In Canada, provincial/territorial licensing regulations are modeled on the guidelines set out in the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) National Safety Code (NSC) that is supported by four standards. All Canadian licensed drivers must meet these requirements prior to being eligible to operate a commercial vehicle and are required to carry a driver’s license that is valid for the vehicle and conditions under which it is operated.

This guide will identify each of the 13 Canadian jurisdictions (10 provinces and three territories) and their driver licensing classification system. The content includes the driver license class, type of vehicle permitted to be operated and restriction/endorsement codes.

DISCLAIMER/CAUTION:  The “Canadian Driver’s License Reference Guide” is designed to be used as guidelines only. While the guidelines represent good practices, they may not conform exactly to current provincial/territorial regulations.  Inspectors are cautioned to always follow current regulations when determining what license information is required.

REVISED: April 1, 2021