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Explore the Best Truck Driving Schools of 2025–26 in Canada. Discover top-rated AZ and DZ training programs, high job placement rates, and industry-ready skills to launch your trucking career. In 2025–26, trucking schools are offering more than just licenses, they’re launching high-paying, high-demand careers. With a national driver shortage and salaries soaring past $90K, now’s the time to shift gears and hit the road toward success. So, which schools deliver? Buckle up as we reveal the best truck driving schools of 2025–26, the ones turning rookies into road-ready pros faster than you can say “gear shift.”
Take a quick drive down any Canadian highway, and it’s clear, trucks are the lifeblood of the economy. However, there is a severe lack of drivers behind this steady flow. Despite generating $39.55 billion annually and handling over 66 million shipments, the trucking industry is in dire need of fresh talent. Canada’s aging driver workforce 25% are nearing retirement and a lack of female representation (just 4%) have left over 15,000 positions unfilled. The government has stepped in with targeted immigration programs, but demand still far outweighs supply.
Why consider trucking? New drivers can earn nearly $60,000 annually, with veterans hitting $90,000. Pay depends on location and role, from $15.95/hour in New Brunswick to $44.13 in Nunavut. Canada’s top truck driving schools are bridging the gap, offering hands-on training for AZ (Class 1) and DZ (Class 3) licenses. Programs range from short municipal driving courses to full tractor-trailer certifications. Ready to shift gears? Find Canada’s top truck driving schools for 2025–2026.
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What to Look for in a Truck Driving School
Choosing the right truck driving school is a critical first step toward a successful career on the road. Here are the key factors to consider:
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Accreditation and Licensing: Make sure the school is certified by local regulatory bodies (e.g., ICBC in British Columbia or MTO in Ontario) and recognized by industry associations like the TTSAO or BC Trucking Association.
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Program Length and Structure: Look for comprehensive programs that balance classroom theory, yard work, and in-cab driving hours. MELT-approved (Mandatory Entry-Level Training) programs are essential for Class 1 licenses.
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Experienced Instructors: Instructors should have extensive industry experience and a supportive, student-focused teaching style.
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Modern Equipment: Training with up-to-date vehicles that reflect current industry standards prepares students for real-world driving.
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Job Placement Support: Reputable schools often offer job assistance and have connections with local and national carriers.
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Safety-Focused Curriculum: Prioritize schools that emphasize defensive driving, compliance, and accident prevention techniques.
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Flexible Scheduling: Whether you’re training full-time or part-time, choose a school that offers flexible start dates and schedules that fit your lifestyle.
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Top 15 Best Truck Driving Schools of 2025–26
1. Valley Driving School
Valley Truck Driving School, headquartered in British Columbia’s southern and coastal regions, offers an all-encompassing approach to driver education, serving learners at every level. The school, which has campuses in Abbotsford, Coquitlam, Surrey, Langley, and Chilliwack, has been a reputable brand in commercial driver training since 1955.
Their programs cater to a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, cars, and motorcycles, and are known for being adaptable to each student’s pace and needs. Experienced, certified instructors provide supportive one-on-one guidance, prioritizing safety and confidence-building behind the wheel. VTDS is ICBC-certified and a proud member of the BC Trucking Association.
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The school’s signature Class 1 MELT (Mandatory Entry Level Training) program offers over 150 hours of instruction, covering 54 hours of theory, 16 hours of yard work, 66 hours in-cab, and 20 hours of mountain driving. The curriculum includes defensive driving, freight handling, fuel efficiency, trailer operations, chaining, inspections, and extensive trailer-backing practice.
2. Trans-Canada College
For those eyeing a truck driving School on Canada’s East Coast, Trans-Canada College (TCC) delivers a powerful launchpad. Based in New Brunswick and once known as GW Driver Training, this locally rooted private college has shaped the region’s long-haul drivers since 1989. With campuses in Moncton, Oromocto, Saint John, Sussex, and Bathurst, TCC blends community-based training with national-level standards.
The college’s programs are built in close collaboration with Atlantic Canada’s top carriers, earning it a 95% job placement rate. Over a 12-week course, students receive 100+ hours of safety-focused classroom training and 80+ hours of behind-the-wheel practice, followed by a four-week internship with one of TCC’s trusted trucking partners.
