Get a bus driver’s licence

Learn how to get a commercial bus driver’s licence so you can drive a bus or ambulance in Ontario.

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New online learning module

On September 1, 2023, Ontario is introducing a new online air brake learning module to replace the in-person air brake knowledge test at time of renewal. Learn more about how to renew.

Overview

Ontario has four different licence types for bus drivers. Each licence class is different, but they all require a written test and a road test. You may also need to take a government-approved course.

The type of bus licence you need depends on:

• the number of passengers
• whether the vehicle is a school bus, regular bus or an ambulance

Drivers of commercial vehicles cannot have any drugs or alcohol in their system under Ontario’s zero tolerance laws for impaired driving. Penalties include licence suspensions, monetary penalties and more.

School bus licences

Class B and E

To drive a school bus in Ontario, you need either a B or an E Class licence.

A Class B licence lets you:

• drive a school bus with seating for more than 24 passengers
• drive vehicles covered by C, D, E, F and G class licences

A Class E licence lets you:

• drive a school bus with seating for up to 24 passengers
• drive vehicles covered by F and G class licences

Requirements

To get a B or E licence, you must:

• be at least 21 years old
• hold a valid Ontario licence other than G1, G2, M, M1 or M2
• pass a vision test
• submit a valid medical report
• complete a government-approved School Bus Driver Improvement Course
• pass a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters ( CRJM ) Check
• have fewer than 6 demerit points on your driving record
• pass a knowledge test about operating school buses and trucks (for Class B only)
• pass a road test using a vehicle that meets the requirements

You will not be able to get a Class B or E licence if your driver's licence has been suspended during the past 12 months for any offence outlined in the Official MTO Bus Handbook.

Criminal record and judicial matters check

If you are applying for a bus driver’s licence, you need to pass a criminal record and judicial matters ( CRJM ) check or equivalent (such as a police information check).

Contact your local police station to determine the appropriate location to get your CRJM check. You can also use an authorized criminal record check provider. To find a provider, you can ask your employer or association to recommend one to you.

Once you have completed the criminal record check, mail it with your driver’s licence number to:

Ministry of Transportation
Driver Improvement Office, Driver Control Section
Attn : Class B or E CRJM
77 Wellesley Street West, Box 671
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1N3

The ministry will review your check to determine your eligibility for this class of licence. The ministry is not responsible for lost checks.

Bus licenses

Class C and F

To drive an ambulance or a regular, non-school bus in Ontario, you need either a Class C or F licence.

A Class C licence lets you:

• drive a regular, non-school bus with seating for more than 24 passengers
• drive vehicles covered by D, F and G class licences

A Class F licence lets you:

• drive a regular, non-school bus with seating for up to 24 passengers, including a 15-passenger van and an ambulance
• drive any car or light truck covered under a Class G licence

Requirements

To apply for a Class C or F licence, you must:

• 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 buses and trucks (Class C only)
• pass a road test using a vehicle that meets the requirements for a Class C or F

Where to apply

To apply and take the required written tests, visit:

• a DriveTest centre
• the ServiceOntario College Park location in downtown Toronto

You will need to bring original identification that shows your legal name, date of birth and your signature.

Fees

You will need to pay a fee to apply for a licence and take the knowledge test. See the list of fees.

Studying for the knowledge test

Ontario's Official MTO Bus Handbook will help you prepare for your knowledge test. It covers the special regulations and driving skills bus drivers need to know.

Booking a road test

To book a road test appointment, you will need to provide:

• your valid Ontario driver's licence number
• a preferred location for taking the test
• a second and third choice of location
• a preferred date and time

You can book, cancel or reschedule a road test appointment:

• online
• at a DriveTest Centre
• by phone at:
  • GTA : 647-776-0331
  • Toll-free: 1-888-570-6110

  You must cancel a test at least 48 hours before your appointment to avoid a cancellation fee.

  Class B, C, E and F road test

  The road test will test the knowledge and skills required to safely operate a commercial vehicle. It will include a daily vehicle inspection test where you will be required to:

  • inspect six randomly generated items from the schedule
  • demonstrate and describe how each item should be inspected
  • explain any potential defect(s)
  • describe what actions you would take upon identifying the defect

  There will also be an in-cab check portion of the test where you must:

  • point to or touch all items listed
  • demonstrate and describe how each item should be inspected

  After the road test

  At the end of the road test, the examiner will review your test with you and tell you if you passed.

  For all commercial class road tests, you must provide the driver examiner with a valid daily inspection report as well as the schedule for your vehicle or your road test will be cancelled and you will lose 50% of your pre-paid road test fee. You are encouraged to refer to your schedule as necessary during the daily vehicle inspection component of the test.

  Renew your air brake endorsement

  Renewing your driver’s licence with a (Z) endorsement on or after September 1, 2023:

  • you must complete the air brake learning module online before going to a DriveTest centre to renew
  • to complete the learning module, visit https://mtoairbrakes.skillspass.com
  • select Air Brakes Refresher Training for Class B, C, E, F or G Licence Holders

  As of September 1, 2023, the air brake knowledge test will no longer be a requirement for renewals.

  You must have your driver’s licence with you to start the learning module.

  After completing the learning module:

  • download or print the Certificate of Completion
  • bring the digital or printed copy of your Certificate of Completion and your driver’s licence to a DriveTest centre or your Driver Certification Program organization
  • if you hold a commercial class (A, B, C, D, E or F) driver’s licence, you will need to complete the vision and commercial class knowledge test in person at a DriveTest Centre or through your Driver Certification Program organization

  Once you reach 80 years old, you will need to take the online learning module and practical test each year to renew your endorsement. For people under 80, renewal is usually required every 5 years.

  If you are unable to complete the air brake learning module online, you can visit a DriveTest Centre to complete the learning module in person.