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

Telephone: 416-235-1086 or Toll-free: 1-800-303-4993

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:

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.

You can read the handbook online or buy a hard copy online, at DriveTest and ServiceOntario centres or at other retail stores.

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:

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.