Certified by the Province of New Brunswick and endorsed by the Trucking Human Resources Sector Council Atlantic, TCC also holds membership in the Professional Truck Training Alliance of Canada. If you’re ready to roll, this is where your East Coast journey begins.
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3. Integrity Driving School
Nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, Integrity Driving School has become a trusted name in commercial truck driving school, proudly graduating over 10,000 students. Backed by more than 100 years of combined instructor experience, the school boasts an impressive 98% pass rate on driving tests, a testament to its high-quality instruction.
A family-run operation, Integrity offers instructor-led courses across Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Maple Ridge, and Langley, with plans to expand further throughout the Lower Mainland. Twice recognized by the Vancouver Consumer Choice Awards, their curriculum is constantly updated to reflect the latest road safety protocols and provincial regulations.
Their flagship Class 1 MELT program delivers 140 hours of in-depth theory and practical training for learners aged 19+ with a valid B.C. license or equivalent. Additional offerings include Class 2 bus training (12–24 hours), Class 3 truck certifications, Class 4 (restricted/unrestricted), and a comprehensive 16-hour Air Brake course, complete with on- and off-highway instruction.
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4. Canada Trust Driving School
The highly individualized training program at Canada Trust (CT) Driving School is what makes it unique. Their certified instructors, fluent in English, Persian, Russian, and Urdu, prioritize individual attention, ensuring that every student moves through the program with confidence and clarity. With a modern fleet of vehicles and a curriculum that blends classroom theory with immersive yard and road training, CT prepares you for success behind the wheel, with the help of its truck driving school.
CT doesn’t just train individuals. It also supports transportation companies across the Greater Toronto Area with services like the Professional Driving Improvement Course (PDIC), air brake certifications, refresher courses, and pre-employment assessments. Their AZ license program boasts an impressive 100% graduation and job placement rate, proving the school’s strong industry connections and outcomes.
The Class A program aligns with Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation standards, covering everything from vehicle systems to border crossing procedures. Class D students get 14 hours of focused transmission training and graduate with seven essential certificates, making them workforce-ready from day one.
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5. Friendly Truck Driving School
6. Modern Training Ontario
What it means to train future drivers is being redefined by Hamilton-based Modern Training Ontario. With a strong focus on personalized, hands-on instruction, students receive one-on-one, in-cab training using full-sized, late-model trucks equipped with cutting-edge onboard technology.
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Unlike many truck driving schools, Modern’s instructors all bring over 15 years of real-world experience to the driver’s seat, far surpassing the industry norm. To date, the school has logged more than 20,000 hours of practical instruction, boasting a stellar 98% graduation rate across both vocational and non-vocational streams. Their curriculum is diverse and rigorous, offering training for Air Brake (Z) Endorsement through a concise 12-hour, two-day course.
Students can also pursue Class AZ (Tractor Trailer), multiple DZ license formats (Automatic, Manual, Fire), and AR license training for heavier non-air brake vehicles. Modern Training Ontario also provides essential add-ons like defensive driving, load securement, trailering, transporting hazardous goods, and in-depth pre-trip inspection techniques, ensuring graduates hit the road job-ready and safety-conscious.
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7. Professional Transport Driver Training School
One of the best truck driving schools is locally and proudly rooted in Manitoba, Professional Truck Driver Training School (PTDTS) has built a reputation for delivering safety-first, skills-focused driver education. Operating across the province, including a strong presence in Brandon, PTDTS specializes in Class 1 and Class 3 training, preparing students with a mix of classroom theory, in-yard practice, and real-world driving experience.
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Their mission is simple but vital: to elevate Manitoba’s trucking workforce through hands-on, high-quality training that emphasizes confidence, professionalism, and industry-standard safety protocols. PTDTS offers two standout Class 1 programs: a comprehensive 244-hour course over six weeks and the MELT (Mandatory Entry Level Training) program with 121.5 hours of structured instruction.
Each includes rigorous classroom sessions, in-cab coaching, and yard-based learning. Certified under the Private Vocational Schools Act and twice named a Consumer Choice Award winner, PTDTS continues to steer students toward successful, long-term careers in Canada’s booming trucking industry.
8. Ontario Truck Training Academy
Ontario Truck Training Academy is one of the best truck driving school recognized leaders in commercial driver education, has been fueling the industry with talent for decades. With campuses in Oshawa and Peterborough, OTTA boasts an impressive 90% graduate employment rate and a 98% placement rate for its diploma students, no small feat in a competitive field. The school’s close ties with over 400 transportation employers open doors to real opportunities right after training.
