RICHARDS • Class A-Z MELT
Start your tractor-trailer driving career.
Build your knowledge in the classroom and your skills behind the wheel. MTO-approved Mandatory Entry-Level Training in Mississauga, with manual and automatic transmission options.
Plan your investment
Tuition & payment options
Limited availability
Special single-payment tuition
$5,495
Special pricing for limited available spaces. Contact us to confirm availability.
Regular single-payment tuition: $7,995.
Regular single-payment tuition
$7,995
Immediate-start and flexible-scheduling option. Speak with our team to arrange your start.
No HST is charged on tuition. Tuition receipts are issued.
| Payment period | Number of payments | Payment amount |
|---|---|---|
| 3 years | 36 monthly payments | From $292.35/month |
| 2 years | 24 monthly payments | From $438.52/month |
| 1 year | 12 monthly payments | From $877.05/month |
| 2 months | 8 weekly payments, no credit check | $1,218.12/week |
0% financing may be available on approved credit. The payment amounts above are separate published options; contact us to confirm the rate, total repayment and terms for your selected plan.
DriveTest fees are separate: The commercial licence package for applicants under 65 is currently $122.75, covering a knowledge test and road test. Students pay applicable licensing fees directly to DriveTest. See current DriveTest fees.
Your training program
From classroom knowledge to practical skill
Learn the foundations of professional driving, then practise with individual instruction in the yard and on the road.
37 hours in class
- Inspections and inspection schedules
- Health and safety, hazardous materials
- Vehicle systems and vehicle dynamics
- Operations, manoeuvres and trip planning
- Hours of Service and load securement
67 hours in vehicle
- 17 hours of on-yard training
- 50 hours of in-cab training
- Manual or automatic transmission equipment
- One-on-one in-cab lessons
- A private, 1.5-acre training yard
- Free student parking
View the classroom curriculum
- Pre-trip, en-route and post-trip inspections; inspection schedules
- Space and speed management
- Backing and turning manoeuvres; axle sliding
- Canadian and U.S. Hours of Service
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods
- Air brake endorsement
- Drug and alcohol awareness
- Defensive driving and load securement
- Accident prevention and reporting
- Border crossing procedures
- Health and safety; written test preparation
Additional program benefits: Lifetime Job Placement Program for graduates and a complimentary Owner Operator CVOR Certificate Training Course. See our Z Air Brake Endorsement Course for air brake training details.
Before you apply
Licence requirements
Your age and existing licence
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a valid Ontario Class G licence or higher
- G1 and G2 holders must obtain their full G licence first
From January 1, 2027, full Class A road-test applicants must have held a Class G or higher licence for at least six months.
Medical and vision requirements
Provide a satisfactory commercial medical report completed by a physician or nurse practitioner, and meet the required vision standards. Medical examination fees vary by provider.
Download Medical Report Form
View Medical Testing Facilities
Medical Conditions Information
Choosing your transmission: Your Class A road-test vehicle determines whether a manual-transmission restriction applies. Discuss your training and road-test choice with us. View current Class A requirements.
Residency, legal presence and work eligibility documents
Commercial licence applicants must provide proof that Ontario is their primary residence, their presence in Canada is legal and they are eligible to work in Canada.
Ontario residency
Bring two acceptable current documents. Examples include utility bills, rental or mortgage agreements, property tax documents, insurance policies, bank or credit-card statements, employer records and eligible government documents. Requirements vary by document.
Legal presence and work eligibility
Documentation depends on your status. Examples may include a Canadian passport, Canadian birth certificate, Permanent Resident Card, or qualifying immigration and work-eligibility documents.
Use DriveTest's accepted-document list to prepare the correct documents before attending.
Your path forward
How to get started
Complete your medical
Arrange your commercial medical examination and prepare the required documents.
Apply with RICHARDS
Apply online or visit the school to discuss your course and schedule.
Build your classroom knowledge
Complete the classroom portion and prepare for the applicable written tests.
Complete your knowledge testing
Attend DriveTest for your applicable Class A knowledge testing and follow the air brake endorsement process arranged with the school.
Develop your practical skills
Complete your yard and in-cab lessons, building skills through one-on-one instruction.
Complete your road test
Demonstrate inspection, coupling, backing and driving skills. MELT must be completed and recorded before the Class A road test.
Plan your move into employment
Use our graduate job placement support to explore carriers and opportunities that suit your goals.
Prepare for the career as well as the licence
A strong driving record, relevant vehicle experience and meeting employer screening requirements can support your job search. Employer and insurer requirements vary, particularly for younger drivers. Our team can help you discuss your goals and plan your next steps.
Ready to start your A-Z training?
Talk to our team about your experience, schedule and course options.