Choosing between a DZ and AZ licence is a major decision for anyone entering Ontario’s growing commercial driving industry. Your choice will shape the kind of vehicles you operate, the schedule you keep, and how much you earn.
With a persistent demand for qualified drivers, both licences offer great opportunities. But which one fits your goals best?
At Toronto Truck Driving School (TTDS), we’ve trained thousands of students to launch successful careers with the right licence. Let’s break down the key differences and help you choose your best path forward.
Understanding the Difference Between DZ and AZ Licences in Ontario: Which One’s Right for You?
Choosing between a DZ and AZ licence is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when pursuing a career in Ontario’s trucking industry. This choice affects everything from the types of vehicles you can drive to your earning potential and work-life balance.
With Ontario’s transportation sector continuing to face driver shortages, both licence types offer viable career paths. But which one aligns with your personal goals and lifestyle preferences?
At Toronto Truck Driving School (TTDS), we’ve guided thousands of drivers through this decision over our 30+ years in the industry. As a TTSAO-certified training provider, we understand the nuances of each licence type and how they translate to real-world career opportunities.
What Can You Actually Do With Each Licence?
Let’s cut straight to what matters most: the practical differences in what you can do with each licence type.
DZ Licence: Local Opportunities and Regular Hours
A Class D licence with Z endorsement (DZ) allows you to operate straight trucks or trucks with small trailers exceeding 11,000 kg, with trailer weight limited to 4,600 kg. But what does this mean for your day-to-day work life?
DZ drivers typically work in:
- Local delivery services: Distributing goods within a city or region, often with regular routes and customers
- Construction and landscaping: Operating dump trucks, cement mixers, and equipment delivery vehicles
- Waste management: Driving garbage trucks and recycling vehicles
- Moving companies: Helping families and businesses relocate within the region
- Municipal services: Operating snowplows, road maintenance vehicles, and other essential service trucks
- Food and beverage distribution: Delivering to restaurants, grocery stores, and other local businesses
Take Michael, for example. After completing his DZ training at TTDS, he secured a position with a local construction company. He starts each day at 6 AM, delivers materials to various job sites around Ottawa, and is home by 4 PM to spend evenings with his family. His weekends are free, and he rarely works outside his local area.
The DZ licence is ideal for drivers who value consistency, prefer to stay close to home, and want a predictable schedule.
AZ Licence: Expanded Horizons and Higher Earning Potential
A Class A licence with Z endorsement (AZ) represents the highest level of truck driving qualification in Ontario. This licence permits you to drive any tractor-trailer combination with no restrictions on trailer weight.
AZ drivers have access to diverse career paths including:
- Long-haul transportation: Moving goods between cities and provinces, sometimes spending days or weeks on the road
- Cross-border shipping: Transporting freight between Canada and the United States
- Specialized freight: Handling oversized loads, hazardous materials (with additional endorsements), or high-value cargo
- Refrigerated transport: Delivering temperature-sensitive goods like food and pharmaceuticals
- Tanker operations: Transporting liquids and gases
- Flatbed and heavy equipment transport: Moving construction equipment, machinery, and other oversized items
Consider Sarah’s experience after earning her AZ at TTDS. She started with regional routes for a major carrier, gaining experience while still returning home most nights. After two years, she moved to a specialized transport company handling oversized loads, increasing her salary by 30%. Now, five years into her career, she’s earning over $85,000 annually with full benefits.
The AZ licence offers maximum flexibility and opens doors to the widest range of driving opportunities, from local delivery to international transport.
