What Is The Difference Between A CDL License In Canada And The US

If you want to become a truck driver and operate vehicles like tractor-trailers, straight trucks, and buses, you will need a CDL License. The class of commercial license you need will depend on the vehicle you will be driving.

Federal, State, and Provincial governments highly regulate the commercial driver’s license types. In Canada, The National Safety Code sets the standard for provincial and territorial CDL regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all CDL drivers in the United States.

The regulations for both Canada and the United States are very similar. This is great news for driver’s who frequently cross borders.

Canadian Commercial Driver’s License

Transport Canada’s National Safety Code is what governs all regulations for CDL drivers in Canada. The National Safety Code is the standard each province and territory are to follow when regulating their drivers. However, each province has their own classes of commercial vehicle licenses and their own requirements for obtaining a license.

Canadian CDL License Endorsements

Driver’s can go through additional testing to have endorsements added to their licenses. Endorsements enable to the driver to use special equipment that requires knowledge and training to operate.

Trucks with air brakes will require an Z-endorsement in Ontario and an F-endorsement in New Brunswick.

To drive a school bus, the province of Saskatchewan requires you to have an S-endorsement on your license.

Requirements for CDL Drivers in Canada

The minimum age to drive a commercial vehicle in Canada is between 18 and 19, depending on the province. If you are planning on driving a bus you must be between 19 and 21, again depending on the province.

All provinces require you to pass a medical examination. The examination will ensure that you do not have any conditions that may render you unsafe to drive. A doctor must sign off on your health before applying for your commercial license.

Commercial Driver’s need to have a standard driver’s license with a clean driving background and a criminal record check.

Writing Your CDL License Test

All license types require a passing mark on a written test and a practical test. The written tests are generally multiple choice questions based on the information in your provinces hand book.

You obtain your learner’s permit when you have passed your written test. This permit gives you the opportunity to practice with a fully licensed driver.

Getting Some Practice As A Canadian CDL Driver

Experience behind the wheel is the best way to learn how to drive your vehicle. A good trucking school will teach you the important skills you need. Some provinces have made it mandatory to complete an approved course before completing your tractor trailer license.

After you have spent some time training in your truck you can feel confident booking your road test. The road test is where you will prove your skills. Your examiner will ask you to complete various driving maneuvers and will grade you as you perform.

After a successful road test, you will be awarded with your commercial driver’s license.

United States Commercial Driver’s License

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) governs the regulations of CDL drivers in the United States. The Federal governments in the United states governs the general requirements and definitions of license types. State governments dictate the age requirements and the application process.

Your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is what determines the class of CDL license you will need.

Classes of CDL Licenses

Class C commercial license holders can drive any vehicle that is used to transport 16 passengers (including the driver) or is used to transport hazardous materials. This license type also covers vehicles that do not fit the description of Class A or Class B. Examples of Class C vehicles are small trucks with trailers, HAZMAT trucks or passenger vans.

A TNC (Transportation Network Company) license is required to operate as a rideshare driver in some American cities. Transportation Network Company licenses are given to companies providing a taxi or rideshare service. Check with your jurisdiction to see if you need a TNC license.

In some states like California, drivers are required to hold a CDL if their primary employment is driving, regardless of their vehicle type.

US CDL License Endorsements

Some types of commercial vehicles may require an endorsement on your driver’s license. A T-endorsement allows the driver to pull a double or a triple trailer. A P-endorsement permits drivers to operate a vehicle used to carry 16 or more passengers. An N-endorsement will allow the operator to pull a tanker trailer.

Drivers can also have restrictions placed on their driver’s license, an L-restriction is placed on the commercial license when the driver is not licensed with air brakes.

See all the endorsements and restrictions at the FMCSA drivers page.

US CDL Driver Requirements

To obtain your commercial driver’s license in the United States you must be 21 years old. You can obtain a special restricted license in some states if you are between 18 and 21. A restricted commercial driver’s license limits you to intrastate travel only. You must get your CDL license in your home state and it is illegal to carry more than one commercial driver’s license.

Commercial driver’s license applicants need to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam. The examination will determine if you are physically fit to operate a commercial vehicle. If you pass the examination you will be giving a DOT medical card and will be able to apply for a commercial license.

The DMV checks your past 10 years of driving history when you apply for a CDL license. Having a clean driving history means a smoother ride towards your full commercial driver’s license.

CDL Written Tests In The US

To obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), you must pass a written knowledge test. The tests are multiple choice and around 50 questions long. If you are writing a test for an endorsement or other add-on there will be an addition 25 questions.

You can earn your commercial learner’s permit by writing and passing a written knowledge test. Then, you can begin to get some on the road training with a friend or at a driving school.

Practicing For Your CDL Practical Test

Now that you have a learner’s permit, you will need to get some driving experience. Although you can take your road test 14 days after passing the written test, it is wise to spend some more time getting to know your vehicle. A trucking school is a great way to get the experience and knowledge that you will need to pass the road test.

There are 3 parts to the practical skills test, the vehicle inspection test, the basic controls test, and the road test. Once you pass the test you will either receive your CDL the same day or you will receive your CDL a few days later in the mail.

Getting Started As A CDL Driver!

The commercial driver’s license types in Canada and the United States are pretty similar. Both countries require that you be a minimum age of 18 to apply and both require that you pass a medical examination.

The application process is also on par between the two countries:

1. Apply for the license
2. Complete the written test
3. Training and practice
4. Pass the road test

Make sure to look up the exact requirements for your province or state before applying.

Ready to apply for your truck license? Check out our guide to becoming an AZ Driver in Ontario!

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