, hazard avoidance, and backing up techniques. They also offer a 16-hour air brake course, both on and off highway (industrial).

Locations

Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Maple Ridge, and Langley, British Columbia

4

Canada Trust Driving School

$ $ $ $

About Canada Trust Driving School

CT has an experienced and certified team of instructors who will provide you with individual attention, allowing you to progress through courses quickly and enjoyably. The school has a diverse fleet of vehicles for training plus innovative programs designed to ensure that you are fully prepared to enter the workforce as a truck or bus driver.

Along with services to direct clients, the school also provides services to transportation and commercial vehicle companies in the Greater Toronto Area. These services include a professional driving improvement course (PDIC), Air Brake endorsement certification, air brake adjustment certification, tractor-trailer and truck refreshment training and pre-employment evaluation. Canada Trust Driving School reports a 100 percent graduation rate and 100 percent employment rate for graduates of its AZ licence program (with a 79.4 percent employment rate overall). English, Persian, Russian, and Urdu speaking instructors are available.

What Students Are Saying

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND CANADA TRUST DRIVING SCHOOL. Canada Trust Driving School is undoubtedly the best school in the city and they are absolutely professional at what they do. Their instructors are very highly skilled, polite and have a lot of patience with their students. Also, great administrators in the office that are able to work with you and your schedule. I really enjoyed my time at Canada Trust Driving School with their in-class training to their one on one trainings and I had a great experience with them. My special thanks to Mr.Ehsan, Simon, Nasser, Farukh and Andrei. There is NO better place than Canada Trust Driving School.

Munir Dashty, Commercial Truck Driver Training Standard (Class AZ License)

What You’ll Learn

The Class A (Commercial Driver Training Standard) program includes all mandatory objectives set forth in the Ministry of Transportation’s Commercial Truck Driver Training Standard, including: Employment in the Commercial Vehicle Industry, Vehicle Components & Systems, Basic Driving Techniques, and more.

The course is taught with both classroom and practical, hands-on training, either in the school’s yard or using a tractor-trailer under the guidance of a qualified trainer.

The Class D program consists of eight hours of automatic transmission training, and six hours of manual transmission training. By the end of the program, you’ll have received seven certificates including air brake endorsement, air brake adjustment, transportation of dangerous goods, hours of service, border crossing, defensive driving and a Class D diploma.

Locations

Vaughan, ON

5

Friendly Truck Driving School

friendly-truck-driving-school
$ $ $ $

About Friendly Truck Driving School

Friendly Truck Driving School is an MTO-approved, bonded and insured driving school located in Toronto. Registered as a career college under the 2005 Ontario Career Colleges Act, the school’s schedules are flexible, with instructors available from 7 AM and 7 PM. In addition to its many training programs, the school also offers job placement assistance, and support with resume-writing and interview preparation.

Friendly received a Consumer Choice Award for 2024, and is affiliated with a number of industry organizations, including Ontario Safety League, Ontario Trucking Association, Truck Training Association of Ontario, and Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada. Friendly has a 95.3 percent graduation rate and an 84.4 percent graduate employment rate.

What Students Are Saying

Its true, one of the best school in town. My money, my gas and my time was worth it. I'm glad a coworker of mine told me about the school. The staff in the office and my instructors (Dhas, Thivas, Aravind) was great. The school goal is one attempt pass. They don't want student failing. They are very generous in teaching and make sure when you leave the yard you learn something.

Zyrell Bataller, AZ Program

What You’ll Learn

Friendly Truck Driving School offers several professional license training courses, including the main AZ program, Tractor-Trailer MELT courses (103.5 hours over 5 weeks or 200 hours over 8 weeks), 10 45-minute school or coach (Class B and Class C respectively) driver training courses, and two Class D course programs. They also offer Air Brake “Z” endorsement, defensive driving (SBDIC or PDIC), and transportation of dangerous goods programs.

