How many questions are on the Ontario Class D written test?

The official DriveTest guidance reviewed for this page does not specify a fixed Class D question count. Prepare across the handbook rather than assuming a particular number of questions. A practice test’s length is a study format, not confirmation of your official exam’s length.

What happens if I fail the Class D knowledge test at DriveTest?

You can pay the commercial knowledge-test fee and try again. DriveTest lists that fee as $23.75. Within one year, you generally rewrite only the sections that did not meet the required standard. Review your result and follow the centre’s instructions for your next attempt.

Do I need a driving course or MELT before writing the Class D test?

Class D does not have the MELT requirement that applies to the full Class A pathway. You can study for the knowledge test using the official handbooks. Practical instruction is still valuable for inspections, vehicle handling and road-test preparation; passing the written test alone does not earn the licence.

Can I drive a truck with air brakes on a Class D licence?

You need the Z air brake endorsement as well as the appropriate vehicle class. Class D with Z is commonly called DZ. Ontario also requires an air brake endorsement for air-over-hydraulic brakes. Check the actual braking system of the vehicle you intend to operate. Preparing for D and Z together? Try our [Ontario DZ practice test](/dz-practice-test) for both subjects.

How long is the Class D written test valid once passed?

DriveTest states that knowledge-test results are valid for one year. Plan the remaining licensing steps within that period and ask DriveTest about your individual record if your results are close to expiring.

Are these the exact same questions as the DriveTest exam?

No. Firefighter Academy questions are original practice simulations based on topics in the MTO handbooks. They are not actual DriveTest exam questions, leaked papers or a guaranteed preview of your test. The aim is to help you understand and apply the rules.

Is the Ontario Class D knowledge test timed?

No. DriveTest describes its knowledge tests as untimed, with completion typically taking 20–30 minutes. Allow enough time for registration and testing before the centre closes. Timed practice on this platform is optional preparation.

Is the Class D practice test free?

Yes. You can try sample questions on this page without an account. Create a free account to take the free Class D practice test with instant scoring and answer explanations. Full access to the published Class D bank is available with the 90-day paid pass.

Is this suitable for commercial drivers and firefighter recruits?

Yes. The Class D knowledge applies to eligible trucks used in delivery, construction, municipal services and firefighting. Firefighter recruits should also check their department’s current licence and endorsement requirements.

ONTARIO COMMERCIAL LICENCE PREPARATION

Ontario Class D
Practice Test

Prepare for your Ontario Class D knowledge test with free practice questions aligned with the Official MTO Truck Handbook. Review commercial road rules, signs and vehicle safety with instant answer explanations. Build confidence for DriveTest’s 80% passing standard, whether you’re preparing for straight-truck, construction, delivery or municipal driving.

Start My Free Class D Test

Free account · No credit card required

Explore sample questions

At a glance

Format: Multiple-choice commercial knowledge test
Pass mark: 80% — DriveTest passing standard
Time limit: Untimed; typically 20–30 minutes
Rewrite fee: $23.75 per commercial knowledge-test attempt
Full access: 90 days · One-time payment

01Try it free

Try Free Ontario Class D Practice Questions

Choose an answer and get an instant explanation. Check your understanding of commercial road rules, vehicle inspections and truck safety with these original Class D questions. No account is needed for the samples; a free account unlocks the full free Class D practice test.

Class DQuestion 1 of 10

An ordinary truck has a gross weight of 12,000 kg and no trailer. What licence authority is needed for its weight, assuming all other requirements are met?

At a glance

Format: Multiple-choice commercial knowledge test
Pass mark: 80% — DriveTest passing standard
Time limit: Untimed; typically 20–30 minutes
Rewrite fee: $23.75 per commercial knowledge-test attempt
Full access: 90 days · One-time payment

02The licence

What Is an Ontario Class D Licence?

Vehicles and weight limits

An Ontario Class D licence permits you to drive a motor vehicle exceeding 11,000 kilograms in gross weight or registered gross weight. It also covers qualifying vehicle combinations exceeding 11,000 kilograms, provided the towed vehicle does not exceed 4,600 kilograms in total gross weight. Class D also includes vehicles covered by Class G.

Trucks you can drive with Class D

Vehicles that may fall within Class D include straight trucks, large delivery trucks, dump trucks, cement mixers, refuse trucks and heavy utility or municipal service vehicles. Fire trucks may also fall within this class. The vehicle’s weight, configuration and braking system determine the licence and endorsement required.

Class D vs. DZ: Do You Need Air Brakes?

Class D identifies the truck class you may drive; the Z endorsement is the additional qualification for air brakes. A Class D truck with hydraulic service brakes and no system requiring Z can be driven with Class D alone. If the truck has air brakes or air-over-hydraulic brakes, you need Z as well. Class D combined with Z is commonly called a DZ licence.

Start with Class D general knowledge

Road rules, inspections, vehicle weights and safe truck operation matter whether your goal is D or DZ. If your intended truck or fire apparatus requires Z, also study the Official MTO Air Brake Handbook and complete the applicable endorsement assessments.

Is MELT required for Class D?