Each instructor brings more than 20 years of real-world trucking experience, ensuring students gain insider knowledge, not just textbook theory. OTTA supports learners with access to government-funded tuition aid, expert financial guidance, and a 30% tax credit on tuition for eligible students.
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Programs span everything from AZ, BZ, DZ, and AR licensing to ‘C’ Coach and the essential Air Brake Z endorsement. Students learn through in-depth seminars, simulator sessions, and in-cab driving, covering vital skills like trip planning, TDG compliance, border crossings, and load securement. Recruiter Days cap off the experience where top carriers scout graduates right on campus.
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9. Best Canadian Truck & Forklift Training Centre
Strategically based in Brampton, Ontario, a hub for commercial transport, Best Canadian Truck and Forklift Training Centre has become a top choice for individuals entering the trucking and logistics industry. This institution sets itself apart with its unwavering focus on hands-on, safety-first training led by certified instructors who offer personalized coaching tailored to each student’s pace and goals.
The center is open seven days a week and gives kids the tools and self-assurance they need to be successful. Its standout five-week AZ license program spans 112.5 hours and covers everything from vehicle mechanics and off-road techniques to cargo handling, hours-of-service rules, and crisis management all aligned with current industry standards. The DZ program follows suit, offering essential practical and theoretical training for city and regional driving.
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Graduates benefit from an impressive 100% completion rate and a 79.4% employment rate. Additional offerings include forklift certifications (multiple classes), an AZ refresher course, and air brake endorsements, making this centre a powerhouse for workforce-ready training in 2025–26.
10. CCA Truck Driver Training
When CCA Truck Driver Training first started out in 1981, as a one-man show in Calgary with a single truck and trailer. In addition to two classrooms and a three-acre training yard, the school also has a 1600-square-foot office. In addition to providing instruction on 53″ single trailers, both loaded and empty, and B-Trains, CCA Truck Driver Training also offers a fleet of trucks, ranging from Kenworth T600s to T880s, powered by Cummins and Paccar engines and paired with 13- and 18-speed manual transmissions, making it one of the best truck driving school
The staff at the school takes great satisfaction in offering each student individualized teaching and state-of-the-art equipment. The 121.5-hour Class 1 MELT program, which also includes 8.5 hours of Air Brake Q and 15.5 hours of in-yard inspection exercises, is one of the numerous courses that CCA offers. A 40-hour Class 1 Experience and Equivalency course, a 20–28.5-hour Class 3 Advanced Manual Transmission course, and a 14–22.5-hour Intermediate Manual Transmission course are among the many courses the institution offers.
In addition, CCA instructors offer 12-hour (or 19-hour, if students additionally enroll in a Professional Driver Improvement Course) training on Longer Combination Vehicles (LCV). CCA also provides a two-hour class called Chain-Up that teaches how to get traction devices attached to tires.
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11. Crossroads Truck Training Academy
Located in Barrie, Ontario, Crossroads Truck Training Academy is a well-known brand in Canada’s transportation education industry. With over 20 years of expertise, it has trained more than 2,000 new commercial drivers through tailored programs focused on real-world readiness and safety. Known for its commitment to adult learners, Crossroads designs flexible, personalized training experiences that quickly prepare students to hit the road with confidence. The academy offers financial aid options and job placement support to ensure a smooth start to each graduate’s career.
One of the best truck driving schools, Crossroads provides expert-led consulting and training in defensive driving, hours-of-service regulations, and hazardous goods transport. Its fleet of modern, well-maintained trucks mirrors what’s used in today’s domestic and international transport sectors. Instructors bring over 160 years of collective experience from top-level roles in the industry. Accredited by the Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO), Crossroads upholds rigorous training standards.
Program offerings include AZ Tractor Trailer, DZ Straight Truck, DZ Fast Track, CZ Coach Bus, CZ School Bus, Air Brake/Z Endorsement, and a School Bus Improvement Course. The AZ program spans five to six weeks, combining two weeks of in-class theory with three to four weeks of practical, in-truck instruction. Classes start every other Monday and cover key topics such as vehicle systems, driving techniques, regulations, inspections, cargo securement, emergency handling, and air brake certification. Both full-time and part-time weekday options are available.
