Image: Jayco Jay Flight Swift Towed Along The Road
Before you hit the open road with your RV , ensure you have the right license!
The uncertainty of licensing requirements for driving various motorhomes or towing different trailers is a common question when someone is looking to get into traveling with a recreational vehicle, and the answer recently changed (in 2011). The requirements differ depending on what type of vehicle you will be driving or towing, its weight and combination weight.
We have compiled the information for you and put it in a nice table so you can see exactly what your license permits you to drive or tow when it concerns RVs .
Licensing Permissions
Under reciprocity agreements that Ontario has with Canadian provinces and US states, if you are legal in Ontario, you will be considered legal in the province or state you are driving through.
| License |
Permitted Configurations |
| Class "G" |
- Any motorhome if the weight is 11,000 kgs (24,250 lbs) or less.
- Any motorhome, truck, car or suv towing a trailer if the combination weighs 11,000 kgs (24,250 lbs) or less.
- Any motor vehicle towing an RV greater then 4,600 kgs (10,141 lbs) if the combination weighs 11,000 kgs (24,250 lbs) or less if:
- The RV is attached to the motor vehicle by a fifth wheel hook-up.
- Only one vehicle can be towed.
- RV must meet Transport Canada manufacturing standards.
- Is for personal use only.
- Any truck camper if the truck is registered for and the truck, with camper weighs 11,000 kgs (24,250 lbs) or less.
- Any truck camper towing a trailer if the truck is registered for and the combination weighs 11,000 kgs (24,250 lbs) or less.
|
| Class "D" |
- Any motorhome if the weight is 11,000 kgs (24,250 lbs) or more.
- Any motorhome, truck, car or suv towing a trailer if the combination weighs 11,000 kgs (24,250 lbs) or more.
- Any truck camper if the truck is registered for and the truck, with camper weighs 11,000 kgs (24,250 lbs) or more.
- Any truck camper towing a trailer if the truck is registered for and the combination weighs 11,000 kgs (24,250 lbs) or more.
|
| Class "A" |
- Any motorhome, truck, car, suv, or truck with truck camper towing a trailer if the trailer weighs more than 4,600 kgs (10,141 lbs)
- NOTE: A Class "G" license can be used to tow an RV greater then 4,600 kgs (10,141 lbs) if the combination weighs 11,000 kgs (24,240 lbs) or less if:
- The RV is attached to the motor vehicle by a fifth wheel hook-up.
- Only one vehicle is being towed.
- The RV meets Transport Canada manufacturing standards.
- Is for personal use only.
|
| Code "Z" |
- An additional license requirement for vehicles utilizing air brakes.
- Typically, these are diesel Class A and C motorhomes.
- Air brakes are very reliable braking systems better suited than hydraulic brakes for stopping large, heavy vehicles. These systems operate differently than hydraulic brakes and require an air brake endorsement added to your license.
- Updated in September 2023 to allow renewal and certification other than at the time of license renewal.
|
NOTE: Licenses that may be held in lieu of a Class G or D license.
- Class G = Class A, B, C, D, E or F
- Class D = Class A, B or C
Hopefully, this clarifies any confusion and will ensure you have the right license for your situation!
May 24th, 2016: Updated Class "G" & Class "A" table sections for clarity regarding trailer weight exemptions.
July 24th, 2024: Added "Z" endorsement details.
Source: Recreational Vehicle Drivers License, Ontario | Driving and roads, Get a G driver's license, Get a truck driver's license, Air Brake Renewal Knowledge Test and Learning Modules, The Official Air Brake Handbook, Air Brakes Refresher Training. Links updated July 24th, 2024.
