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This course is designed by firefighters, for firefighters. Whether you’re starting your firefighting career or looking to upgrade your licence, this DZ course is tailored to meet the specific needs and schedules of emergency services personnel.

However, anyone is welcome to register. The training is open to all individuals seeking a DZ licence, and the skills taught apply broadly to commercial and emergency vehicle operation.

You must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
   
• Hold a valid Class G driver’s licence
   
• Complete the D and Z written tests at a DriveTest Centre at least 30 days prior to the in-class session
   
• Submit a Medical Report Form (dated within 6 months of your written test)
   

For more details, see our Course Requirements section.

You will need to purchase the MTO Truck Handbook from your local retail store or ServiceOntario.
Additionally, once registered, you’ll get access to our online classroom, which includes:

• Practice tests
   
• Study resources
   
• Instructor support
   
• Peer discussion forums

 The self-study section is self-paced and can be completed online at your convenience. It prepares you for the D and Z written tests, which you write at any DriveTest Centre. Once those are complete and PASSED, you’ll move on to the in-class portion. 

You’ll study the Official MTO Truck and Air Brake Handbooks, access our Online Classroom for practice tests and support, and complete your medical examination with a physician or nurse practitioner.

You’ll then visit a DriveTest Centre to:

• Submit your Medical Examination Report
   
• Complete a vision test
   
• Write the Class D and Z knowledge tests
   

📌 You must complete both knowledge tests at least 15 days prior to your in-class session.

The in-class training runs over two full days and covers:

• Air brake systems
   
• Interior and exterior vehicle inspection
   
• In-cab procedures
  You’ll also schedule your on-road driving sessions with the instructor during this time.

Each student receives 2 to 4 hours of one-on-one driving time with an instructor, based on individual needs and skill level. During this time, we focus on:

• Road driving skills
   
• Route familiarization
   
• Proper techniques to pass the DZ Road Test
   

Additional driving time can be booked if needed to ensure you feel confident and prepared.

 Once your driving hours are completed, we’ll coordinate and book your road test with the MTO as a group. FireRoute works closely with the MTO to schedule your test as close to the course dates as possible, but availability is influenced by many factors and is ultimately determined by the MTO. On test day, we meet early for a final review, and each student takes the road test individually. 

No. MTO fees for the written and road tests must be paid separately:

• $23.75 – Knowledge Test
   
• $99.00 – Road Test
  Total: $122.75 (payable at the DriveTest Centre)

The full course timeline depends on your pace through the self-study portion. For someone with no prior commercial driving experience, we recommend 6–8 weeks of preparation to complete the required written tests.

After that, the course includes:

• 2 days of in-class training
   
• Flexible scheduling for on-road driving hours (2–4 hours per student, with additional time available if needed)
   
• 1 day for the road test (scheduled after driving hours are complete)
   

👉 A more detailed breakdown of timelines, study recommendations, and prerequisites can be found on the Course Requirements page.

 Start by reviewing the course overview, calendar, and requirements. Then, head to our Contact Us page, send us a message to begin the registration process and we will give you a call. 

 Yes! While the course is designed by firefighters for firefighters, it is open to anyone who wants to earn their DZ licence and learn how to safely operate large vehicles.