Ontario does not require Class D applicants to complete the Mandatory Entry-Level Training required for the full Class A pathway. You must still satisfy the medical, vision, knowledge and road-test requirements. Professional instruction can help you prepare for vehicle inspections, handling and the practical road test.

03The curriculum

What Does the Class D Knowledge Test Cover?

Commercial Truck Knowledge, Road Rules and Signs

Commercial Road Rules and Highway Traffic Act Requirements

Review truck-specific responsibilities alongside general road rules: lane use, speed, railway crossings, sharing the road and posted restrictions. Learn how each rule applies to a commercial truck rather than relying on habits from driving a car.

Daily Vehicle Inspections

Study Schedule 1 inspections, commonly called circle checks, and daily inspection reports. Understand major versus minor defects, defect reporting and when a vehicle must stay off the road. A major defect cannot be treated as a problem to fix after the shift.

Commercial Vehicle Weights and Dimensions

Learn the difference between actual gross weight, registered gross weight and vehicle-specific limits. Review axle loads and spacing, load overhangs, height and width, bridge restrictions and overhead clearances. Use Ontario’s weights-and-dimensions resources for detailed configuration rules and bridge-related weight calculations.

Hours of Service

Review Ontario Regulation 555/06: driving time, on-duty time, off-duty rest, cycle limits and record keeping. Learn when logbooks or electronic records are required and how exemptions apply. Practise distinguishing time spent driving from other work such as loading or inspecting a vehicle.

Safe Vehicle Operation and Defensive Driving

Study following distance, stopping space, blind spots, turning and off-tracking. Review backing, hills, adverse weather and emergency procedures. Think through what changes when a vehicle is longer, heavier or carrying a shifting load.

Traffic Signs and Commercial Road Markings

Recognize regulatory, warning and information signs, including truck-route restrictions, weight limits, clearance warnings and lane directions. Connect each sign or road marking to the action a commercial driver must take.

04Test day

Writing Your Class D Knowledge Test at DriveTest

Before you apply

You must be at least 18, hold a valid Ontario Class G licence or higher, meet the required vision standard and provide a satisfactory medical report. Obtain the current medical report form from DriveTest. Since May 11, 2026, commercial applicants must also provide the required proof of Ontario residency, legal presence in Canada and work eligibility.

What to expect at the centre

The knowledge test is multiple-choice and untimed. DriveTest says knowledge tests typically take 20–30 minutes and require at least 80% to pass. Write at a DriveTest Centre; knowledge tests do not require an appointment. Allow enough time to register and finish before the centre closes.

After the written test

Passing the knowledge test does not by itself earn your Class D licence. You must complete the remaining licensing requirements, including the Class D road test. If you need DZ, complete the separate Z endorsement requirements as well.

05Your preparation

How to Prepare for the Class D Written Test

01
Study the Official MTO Truck Handbook
Read the handbook before relying on practice scores. Keep a short list of unfamiliar definitions, rules and numerical limits. Review the Official MTO Driver’s Handbook for general road rules and signs.
02
Complete a Free Practice Test
Answer without checking the handbook first. Use your result to identify the topics that deserve more attention, especially questions where two answers seemed equally plausible.
03
Review the Reason Behind Each Answer
Read the explanation for every missed question and any correct answer you guessed. Revisit the relevant handbook section and explain the rule in your own words before trying again.
04
Build Consistency Before Test Day
Practise with fresh questions and aim for consistent scores of 90% or higher as a study target. Use optional timed practice to build focus; the official DriveTest test is untimed. Make sure you understand your answers rather than memorizing their positions.

06Choose your practice

Free Practice vs. Full 90-Day Class D Access

Free Class D Practice

Create a free account for a realistic Class D practice test with 20 questions, instant scoring and detailed answer explanations. Identify gaps in your knowledge before committing to full access. No credit card required.

Full 90-Day Class D Pass — $29 CAD

Work through the full published Class D question bank for 365 days. Repeat timed practice simulations, track your performance by category and practise missed questions with focused review drills. Use the explanations to understand the rules behind your answers.

Preparing for DZ as well?

The Class D pass covers Class D preparation. If you also need the Z air brake endorsement, choose the Complete Ontario DZ Pass for both subjects.

07Your next step

Get 90 Days of Class D Practice for $29 CAD

One-time payment

Class D Only

Class D written prep. 12 months access.

$29CAD

Start free first

Start with the free 20-question Class D test. Ready for more? Unlock the full published Class D bank, repeat practice simulations and focus on the topics you need to improve. One payment for 90 days; applicable tax is shown at checkout.

Bundle & save · Both subjects for $10 more

Complete Ontario DZ Pass

Class D written + Z Air Brake. 12 months access.

$39CAD

08Before you start

Ontario Class D Knowledge Test FAQ

Class D Preparation for Commercial Drivers and Firefighter Recruits

Prepare for the commercial knowledge behind straight-truck delivery, dump-truck and construction work, utility services and municipal fleets. Firefighter recruits study the same Class D foundations and may also need Z for air-brake-equipped apparatus. Check the actual vehicle and employer requirements so your preparation matches the work you plan to do.

10Reference material