| Feature | DZ Licence | AZ Licence |
| Vehicle Types | Straight trucks, trucks with small trailers | Any tractor-trailer combination, all commercial vehicles |
| Weight Restrictions | Vehicle exceeds 11,000 kg; trailer limited to 4,600 kg | No trailer weight restrictions |
| Training Duration | 2-3 weeks | 5-8 weeks (MELT program) |
| Typical Jobs | Local delivery, construction, waste management, municipal services | Long-haul transport, cross-border shipping, specialized freight, tanker operations |
| Work Schedule | Usually local routes with regular hours, home daily | Can include overnight trips, irregular schedules, potential days away from home |
| Starting Salary Range | $40,000-$55,000 | $50,000-$65,000 |
| Career Growth | Moderate salary growth, limited advancement | Higher earning potential, more advancement opportunities |
| Best For | Drivers prioritizing home time, regular schedule, faster entry to industry | Drivers seeking maximum earning potential, career flexibility, diverse job options |
The Progressive Path: Starting With DZ and Upgrading Later
Many drivers take a strategic approach by starting with a DZ licence and later upgrading to AZ. This path offers several advantages:
- Lower initial training costs
- Faster entry into the workforce
- Opportunity to gain commercial driving experience before tackling tractor-trailers
- Ability to earn income while saving for AZ training
- Clearer understanding of whether trucking is the right career for you
At TTDS, we support this pathway with streamlined upgrade programs for existing DZ holders looking to advance to an AZ licence.
Why Train With Toronto Truck Driving School?
When it comes to commercial driver training in Ontario, experience and reputation matter. Here’s why TTDS stands apart:
- 30+ Years of Excellence: For over three decades, we’ve been training Ontario’s top commercial drivers
- TTSAO Certification: We meet the rigorous standards of the Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario
- Industry-Leading Programs: Our training exceeds minimum requirements, preparing you for real-world success
- Modern Training Fleet: Learn on well-maintained vehicles similar to what you’ll drive in your career
- Expert Instructors: Learn from professionals with extensive industry experience
- Strong Employer Relationships: Our graduates are sought after by Ontario’s top trucking companies
- Job Placement Assistance: We help connect you with employers looking for qualified drivers
- Flexible Scheduling: Training options to accommodate your life and learning style
Our track record speaks for itself, thousands of successful graduates now enjoy rewarding careers in Ontario’s trucking industry.
Next Steps: Getting Started On Your Licence Journey
Ready to pursue your DZ or AZ licence? Here’s how to begin:
- Ensure you meet the prerequisites:
- Valid Ontario ‘G’ Class Licence
- Minimum 18 years of age
- Grade 10 education or equivalent
- Ability to pass an MTO medical examination
- Contact TTDS to discuss program options and scheduling
- Complete your MTO medical examination
- Enroll in your chosen program (DZ or AZ)
- Complete your training and prepare for your road test
- Pass your road test and receive your new licence
- Take advantage of our job placement assistance to launch your career
We offer various financing options to make your training more affordable, including payment plans and potential funding assistance for qualified applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between DZ and AZ licences?
The main differences are the types of vehicles you can operate and the career opportunities available. DZ allows you to drive straight trucks exceeding 11,000 kg with trailer weight limited to 4,600 kg, typically for local operations. AZ allows you to drive any tractor-trailer combination with no trailer weight restrictions, opening doors to long-haul, specialized transport, and higher-paying positions.
Can I upgrade from DZ to AZ later?
Yes, many drivers start with a DZ and later upgrade to an AZ. At TTDS, we offer specialized upgrade programs for existing DZ holders that build on your experience and focus on the additional skills needed for tractor-trailer operation.
What are the salary differences between DZ and AZ drivers?
AZ drivers typically earn more than DZ drivers. Entry-level DZ positions usually start between $40,000-$55,000 annually, while AZ positions start between $50,000-$65,000. Experienced AZ drivers, especially those in specialized roles, can earn $70,000-$90,000+ annually.
Make Your Choice With Confidence
Choosing between a DZ and AZ licence is a personal decision that depends on your career goals, lifestyle preferences, and long-term plans. Both paths offer viable careers in Ontario’s essential trucking industry.
At Toronto Truck Driving School, we’re committed to helping you make the right choice and providing the quality training you need to succeed, regardless of which licence you pursue.
Don’t leave your trucking career to chance. Choose TTDS for quality training that employers trust. Call us at 1-888-998-TTDS to speak directly with an admissions advisor.
🖥️ Visit our website to learn more about our programs and enroll in a class that fits your schedule.
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