MANDATORY ENTRY-LEVEL STEPS FOR DZ LICENSE TRAINING IN ONTARIO

What is MELT?

Recently, those in the trucking industry in Ontario did not require any minimum AZ license training. However, as of July 1st, 2017, Ontario passed the MELT law, which made minimum AZ license training mandatory. Many members of the public, insurance companies, and those within the trucking industry consider this a positive step towards improving industry safety and ensuring that drivers of commercial vehicles receive expert training. Now, the question is: should training rules be extended to those who require DZ licenses in Ontario?

What is a DZ License?

To drive a motor vehicle that exceeds 11,000 kilograms (24,000 lb) gross weight or registered gross weight, or any combination of motor vehicle that exceeds a total gross weight or registered gross weight of 11,000 kilograms (24,000 lb) and towed vehicle not exceeding a total gross weight of 4,600 kilograms (10,000 lb), you need a DZ license.

How to Get a DZ License in Ontario?

To obtain a DZ license in Ontario, there are several prerequisites including having a valid G class driver’s license, being at least 18 years of age, passing a visual and medical examination, and passing a written test and road test.

Where to Get Your DZ License Training in Ontario?

There are many DZ license training schools in Ontario that making obtaining your license easy and provide you with a great foundation. When you choose a school like 5th Wheel Learning Institute, you can expect hands-on training from industry experts that have had firsthand experience. Additionally, you’ll learn what to expect from the on-road driver’s test, such as performing a pre-trip inspection, a 90-degree backing maneuver, and coupling and decoupling your heavy vehicle.

When you sign up for DZ license training in Ontario you’ll also learn:

• Defensive Driving Techniques
• Local/Provincial Laws & Ordinances
• & Much More!

The Responsibility for Drivers

As you might expect, drivers of a vehicle which is that large have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. But at the moment, drivers can simply pass the test by driving an air-brake equipped vehicle with an automatic transmission. DZ licenced drivers can then get behind the wheel of large trucks, such as dump trucks, cement trucks and other commercial vehicles. They can start hauling large loads without ever receiving training on hauling or long-term driving methods.

Many believe that because of this large responsibility on the shoulders of DZ drivers in Ontario, those who have DZ licenses should be required to undergo mandatory training at a respected training school. The additional training will help to ensure the following:

• Drivers are aware of the impact of road conditions

DZ driver training in Ontario ensures those with licenses understand the importance of driving the truck for the road conditions. People who haven’t been trained won’t know how the truck reacts in heavy rain. If they cannot react to changes effectively, they will be in danger.

• Insurance companies reduce their costs

Each year in Ontario, insurance companies pay out millions of dollars due to accidents involving truck drivers of all kinds. Unsafe maneuvers can lead to expensive and sometimes deadly accidents. Many people believe that training can help minimize the number of accidents.

• Companies receive effective drivers to minimize training needs

Companies across the trucking industry will have access to fully-trained drivers who are then capable of streamlining their integration into the driving role. They wouldn’t have to spend more money on training the driver and managing the training process.

What do you think, should there be minimum training standard in place? Our team at 5^th Wheel Training Institute would love to hear your thoughts. Contact us today!