Locations

Toronto, Ontario

6

Modern Training Ontario

best truck driving schools in canada - modern training ontario
$ $ $ $

About Modern Training Ontario

Modern Training Ontario offers professional truck driver training from their facility in Hamilton. All in-vehicle training is provided through one-to-one sessions with instructors, using full-dimension equipment with the latest models and on-board technologies.

According to Modern Training Ontario, instructors typically require at least five years’ experience as professional drivers, but all Modern Training Ontario instructors have over 15 years of experience. Combined, the school has provided over 20,000 hours of training, and students have a 98 percent graduation rate in both vocational and non-vocational courses.

What You’ll Learn

At Modern Training Ontario, students have the opportunity to get their Air Brake Z Endorsement by participating in a two-day, 12 hour program, after which they are required to pass a 20 question written test. Students can also take class AZ (Tractor Trailer) programs, a 22-hour DZ (Automatic) and 37-hour DZ (Manual) license training program, a 22-hour DZ Fire course, and RV license training.

Students also have the opportunity to receive AR license training, for operating pickup truck-type vehicles that tow non air brake equipped trailers with a towed vehicle weight that exceeds 4600 kilograms. Through Modern Training Ontario’s programming, students can also learn defensive driving, transportation of dangerous goods, trailering, load security, and how to conduct pre-trip vehicle inspections.

Locations

Hamilton, Ontario

7

Professional Transport Driver Training School

truck-driving-school
$ $ $ $

About Professional Truck Driver Training School

Professional Truck Driver Training School is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The school offers Class 1 and Class 3 driver training across Manitoba including Class 1 driver training in Brandon.

PTDTS is locally owned and operated. Their comprehensive driver training programs are designed to focus on safety and professionalism, with an emphasis on key aspects: delivering hands-on education, building driver confidence, training safety procedures, mastering proper driving techniques and learning rules and regulations. Their mission is to develop and deliver high quality training and services that fulfill the driver education needs of the Manitoba trucking industry. They are proud to assist individuals in working towards a safe and rewarding career as a professional driver.

The school won 2016 and 2017 Consumer Choice Awards for Business Excellence. It is registered as a private vocational school under the Private Vocational Schools Act.

What You’ll Learn

Professional Truck Driver Training School offers two Class 1 driver training options: A Class 1 244-hour training program and a Class 1 MELT (Mandatory Entry Level Training) program.

The 244-hour program is a 6-week course during which you will be trained in all necessary practical and theoretical skills and have the opportunity to take the Class 1 provincial road test. It consists of two weeks in the classroom, four weeks in the yard and in-cab training, and two road tests.

The MELT training program requires a minimum 121.5 hours of training and includes 40 hours of classroom training, 40 hours of in-yard training, and 40 hours of in-cab training.

Locations

Winnipeg, Manitoba

8

Ontario Truck Training Academy

ontario-truck-training-academy
$ $ $ $

About Ontario Truck Training Academy

Recipients of the 2015 and 2016 GTA Consumer Choice Award for Business Excellence for Truck Driving Schools, Ontario Truck Training Academy (OTTA) offers courses at its Oshawa and Peterborough campuses.

With working relationships with over 400 trucking companies, OTTA is a registered school that has a 90 percent employment rate, and a 98 percent placement rate for diploma program participants. Its qualified instructors have a minimum of 20 years’ experience each.

As well as offering internships, apprenticeships and placement opportunities, the school works with government funding sources to assist students with tuition, as well as providing financial advice. Plus, as a registered school, students can get a 30 percent tax rebate on program fees.

What You’ll Learn

OTTA offers many diploma courses, which range from vocational and non-vocational training in AZ, BZ, DZ, ‘C’ Coach, AR, as well as an Air Brake Z endorsement course. Through seminars, in-yard and in-cab instruction and simulators, students will learn how to keep log books, plan trips, secure loads, manage clear language dangerous goods (TDG) and border crossings. OTTA also offers a Recruiter Day, in which major trucking companies hold recruitment sessions on their campuses to hire new employees.

