How long does the training last, and how many hours include behind-the-wheel practice?

Our flagship AZ license program spans 12 weeks full-time, totaling over 200 hours of combined classroom, simulator, and on-road training. You'll get a minimum of 80 hours of hands-on behind-the-wheel practice across straight trucks, tractor-trailers, and varied conditions—far exceeding the standard 160-hour benchmark—with at least 4 dedicated weeks on the road to build confidence for your Ministry road test.

Do you offer manual and automatic transmission training?

Yes, we provide comprehensive training on both manual and automatic transmissions using our modern fleet. Mastering manual ensures no restrictions on your license, opening doors to more jobs with legacy fleets, while automatic covers the latest automated systems—giving you versatility for today's diverse carrier demands.

Is there job placement assistance after graduation?

Absolutely—our dedicated Career Services team offers lifetime job placement support, including resume optimization, interview prep, and direct connections to 50+ hiring partners like Bison Transport and Challenger Motor Freight. Over 98% of grads land jobs within 30 days, often with signing bonuses.

What if I fail the CDL exam or get dropped from the program?

We stand by your success: one free road test reattempt is included if you don't pass initially (additional retests at cost). For program issues, our supportive policies allow probation or makeup sessions at no extra charge—drops are rare (under 5%) due to our 98% first-time pass rate, but if it happens, we offer priority re-enrollment slots.

What is your job placement rate and completion rate?

We're proud of our 99% program completion rate and 99% job placement rate within 60 days, partnering exclusively with reputable carriers offering $70K+ starting salaries. These figures are tracked annually and verified by independent audits, ensuring you join Ontario's top trucking talent pool.

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 115.5 hours of Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT), including the additional 12 hours of Air Brakes 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.

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, 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.

Two women in safety vests inspect the engine of a large truck. One is pointing to a part inside the engine compartment while discussing it with the other. The truck has a yellow trailer with writing on the side. They are standing on a paved surface.

MTO-Approved AZ Licence Training Program

Train for a successful trucking career with our MTO-approved AZ licence program, designed to meet Ontario’s Class A Commercial Truck Driver Training Standards. This comprehensive program combines classroom learning, driving simulation, yard training, and one-on-one in-cab instruction to build real-world skills and confidence.

Program Breakdown:

55 Hours In-Class Training – Classroom instruction, driving simulation, and hands-on yard exercises

60 Hours In-Cab Training – Tractor-trailer operation, road skills, and advanced driving techniques

Register Today!

Commercial Trucking EliteStart Series

Next Full-Time Course Starts: Monday, July 6, 2026
Upcoming Course Dates: Monday, August 10, 2026

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 63 reviews

Andy K
Thank you so much knowledge surge institute. I successfully completed my DZ driving test today. All the teachers and driving instructors were a pleasure … More to work with and very knowledgeable. Im confident i will be a great safe driver thanks to the great staff a knowledge surge. Really only good thing to say. Thanks again.
★★★★★ a month ago
Chevy B
Knowledge surge truck driving school is an excellent institute to acquire your license through the instructors are great the school is easygoing and they … More get you your license quickly with proven results!
Once again thank you knowledge surge and big thanks to all your incredible instructors!
★★★★★ 2 months ago
Thomas L
I did my F license for my paramedic studies. I am from England, so had never taken a Canadian driving test (I transferred to full G). DriveWise was very … More accommodating, and gave perfect instruction to help me pass the road test. Admin staff were very communicative and efficient. Shoutout to Dave and Rhiannon!
★★★★★ 2 months ago
Dave S
I just completed my AZ training at Drivewise, a very positive experience. They are very well organized, transitioned right from classroom into the truck … More training. Spent most of my time with John and Dave, both VERY knowledgeable instructors and take the time to make sure you're 100% ready for the road test. Office staff are very well organized and communication is excellent. I very highly recommend Drivewise in Barrie, a very well run business.
★★★★★ 3 months ago
Alec B
This is a great place to get your license because the instructors are great and they teach you everything and make sure you understand and are very patient. … More if you wanna get your license I would recommend this place because I got my az here. Also I had john and he was great and was patient with me.
★★★★★ 7 months ago
Amee G
The staff at DriveWise are amazing! So knowledgeable, supportive and organized. I am so happy I was able to complete my f class with them. Couldn’t recommend … More them enough!
★★★★★ 7 months ago
E C
I passed my F Road Test on the first try with KnowlgeSurge, Dave was an amazing instructor!
★★★★★ 9 months ago
Alicia H
I can't say enough good things about this amazing team! I wasn’t from Barrie, so I had to drive a fair distance each time—but every single visit was … More 100% worth it. As a student, I felt supported, encouraged, and genuinely cared for throughout the entire learning process.
Thanks to their guidance, I passed my F test (woohoo!), and I truly couldn’t have done it without them. The instructors were not only knowledgeable but also incredibly patient and passionate about helping students succeed.
The hands-on experience was priceless—especially the chance to train with their high-tech bus simulators (talk about driving your skills to the next level!). It felt like they weren’t just teaching me to pass a test—they were preparing me for the real world.
If you’re looking for a place where you’ll feel supported, challenged, and celebrated, this is the place to be. I’d go back in a heartbeat. Honestly, this experience steered me in the right direction—and I’m so grateful for it!
★★★★★ a year ago
Liam B
This place is guaranteed the best place obtaining your AZ license. All the instructors are very friendly, helpful and professional. They will assist you … More with anything you need and help build your skills and get ready for the road.
Management at this facility are always helpful and super friendly, ready to help you when necessary for anything.
I highly recommend this place to anyone looking into commercial driving.
★★★★★ a year ago
Hicham S
Great team, always attentive, professionals ready to adapt to any student. Believe me, I know what I’m talking about—they supported me from the beginning … More all the way to obtaining my truck driving license. They also have simulators for beginners. I highly recommend this school. Well done, DriveWise, and keep up the great work!
★★★★★ a year ago
Oscar C
I don’t really know where to start. I'am just going to say that my whole experience at Knowledge Surge has been one I will never forget. It has been … More quite an exciting journey. The AZ course it’s an excellent course here. All the instructors are very knowledgable and very helpful with years of experience. These guys are a bunch of great guys. The staff are all friendly and very accommodating. Thank you Rhiannon and Chelsey. There were a couple of times I really felt like quitting, but these guys encouraged me and push me to continue and keep trying. They believed in me, from Clay allowing me to figure things out and make my own call to John giving me hope that “ it’s ok some guys just get it after the 8th or 10th time “…. LOL.. Good times!!!
The really young guy John 😉 taught me some valuable maneuvers for backing .
Dave is a great instructor and we all learned a great deal from him.
All I can say is that If you are thinking about getting your AZ or DZ license this is definitely a place to really consider. I have learned a lot and feel really confident moving forward after all the knowledge I’ve gained here.
Thank you
★★★★★ a year ago
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
★★★★★ 2 years ago