If you're considering a career in commercial driving, the timing couldn't be better. Canada is experiencing a major shortage of qualified drivers across multiple sectors. From long-haul trucking to transit and specialized heavy equipment, the demand is growing — and it's not slowing down anytime soon.

For those ready to train, test, and hit the road, the opportunity is real. But which types of commercial driving jobs are most in demand? And what kind of licences do they require?

This guide breaks it all down — including how to get licensed and how to prepare for the knowledge test with the help of commercialdriver.ca, Canada's leading free CDL practice resource.

Why Commercial Drivers Are in High Demand

Several factors are fueling Canada's ongoing need for qualified drivers:

  • Retirements: A large percentage of the current driver workforce is nearing retirement age.



  • Supply chain growth: More goods are moving than ever before, especially post-pandemic.



  • Population growth: Transit and municipal services are expanding across urban and suburban areas.



  • Regional development: Construction, agriculture, and energy sectors are growing in both eastern and western Canada.



For those willing to get trained and licensed, these trends translate into strong job security, competitive pay, and nationwide demand.

1. Long-Haul Truck Drivers (Class 1)

This is the most in-demand driving job in the country. Long-haul drivers transport freight across provinces and sometimes into the U.S. It's physically demanding and time-intensive, but the pay is high, and job openings are everywhere.

Requirements:

  • Class 1 licence



  • Z-endorsement (air brakes)



  • Often requires completion of Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT)



  • Must pass written and road tests



Average salary:

$60,000–$100,000+, depending on experience, mileage, and bonuses.

Who it's for:

Drivers comfortable spending time on the road, often away from home for days at a time. Ideal for those looking for steady work and high earning potential.

2. Local Delivery & Regional Truck Drivers (Class 3)

Not everyone wants to drive cross-country. Class 3 drivers handle straight trucks — think dump trucks, garbage trucks, and local delivery vehicles.

Requirements:

  • Class 3 licence



  • Air brake endorsement (in most cases)



  • Some employers provide on-the-job training



Average salary:

$45,000–$70,000 depending on region and employer.

Who it's for:

Those who want regular hours, consistent routes, and to be home every night. This is especially common in construction, landscaping, and delivery.

3. Bus Drivers (Class 2)

Cities, school boards, and private companies across Canada are constantly hiring bus drivers. In many provinces, there's an ongoing shortage.

Requirements:

  • Class 2 licence



  • Z-endorsement if bus uses air brakes



  • Criminal record check and medical exam



  • Some employers require additional safety or passenger management training



Average salary:

$45,000–$70,000 with full-time union positions sometimes exceeding that.

Who it's for:

Drivers who enjoy routine, community interaction, and serving local populations — whether school children, commuters, or tourists.

4. Heavy Equipment and Construction Vehicle Operators (Class 3 or Specialty)

Construction sites across the country rely on commercial drivers to operate dump trucks, cement mixers, and other heavy-duty vehicles.

Requirements:

  • Class 3 licence



  • Industry-specific certifications



  • Z-endorsement



  • Safety and site operation training



Average salary:

$50,000–$75,000 depending on season and job type.

Who it's for:

Those looking for hands-on, physically active work in construction or road building industries.

5. Waste Management and Utility Services (Class 3)

Municipalities hire Class 3 drivers to manage waste collection, utility vehicles, and road maintenance services.

Requirements:

  • Class 3 licence



  • Z-endorsement



  • May include union or municipal employment



Average salary:

$50,000–$65,000 plus benefits and pension.

Who it's for:

People who want a reliable, long-term career in the public sector with steady hours and benefits.

Where the Jobs Are: Regional Hotspots

While demand exists nationwide, some regions are especially active in hiring:

  • Alberta: Strong need for Class 1 and construction drivers in energy and logistics.



  • Ontario: High demand for both long-haul and city transit drivers.



  • British Columbia: Growth in forestry, construction, and municipal services.



  • Quebec: Consistent need for delivery and inter-provincial drivers.



  • Northern and Remote Regions: Premium pay for drivers willing to operate in challenging environments.



How to Get Started

Getting into any of these driving roles starts the same way: with your commercial driver's licence. Whether you're going for Class 1, 2, or 3, you'll need to pass a written knowledge test and a road test.

The knowledge test covers:

  • Commercial vehicle safety



  • Pre-trip inspections



  • Air brake systems (for Z-endorsement)



  • Road signs and hazard recognition



  • Cargo securement and vehicle dynamics



How commercialdriver.ca Helps You Prepare

Reading the handbook is a start. But if you want to pass the knowledge test, you need to practice the way you'll be tested.

That's what commercialdriver.ca is built for:

  • Free, class-specific practice tests (Class 1, 2, 3, and Air Brake)



  • Instant feedback and explanations for every question



  • Updated to match provincial formats



  • Mobile-friendly, no logins or paywalls



  • Focused quizzes to improve your weak areas



You can take a full-length practice test today and know exactly where you stand — and what you need to study before writing the real thing.

Final Thoughts

Canada needs commercial drivers. Whether it's long-haul freight, public transit, or local service work, the industry offers strong wages, benefits, and long-term job stability — especially for those who hold Class 1, 2, or 3 licences.

If you're thinking about getting into the industry, the first step is clear: study, practice, and pass your knowledge test. Don't leave it to guesswork. Use commercialdriver.ca to get the experience and confidence you need.

Start today, for free, and move one step closer to your next career move.