Locations

Oshawa, and Peterborough, Ontario

9

Best Canadian Truck & Forklift Training Centre

truck-driving-school
$ $ $ $

About Best Canadian Truck and Forklift Training Centre

Best Canadian Truck and Forklift Training Centre is located in Brampton, Ontario. The school prides itself on being committed to providing students with the best quality services and training, to ensure they meet industry standards. They have experienced instructors who provide one-on-one training. The school values safety as their top priority. They are open 7 days a week and assist students in finding jobs.

Best Canadian Truck and Forklift Training Centre has a 100 percent graduation rate and a 79.4 percent employment rate.

What You’ll Learn

Best Canadian Truck and Forklift Training Centre offers a five-week, 112.5-hour comprehensive AZ training program. Topics include vehicle components and systems, basic driving techniques, professional driving habits, tractor-trailer off-road tasks and maneuvers, documents, paperwork and regulatory requirements, vehicle inspection activities, hours of service compliance, cargo securement and loss prevention, handling emergencies, plus employment in the commercial vehicle industry.

The school’s DZ training program provides students with basic practical and theoretical training. The non-vocational program includes components such as basic driving techniques, defensive driving, pre- and post-trip inspection activities, safety regulations, driving emergencies, fuel-efficient driving, traffic and road management, hours of service and distracted driving.

The school also offers an AZ refresher course, forklift training of various types and an air brake course.

Locations

Brampton, Ontario

10

Metro Truck Driving School

best truck driving schools in canada - metro truck driving school
$ $ $ $

About Metro Truck Driving School

An award-winning school based in Mississauga and Brampton (Greater Toronto Area), Metro Truck Driving School was founded in 1989. Since then, it’s seen 5,500 students graduate from its seven courses.

Metro Truck Driving School has over 20 employees and professional instructors, who teach students using regularly-updated equipment at their high-end facilities.

What You’ll Learn

Metro Truck Driving School offers seven courses. Their A courses include a 103.5-hour Tractor-Trailer MELT class, a six-hour Metro Bronze Course, and a nine-hour Metro Silver Course.

The school’s BZ courses include a Class B Metro Bronze Course, Silver Course, and Gold Course, requiring 12 hours of in-vehicle training. The school also offers Metro Silver, Bronze, and Gold courses at Class C D, E and F levels, as well as an Air Brake Endorsement Z training course and certificate.

Locations

Mississauga and Brampton (Greater Toronto Area), Ontario

11

CCA Truck Driver Training

best truck driving schools in canada - cca truck driver training
$ $ $ $

About CCA Truck Driver Training

CCA Truck Driver Training began as a one-man operation in Calgary in 1981, with just one truck and one trailer. Today, the school operates from a 1600-square foot office, including two classrooms and a three-acre training yard.

As well as offering training on loaded or empty 53” single trailers and B-Trains, CCA Truck Driver Training has a fleet of trucks, which range from Kenworth T600’s to T880’s, equipped with engines such as Cummins and Paccar, plus 13 and 18-speed manual transmissions. The school’s team prides themselves on personalized instruction and supplying their students with modern equipment.

What You’ll Learn

At CCA, students can find a variety of courses, such as a 121.5-hour Class 1 MELT program which also includes 8.5 hours of Air Brake Q and 15.5 hours of in-yard inspection activities.

The school also offers a 40-hour Class 1 Experience and Equivalency course, a Class 3 Advanced Manual Transmission course that is between 20 and 28.5 hours, and an Intermediate Manual Transmission class between 14 hours and 22.5 hours.

CCA instructors also teach courses on Longer Combination Vehicles (LCV) over 12 hours (or 19 hours if students also choose to take a Professional Driver Improvement Course). In addition, CCA offers a two-hour Chain-Up class for attaching traction devices to tires.