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The DZ Straight Truck program is a focused, four-week course that blends theory and hands-on practice. It includes instruction in driving fundamentals, regulatory compliance, vehicle inspections, and air brake systems. Week three emphasizes heavy transmission handling, while the final week is dedicated to practical straight truck training.
12. Ontario Truck Driving School
Established in 1978, Ontario Truck Driving School (OTDS) has grown into a powerhouse in transportation training with nine campuses strategically located across Ontario, including London, Kitchener, Hamilton, Windsor, and beyond. Nearly five decades strong, OTDS continues to evolve, now serving as an Amazon-approved training partner and offering what it proudly calls the most comprehensive suite of programs in the industry.
Students at OTDS benefit from various financial support options, including partnerships with LendCare Financing, Better Jobs Ontario, and the Canada-Ontario Job Grant, making career training more accessible for both individuals and employers. OTDS delivers a wide range of courses, from heavy equipment and construction-focused instruction to specialized licensing for all major vehicle classes.
Its robust Class A (Tractor Trailer) training includes multiple options, most notably the MELT-certified AZ program spanning 200 hours over eight weeks. Other offerings include the 10-hour Class AR course, the 58-hour BZ school bus program, and quick-track options for Classes C, D, E, and F. The heavy equipment programs also emphasize hands-on safety practices, WHMIS compliance, defensive driving techniques, and air brake instruction.
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13. A2Z Training School
Truck and bus driver training is the area of expertise for Kitchener, Ontario-based A2Z Driving School, a certified private career college. Backed by a team of over 20 seasoned professionals, A2Z combines cutting-edge equipment with modern instructional techniques to stay ahead in the competitive world of driver education. The instructors are not only highly qualified but also approachable, supportive, and skilled in working with drivers of all experience levels, including seniors and those who may be anxious behind the wheel. The school boasts an impressive 100% graduation rate and a 69.8% employment rate for its graduates.
A2Z, as one of the best truck driving schools, offers a wide range of services, such as corporate training solutions, logbook and air brake instruction, forklift certification, AZ refresher courses, and AZ and DZ license training. The AZ program spans 116 hours across five weeks, covering everything from steering and reversing to lane changes, night driving, and weather navigation. The DZ program consists of 10 lessons, an air brake module, and road test preparation using automatic transmission trucks.
For experienced drivers looking to sharpen their skills, the AZ refresher course offers hands-on training in areas such as manual transmission, winter driving, trip planning, and defensive techniques. The forklift course provides full theoretical and practical instruction, including propane and electric equipment certifications and safety protocols. Admission requirements include being at least 18 years old, holding a valid Ontario G-class license, meeting educational prerequisites, and completing a Ministry of Transportation medical and knowledge test.
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14. Canadian Truck Training Centre
Canadian Truck Training Centre (CTTC), based in Mississauga, Ontario, stands out as one of the most well-established and trusted truck driving schools in the region. Situated in the high-traffic Mississauga–Brampton–Toronto corridor, CTTC offers students prime access to hands-on learning in one of Canada’s busiest transportation hubs.
Registered as a Private Career College, CTTC employs a team of seasoned instructors dedicated to delivering comprehensive, one-on-one AZ Tractor Trailer training. Programs are structured around in-depth classroom sessions, in-yard exercises, and extensive on-road driving all designed to build the hours and skills required for commercial driver certification. With a solid 88.4% graduation rate and 69.7% employment rate, the school emphasizes both learning and real-world readiness.
CTTC’s offerings also include non-vocational training in AZ and DZ licensing, air brakes, defensive driving, border procedures, and hazardous goods transport. Additional certifications are available for forklifts, scissor lifts, WHMIS 2015, and Working at Heights. The AZ Tractor Trailer program runs for four intensive weeks, totaling 116 training hours: 45 in the classroom, 21 in the yard, and 50 behind the wheel. Students learn key topics like vehicle systems, cargo safety, regulatory paperwork, emergency handling, and air brake usage.
On-road sessions focus on traffic navigation, off-road maneuvers, and real-time driving experience, while yard practice covers inspections, coupling/uncoupling, and operational checks. The DZ program, designed for non-vocational learners, covers essential skills such as freight handling, dangerous goods awareness, pre-trip inspections, and technical driving maneuvers. It prepares students to manage diverse road conditions with confidence and professionalism.
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15. Globe Driving Academy
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