PSTC question

I have a question

Since Ontario started sending out new drivers licenses with the “W” code we have answered tons of questions from the public about this new code.  The “W” endorsement was designed to comply with US regulations in regards to commercial drivers as our licenses do not show medicals.  It was impossible for a US inspector to know if the driver of that commercial motor vehicle did have a medical condition disqualifying them or not.   So Ontario started issuing  a “W” code on their license to show the driver is not qualified to driver a commercial motor vehicle in the United States.

Several people have called and said they don’t have  medical condition so why do they have this “W”

The answer is really simple, likely at one time you did hold a class of license that required you to do a medical but you failed to do that on renewal so your license was downgraded.  This flags a “W” code on your license.

Most often this applies to drivers who have decided not to renew their Class A or like license.

So as long as you don’t drive a commercial vehicle in the US you are ok to drive down south.

Here is some more information you might find helpful:

Medical reporting cycles for commercial licence holders (Class A, B, C, E and F)

  • Applicants for a class A, B, C, E and F licence are required to submit a medical report on application
  • Drivers under the age of 46 are required to submit a medical report every five years
  • Drivers aged 46 – 64 are required to submit a medical report every three years
  • Drivers aged 65 and over are required to submit a medical report annually

These requirements are in keeping with the recommendations of the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) and are the basis of the U.S./Canadian Reciprocal Agreement for commercial drivers crossing the Canada/U.S. border.

Medical reporting for Class D licence holders

All applicants for a class D licence are required to submit a medical report on application.

US Definition of a Commercial Motor Vehicle

  • Has a gross combination weight rating of 11,794 or more kg or 26,001 or more pounds inclusive of a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 4,536 kg or 10,000 pounds; or
  • Has a gross vehicle weight rating of  11,794 or more kg or 26,001 pounds
  • Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including driver
  • Is of any size and is used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous for the purposes of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and which require the motor vehicle to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Regulations

Click here for Ontario MTO starts issuing a “W” code on driver licence

You may contact the MTO for questions regarding the “W” code at 1-800-268-1481

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