Locations

Calgary, Alberta

12

Crossroads Truck Training Academy

$ $ $ $

About Crossroads Truck Training Academy

Crossroads Truck Training Academy is located in Barrie, Ontario. One of the country’s top truck driver training programs, the company has trained over 2,000 entry level commercial drivers. Crossroads are specialists in adult education for transportation training. They have developed a professional commercial driver program that is customized to suit your specific needs and will have you behind the wheel quickly and safely. The reasons to choose Crossroads are numerous and include 20 years experience in developing a comprehensive curriculum and honing its training expertise, tuition assistance options, and placement assistance.

Crossroads also provides transportation consulting, and training for defensive driving, hours of service, and transportation of dangerous goods. The instructional personnel have over 160 years of combined commercial driving experience and have all held major positions in carrier operations. The Crossroads training fleet consists of clean and well-maintained vehicles that are selected for ease of training. The equipment replicates equipment used in domestic and international commerce.

Crossroads is accredited by the Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario.

What You’ll Learn 

Crossroads offers a full slate of transportation training programs including AZ Tractor Trailer, DZ Straight Truck, DZ Fast Track, CZ Coach Bus, CZ School Bus, Air Brake/Z Endorsement, and a School Bus Improvement Course.

The AZ training program is a five or six week program that consists of two weeks of classroom training plus three to four weeks of in-truck training. New courses typically begin every second Monday. The classroom training components include employment in the commercial vehicle industry, vehicle components and systems, basic driving techniques, professional driving habits, tractor-trailer off-road tasks and maneuvers, documents, paperwork and regulatory requirements, plus vehicles inspections, hours of service compliance, cargo securement, handling emergencies and Z endorsement for air brakes. Course are available weekdays, both full-time and part-time.

The DZ Straight Truck training program is a four-week program with two weeks of classroom training and two weeks of in-truck training. Classroom components include vehicle components and systems, basic driving techniques, professional driving habits, straight truck off-road tasks and maneuvers, documents, paperwork and regulatory requirements, plus vehicle inspections hours of service requirements, cargo securement, handling emergencies and Z endorsement for air brakes. Week 3 is designated for heavy transmission training. Week 4 is designated for straight truck training.

Locations

Barrie, Ontario

13

5th Wheel Training Institute

truck-driving-school
$ $ $ $

About 5th Wheel Training Institute

5th Wheel Training Institute has two campuses, in the London-Sarnia corridor and in the North Bay- Timmins area. The school prides itself on its dedication to quality, up-to-date curriculum, and industry specific training. They are guided by their mission, to continue to be accessible and set the standard for industry training through creativity, innovation, elite service, and mutual respect for everyone.

5th Wheel Training Institute has a 93.3 percent graduation rate, and an 85.3 percent graduate employment rate.

What You’ll Learn

The school offers three options for AZ truck driver training. Options range from “Truck Driver AZ”, which offers two certificates over six weeks and 150 hours or training, up to a joint AZ and Heavy Equipment Certification program completed over 9 weeks, in which 5 certificates are awarded over 280 hours.

Locations

London, and North Bay, Ontario

14

Ontario Truck Driving School

best truck driving schools in canada - ontario truck driving school
$ $ $ $

About Ontario Truck Driving School

The Ontario Truck Driving School (OTDS) was established in 1978. Now, almost 50 years later, the school has nine locations across the province: London, Hamilton, Chatham, Kitchener, Brantford, Sarnia, Owen Sound, Welland, and Windsor. An Amazon-approved training partner, OTDS claims to offer the “widest range of training programs and services in the industry.”

OTDS also offers financial assistance to its students by partnering with programs such as LendCare Financing, Better Jobs Ontario, and the Canada-Ontario Job Grant, allowing employers to invest in their workforce with support from the province.

What You’ll Learn

OTDS offers courses in Heavy Equipment, Building and Construction, as well as various licenses and certification. The school’s license programs include a winter driving course, a 10-hour Class AR course, and a variety of Class A automatic or manual courses.

These Class A courses include three different Tractor Trailer programs, including AZ, which requires 200 hours over 8 weeks. OTDS’s BZ program requires 58 hours over four to six weeks; it also offers three-day Class C, D, and F courses, and a four-day Class E automatic transmission training program.

