Our Training Partner: CHET Academy

• 18 years of age to operate in Canada.
• 21 years of age to operate in United States.

• Be able to read and speak English Language sufficiently to converse with the general public. To understand highway traffic signs and signals in English language under Subpart B #391.11 (2) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations in the United States.
• Have a grade 10 achieved or equivalent.

• Individuals with a criminal record should apply for a Canadian Pardon (Click here to apply).
• Not have a criminal record for which a United States Waiver cannot be granted (You may not be able to cross into the United States without a waiver).

• Have a current Ontario full “G” licence.
• Should have no more than 3 demerit points.
• Provide a driver’s abstract no less than 30 days old at the time of the interview (This will help us determine your best option for training).
• Should not have more than 2 tickets for moving violations in the past 3 years.
• Should not have more than one “at-fault” accident in the past 5 years.
• Should not have had a driver’s licence suspension in the past 3 years.

• Must have a valid passport.
• Non-Canadian citizens must be able to obtain a U.S. visa.

*Training is delivered by CHET Academy as Highway to Hope’s official training partner.

An AZ licence qualifies drivers to operate tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles where the combined gross weight of the vehicle and trailer exceeds 4,600 kilograms. AZ licence holders may also operate straight trucks, dump trucks, garbage trucks, and large commercial vans.

With the appropriate additional endorsements, AZ drivers may also qualify to operate passenger vehicles such as buses and large passenger vans.

Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) is a provincial requirement introduced by Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation to ensure all new Class A drivers meet standardized training requirements before attempting their road test.

Any new driver seeking an AZ licence must successfully complete an approved MELT program prior to testing. This requirement exists to improve safety, consistency, and professionalism across Ontario’s commercial trucking industry.

CHET Academy delivers training aligned with Ontario’s Commercial Truck Driver Training Standards as part of Highway to Hope’s Drive & Thrive pathway.

Their training model emphasizes safety, professionalism, and real-world readiness, ensuring students are prepared not only to pass licensing requirements but to succeed as professional drivers.

Duration: 103.5 hours over 5 weeks.

This program includes all mandatory objectives set forth in the Ministry of Transportation’s Commercial Truck Driver Training Standard (Class A), released July 2016. Subjects of the program include:

• Employment in the Commercial Vehicle Industry
• Vehicle Components & Systems
• Basic Driving Techniques
• Professional Driving Habits
• Tractor-Trailer Off-Road Tasks and Manoeuvres
• Documents, Paperwork and Regulatory Requirements
• Vehicle Inspection Activities
• Hours of Service Compliance
• Cargo Securement
• Handling Emergencies

This program includes both classroom and practical training. The hands-on training takes place in the yard and on the road using a tractor-trailer, while under the instruction of a qualified trainer. Students will also engage in various classroom activities to help prepare for a career as a professional driver.

Training includes focused, one-on-one instruction that allows students to progress at a pace that supports their individual learning needs while building confidence and competence behind the wheel.

*Training is delivered by CHET Academy as Highway to Hope’s official training partner.