Course overview

 At FireRoute, we make it easy to navigate your DZ driver certification journey. Follow our step-by-step process to stay on track and set yourself up for success: 

Start by reviewing the Course Overview, Requirements and Available Courses. Once you're ready, contact us to begin the registration process.

For the average student with little or no prior experience with commercial vehicles, preparation typically takes 6 to 8 weeks. This means your in-person course will begin approximately 6 to 8 weeks after registration.

Once your registration and payment are received, your preparation and course will include the following:

✅ Optional Prep:
Visit a DriveTest Centre to pick up important materials for commercial testing, including:

• The Medical Examination Report Form
   
• Printed Official MTO Handbooks (also available online, and at retailers  like Shoppers Drug Mart, Canadian Tire and Staples)

 Before we meet in person, you’ll begin with a flexible, self-paced study portion and complete your medical:

 📘 Study and Prepare 

•  Study the Official MTO Handbooks – key for your D and Z knowledge tests
   
• Access our Online Classroom to:
   
  • Complete practice tests
     
  • Connect with instructors and fellow students
     
  • Ask questions and receive study support

 🏥 Medical Examination
 

•  Visit a physician or nurse practitioner (extended class) to complete your medical exam 

 📝 Apply & Write Your Knowledge Test 

         At your local DriveTest Centre: 

•  Submit your Medical Examination Report Form
  📌 Note: The medical report is valid for 180 days—be sure to apply for your licence before it expires! 
•  Complete a vision test 
•  Pay the MTO-set fees (payable by cash, card, cheque, etc.) 
•  Complete the D and Z knowledge tests
  📌 Arrive early—tests are first-come, first-served and take about 30 minutes. 

💡 If you don’t pass, you can retake the test by paying the fee again (there is no mandatory wait period)

⚠️ You must pass your road test within one year of completing the knowledge test—or you’ll need to redo both vision and knowledge tests and pay again.
 

 ✅ Important Timeline 

 You must complete the written tests for both the D and Z class licences at least 15 days prior to your scheduled classroom session. Please plan accordingly to allow enough time for studying, as well as any potential rewrites if needed. 

 If you're starting from scratch with no prior experience, preparing for the Class D (commercial truck) and Z endorsement (air brake) written tests in Ontario typically requires a focused study plan. Here's a breakdown to help you estimate the time needed: 

• Class D Knowledge Test: This test covers road rules, commercial vehicle operation, and safety practices. For someone new to the material, dedicating 15–20 hours over 1–2 weeks is advisable. This allows for thorough reading and comprehension of the Ontario Truck Handbook. 
•  Z Endorsement (Air Brake) Test: This focuses on the mechanics and operation of air brake systems. Allocating 10–15 hours over a week should suffice, emphasizing understanding over memorization. 

Week                                             Focus/Area                                                                                             Hours/Week

1                                                       Class D: Road rules & vehicle operation                                10–12

2                                                       Class D: Safety practices & review                                            5–8

3                                                       Z Endorsement: Air brake systems                                           10–12

4                                                       Practice tests & final review                                                          5–8 

⚠️ You must pass the written exams 15 days prior to your course start date, this includes re-write time if needed. PLEASE TAKE ALL THIS INTO ACCOUNT WHEN SELECTING A COURSE DATE.

Once your written tests are complete please notify us, so we can confirm your attendance in the two-day, firefighter-led in-class training. During this phase, you’ll learn:

• Air Brake Systems – Hands-on practice with the six key inspection steps
   
• Exterior, In-Cab, and Interior Inspections – Aligned with MTO Schedule 1 standards
   
• Practical Evaluations – Practice, peer feedback, and instructor support

  During your in-class training, your instructor will schedule your on-road driver training. These sessions will be booked in full- or half-day blocks during the two days following the classroom portion. Training is conducted in pairs or small groups, with rotating one-on-one instruction focused on developing the skills required to safely operate large vehicles and pass your road test. Sessions are scheduled to align with classroom days and may extend beyond them based on availability. 

 Once your driving hours are completed, FireRoute will book your group road test with the MTO.

• On test day, we’ll meet early for a final review and confidence boost.
   
• Each student will complete their individual road test with a DriveTest examiner.
   
• We stay with you every step of the way—from prep to passing.

 Visit the Course Calendar and head to the Contact Us page to register for our next session. We're proud to train the next generation of firefighter drivers—by firefighters, for firefighters.