In OTDS’ Heavy Equipment classes, students will learn regulations and safety, Tractor-Trailer MELT (defensive driving, pre-trip inspection), WHMIS, air braking and more.

Locations

London, Hamilton, Chatham, Kitchener, Brantford, Sarnia, Owen Sound, Welland, and Windsor, Ontario

15

A2Z Training School

truck-driving-school
$ $ $ $

About A2Z Driving School

A2Z Driving School is located in Kitchener, Ontario. It is registered as a Private Career College. The school prepares students to obtain their license to drive trucks as well as buses.

A2Z has over 20 professional instructors and employees and offers up-to-date equipment that assures the highest standards are met and that the school remains competitive with other truck driving schools. Instructors are highly trained with years of extended experience, helpful and easy to work with and friendly. You will receive one-on-one behind-the-wheel instruction, quality service at reasonable rates, and help for nervous and elderly drivers.

A2Z has a 100 percent graduation rate, and a 69.8 percent graduate employment rate.

What You’ll Learn

Courses offered include AZ license, DZ license, AZ refresher, Log Book, Forklift Training, Forklift Certification, Air Brake Classes, and Corporate Forklift Training.

The AZ driver training program is 116 hours in length over five weeks and includes the air brake endorsement. Students will be taught by qualified and experienced instructors. You will learn all the essential skills of tractor trailer driving including speed control, steering control, lane changes, reversing and parking. Advanced skills include left and right turning, changing lanes in heavy traffic, night driving and driving in bad weather. To qualify for admission: you must be minimum 18 years of age, hold a valid Ontario Class G license or higher, have an OSSD Grade 12 diploma (or higher) or proof of Grade 10 English equivalency, have completed an MTO medical form and have knowledge verification of rules of the road and signs.

The DZ (straight truck) training program is 10 lessons and includes a road test date and air brake training. It is available in trucks with automatic transmissions.

The AZ refresher course offers theoretical and practical training for individuals who already have their AZ license but are looking to hone their driving skills. It is a quick and affordable option to gain valuable experience and to become a safe driver. The course includes options such as: pre-trip inspection, backing up, learning manual transmission, improving turning, coupling or uncoupling, defensive driving, winter and mountain driving, highway and night driving, plus trip and route planning.

The forklift training course includes theoretical and practical knowledge training, pre-inspection, safety training, plus propane and electric certification.

Locations

Kitchener, Ontario

16

Canadian Truck Training Centre

$ $ $ $

About Canadian Truck Training Centre

Canadian Truck Training Centre in Mississauga, Ontario prides itself on being one of the most experienced and respected truck driver training schools. The school is located in the heart of the busy Mississauga – Brampton, Toronto corridor, making it a convenient location for many prospective trucking professionals in southern Ontario.

CTTC is registered as a Private Career College and has a staff of qualified, skilled and knowledgeable professionals. The school offers full vocational programs that provide students with one-on-one AZ Tractor Trailer training and licensing. The programs include extensive in-class, in yard and on the road experience that, combined, give you the required practical logged driving hours and extensive knowledge of the rules of the road. It has a graduation rate of 88.4 percent, and a graduate employment rate of 69.7 percent.

The school also offers non-vocational courses such as AZ tractor trailer training, DZ truck training, air brake endorsement, defensive driver training, plus training in border crossing and in the transportation of dangerous goods. Other programs include training and certification on forklifts, AWP Scissor Lift, WHIMS 2015, Working at Heights, and much more.

What You’ll Learn

Completion of the Canadian Truck Training Centre AZ Tractor-Trailer program will qualify you to drive any tractor-trailer combination. You may also drive any vehicle in Class D or G. in four comprehensive weeks, you will receive 116 hours of intensive training that includes 45 classroom hours, 21 hours in the yard and 50 hours of hands-on in-vehicle training.

