Commercial Trucking AZ Programs

Jumpstart your commercial trucking career.

Class AZ License

An AZ licence allows you to operate any combination of tractor trailer commercial vehicles in Ontario. This includes those exceeding a total gross weight of 10,000lbs with air brakes, and those pulling double trailers.

EliteStart

MTO-Approved MELT Program

Standard 103.5 hours of Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT), as well as an additional 12 hours of Airbrakes training.

Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT)

As of July 1, 2017, those looking to obtain their Class A (commercial truck) driver’s licence need to complete 103.5 hours of standardized training before taking the AZ road test.

Our EliteStart program contains our MTO approved MELT program and Air Brakes program. After successful completion of this program you will have satisfied the Mandatory Entry Level requirements as set out by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario. MELT requires 103.5 hours of learning plus 12 hours of Air Brake training.

Our 115.5 hour program offers more than just the minimum standard of MELT. Our interactive classes and simulation labs prepare you for the road ahead. The in-cab training is always a one-on-one instructor/student ratio, conducted in manual transmission trucks. We guarantee 100% one-on-one in-vehicle training with customized lesson plans.

A KnowledgeSurge driving lesson inside a vehicle.

EliteStart Pro

Going Above and Beyond Standards

A total of 200 hours advanced training, including additional certifications in Transportation of Dangerous Goods, Air Brakes, WHMIS & First Aid & CPR.

Above the Minimum Requirements

Our 200 hour Pro program surpasses the requirements of MELT. In addition to our MELT curricula, the program also has additional certifications in TDG, First Aid, and WHMIS. EliteStart Pro also provides advanced training on Load Securement, cross border crossing and new technologies such as ELD.

This program is the elite of the industry. Our Blended learning environment combines interactive classroom, virtual reality simulation labs and in cab training to give the most powerful training on the market. Our in-cab is always 1 on 1 instructor/student ratio. We do not fill time with meaningless hours of observation and you will learn multiple manual transmissions. We are a TTSAO accredited school.

Register Today!

Commercial Trucking EliteStart Series

Next Course Starts: Monday August 12th, 2024

Sign Me Up

A close up picture of a vehicle's controls.

Documentation & Admission Requirements

What Do I Need To Take AZ Training?

Hold a valid G Class Driver's Licence

Grade 11 or equivalent

Pass an MTO Medical Report. We offer on-site medicals with a Registered Nurse. You can also pick up the form at any Service Ontario or at our Campus and make an appointment with your family doctor or go into any walk-in clinic - Cost $150-$200.

AZ written and Road Test Fee - the written can be done at any DriveTest Centre, the road test fee must be paid at that time as well - Cost $120 (must bring original completed MTO Medical)

Download MTO Medical Form

Pricing & Financing Options

Funding Your Training Without the Worry

As a registered private career college, we accept various types of corporate and government funding, including:

Canada Ontario Job Grant

Better Jobs Funding

Sign-on Bonuses from Trucking Companies

We are not able to accept Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) funding, however, we do offer affordable financing options through Affirm Canada!

Visit our financing page or contact us to learn more about funding and financing options!

A KnowledgeSurge instructor and student shaking hands and smiling.

View the most recently published KPI Stats

2021 Private Career College graduation and job rates

EliteStart KPI stats

Testimonials

Don't just take our word for it!

4.9 39 reviews

Phil B
Excellent school.. Very knowledgeable trainers they do a great job at preparing you. The staff are friendly and accommodating.... If you want your AZ license...This … More is the school you want to attend...
Thank you Knowledge Surge..
Sincerely: Phil Bruneau
Successful student..AZ
MELT Program
★★★★★ 4 weeks ago
Mark R
As someone who previously held an Az license, I can truly say these guys know their thing. The instructors are very welcoming and patient from what I observed, … More I would recommend them to anyone. AKA double clutch 😂
★★★★★ a month ago
Krystal H
I went for DZ training and had very little confidence in myself and was extremely nervous because it was a new to me. The office staff was very friendly … More and inviting and my trainers Dave, John and Jim were friendly, patient, encouraging, helped build my confidence and taught me a lot. The other trainer that brought the truck for my test was just as friendly and encouraging. It was a pleasure to meet everyone there. They all made it feel like we've none eachother for years which helped calm my nerves and I past all my tests with flying colours. Thank you to the team you do a great job, I'll miss you all.
★★★★★ a month ago
Brendon G
If you have no experience in driving transport and wanting to get in the trucking industry. I’d recommend going to knowledge surge. You will learn a lot. … More I would also recommend Lynn as your instructor when you get to start driving the trucks. She is a great teacher ( the best) with a lot of patience. All around good person to be around. She will make your lessons enjoyable. No stress. Teach you and have a good time doing it, she will let you know if you missed something and tell you how to fix it or remember. Takes her job seriously and her main goal is for you too pass so she will do everything she can to get you ready for the big road test.
★★★★★ 2 months ago
Jason M
I just want to say that the knowledge and professionalism of your team was at a level I didn’t expect. The content of the program and how it was delivered … More was really well versed and it didn’t matter if it was in class or in cab all of the instructor’s recognized how myself as a individual was absorbing the information.
These Instructor’s all went above and beyond and made a relationship that won’t be forgotten.
Also the process of applying and setting up lessons with a full time job was effortless so thank you and your staff for that aswell Rhiannon.
Thankyou to All the instructors
Lynn Dave Jim Greg and Last but not least instructor Dave Seeley with all your experience you make one great school.
Jason McCartney
★★★★★ 3 months ago
Mark D
After starting a second career I was hesitant and also nervous to be returning to school to begin another career. This didn’t last long as on my first … More contact with the team at Knowledge Surge from the manager(s) to the trainers ; everyone was welcoming and helpful. This institution provided me with the knowledge to obtain a FT position within 3 days of passing my road test. Knowledge Surge is recognized throughout the industry as one of the best and I can see why. The instructors were helpful and patient, I can’t recommend them enough.
★★★★★ 3 months ago
J O
I truly enjoyed my time in this program (EliteStart Pro MELT) and found that all the instructors brought their own unique edge to the lessons, providing … More a holistic learning experience.
I want to thank my skilled and highly-personable instructors Dave S., Greg, Jim, Lynn, and Dave T. for enriching our time together with their deep knowledge, expertise, and vibrant personalities, Don for his words of encouragement before my final DriveTest (when I needed it most), and a special thanks to Rhiannon, the commercial vehicle programs manager, for having my back and going the extra mile for me every- single- time.
Truth be told, I'd be nowhere without this crew.
I experienced my share of challenges and setbacks in passing my DriveTest exam, but with the continued support and care from these great people, I finally achieved my goal of becoming a professional AZ driver.
Sincerely, thank you.
100/100, would highly recommend to future students.
★★★★★ 4 months ago
Tyler M
I passed my DZ with the help of the whole knowledge surge team! Everyone was awesome, very patient and understanding people. 10/10 would recommend for … More anyone looking to get their DZ/AZ.
★★★★★ 5 months ago
T M
Going in with no experience what so ever drivewise and there great instructors made sure I was ready for my final test. I’d highly recommend anyone who … More wants to get there AZ license to try out this school. And Greg was the best instructor a little rough around the edges but he will make sure you are where you need to be when test time comes. Thanks for everything!
★★★★★ 4 months ago