What driver’s license do I need to drive a bus? It’s one of the most popular questions we get from our customers. When operating commercial buses in Canada, your drivers must hold a commercial driver’s license. However, the rule is not so simple! The driver’s license classification is a provincial jurisdiction, which leads to variations depending on the area where you operate your transportation services. Also, a specific endorsement may be required for operators driving buses equipped with air brakes.
Our team gathered all provincial requirements to help you better understand what license you need to drive a bus. So, let’s take a few minutes to ensure your drivers comply with your local regulations and are ready to transport your passengers in the safest conditions.
Click on your province to learn what driver's license is required to drive a bus in your area.
License required to drive a bus in Alberta.
*The driver/operator is excluded from the passenger capacity.
Drivers must complete an approved air brake course to get a Q endorsement on their driver’s license to operate a vehicle equipped with air brakes.
Provincial License-Issuing Agency: Alberta Vehicle Registration.
License required to drive a bus in British Columbia.
*The driver/operator is excluded from the passenger capacity.
** To drive special vehicles with a seating capacity of 9 passengers max (driver excluded) used to transport people with disabilities.
Buses equipped with air brakes that drive on roads and highways in B.C. require a Class 1 license with an on-highway air brake endorsement.
Provincial License-Issuing Agency: Insurance Corporation of British Columbia.
License required to drive a bus in Manitoba.
*The driver/operator is excluded from the passenger capacity.
To be authorized to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes, a holder of any license must hold an air brake endorsement.
Provincial License-Issuing Agency: Manitoba Public Insurance.
License required to drive a bus in New Brunswick.
*The driver/operator is excluded from the passenger capacity.
E endorsement is required to drive a bus equipped with air brakes.
Provincial License-Issuing Agency: Service New Brunswick – Registry of Motor Vehicles.
License required to drive a bus in Newfoundland and Labrador.
*The driver/operator is excluded from the passenger capacity.
Air Brake Endorsement (9/9A) is required to drive a bus equipped with air brakes.
Provincial License-Issuing Agency: Motor Registration Division Newfoundland and Labrador.
License required to drive a bus in Nova scotia.
*The driver/operator is excluded from the passenger capacity.
Operators driving a bus equipped with air brakes must hold an air brake endorsement.
Provincial License-Issuing Agency: Service Nova Scotia – Registry of Motor Vehicles.
License required to drive a bus in Ontario.
*The driver/operator is excluded from the passenger capacity.
Air brake (Z) endorsement is required to drive a bus equipped with air brakes.
Provincial License-Issuing Agency: Ministry of Transportation Ontario.
License required to drive a bus in Prince Edward Island.
*The driver/operator is excluded from the passenger capacity.
Provincial License-Issuing Agency: Access Prince Edward Island Department of Transportation.
License required to drive a bus in Quebec.
*The driver/operator is excluded from the passenger capacity.
A Class 1 license with a F endorsement authorizes its holder to drive all buses equipped with air brakes.
Provincial License-Issuing Agency: Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ).
License required to drive a bus in Saskatchewan.
*The driver/operator is excluded from the passenger capacity.
If you operate a vehicle equipped with an air brake system, you must have the air brake Endorsement A specified on your license. Check here how to get an air brakes endorsement.
Provincial License-Issuing Agency: Saskatchewan Government Insurance.
License required to drive a bus in Northwest Territories.
*The driver/operator is excluded from the passenger capacity.
The Q Endorsement is required to drive a bus equipped with air brakes.
Provincial License-Issuing Agency: Northwest Territories Government, Department of Infrastructure, Compliance and Licensing.
License required to drive a bus in Nunavut.
*The driver/operator is excluded from the passenger capacity.
The Q Endorsement is required to drive a bus equipped with air brakes.
Provincial License-Issuing Agency: Nunavut Government, Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
License required to drive a bus in Yukon.
*The driver/operator is excluded from the passenger capacity.
Drivers operating a bus equipped with air brakes must complete the air brake endorsement 15.
Provincial License-Issuing Agency: Yukon Department of Community and Transportation Services.