Program topics include basic driving techniques; professional driving habits; vehicle components and systems; documents, paperwork and regulatory requirements; vehicle inspection activities; hours of service compliance; cargo securement and loss prevention; and handling emergencies. Your 50 hours of in-vehicle training includes on-road and off-road driving, driving in traffic, backing and parking, defensive driving. Yard training includes pre- and post-trip inspection preparation, plus coupling and uncoupling the tractor-trailer. The program also includes a 12-hour air brake training course.

The CTTC DZ Truck Driver program is a non-vocational program with courses that include driver and shipper responsibilities, loading and Securing freight, understanding the Dangerous Goods handbook and its use, weight and size regulations. In-yard training includes completing a daily log book; loading and uploading precautions; vehicle inspections constituting identifying key components and systems that are part of the pre- and post-trip inspections; practicing technical driving manoeuvres such as shifting, backing, turning and braking; demonstrating the ability to maneuver the truck in a variety of space, traffic, daylight and weather conditions.

Locations

Mississauga, Ontario

17

Globe Driving Academy

truck-driving-school
$ $ $ $

About Globe Driving Academy

Globe Driving School is located in Calgary, Alberta. The staff is proud of their commitment to being a professional, friendly and reliable driver training centre. Their goal is to help students beyond just earning their licence, educating them with the skills and knowledge to help build confidence to be a safe professional driver. GDS’s mission is to provide all driving lessons in the most diligent way possible. They are committed to using only the latest equipment and abiding by a strict safety protocol.

The school also assists in the process of job searching and placement. Their promise to students is to give extra attention to those who require extra training. They also endeavour to teach skills and concepts that can be used in their career as well as in life.

What Students Are Saying

Down to the tiniest details they got how to teach me in a way that was easy to understand and put empahsis on road safety. Practical classes at the yard were highlight of my days! Thank you for making this such a great experience for me!

Roberto Roldan, Class 1 License

What You’ll Learn

A Class 1 Licence is the requirement to become a commercial truck driver in Alberta. With it, you can drive any vehicle or a combination of vehicles, the only exception being a motorcycle.

Globe Driving Academy’s Class 1 driver training program has multiple components: in-yard training, classroom training and one-on-one behind-the-wheel training. The total number hours of training required for course completion is 121.5. It will typically take a student six weeks to complete the training.

The Class 1 MELT (Mandatory Entry Level Training) program can be taken with or without the air brake course, depending on whether you have already completed an air brake training course. With the air brake course, the program consists of 57 hours of in-truck training, 17.5 hours of in-yard training and 47 hours on in-classroom training.

Students who have already completed the air brakes course training and have either the “Q” endorsement on their driver’s licence or a valid air brake endorsement certificate would complete the program without the air brakes component. Their program would require less hours of training and would come at a lesser price.

Locations

Calgary, Alberta

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6 thoughts on “The Best Truck Driving Schools of 2025”

  1. HELLO THIS IS PAUL ,BIRUMA .
    FROM UGANDA .
    CONT +256782211581.
    HOW TO JOIN BIG TRUCK TRAINING SCHOOL IN CANADA.

    1. Hi Paul,

      We would be happy to help you with information. If you would like to email us at [email protected], we can send you information.

      Thanks,
      Nicole
      Learning Advisor

  2. Hello, leke from Lagos Nigeria I am planning to come to canada and join the trucks industry, please I will need more information and guide line about it .
    Thanks.

  3. hello I’m from Iran
    I have a iranian license truck
    I like immigration to Canada
    can I obtain Canada license ?
    can I register in your school?
    can your school send invite letter Visa for me ?
    thanks

  4. Hey there! I’m currently looking to make a dramatic career change from sales to trucking and would like to gather more information on training, training costs and if there are any training subsidies. I am a little concerned that I’m starting my new career change too late in life (I’m 61) so would also appreciate your perspective on someone of my years getting into trucking.

    I look forward to hearing from you!

    Thanks!

  5. Hello, Nabil from Kano Nigeria I am planning to come to canada through the study route and I want to join the trucking industry and am also a truck driver here in Nigeria, please I will need more information and guideline about the schools…
    Thanks.

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