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How to Upgrade to a Class 3 / D License (Dump Trucks) (2026 Guide)

Tired of minimum wage? Upgrading to a Class 3 (or Class D) license is the fastest way to earn $28+/hour. We break down the costs in Ontario vs. Alberta, the Z-Endorsement (Air Brakes) requirement, and why driving a garbage truck might actually be the smartest career move.
A yellow dump truck at a construction site in Ontario, with a driver in a high-vis vest performing a circle check on the tires.

If you are currently driving a forklift for $18/hour or delivering Uber Eats for pennies, you are sitting on a wasted opportunity.

With a relatively small investment of time and money, you can upgrade your standard driver's license to a Commercial License and instantly jump to the **$26 - $35 per hour** bracket.

This isn't "Long Haul Trucking" (Class 1/AZ). You don't have to sleep in a truck or drive across the continent for weeks.

This is Class 3 (or Class D in Ontario).

It lets you drive Dump Trucks, Garbage Trucks, Cement Mixers, and Hydro Vacuum Trucks.

You work local. You are home for dinner every night. And in 2026, with massive infrastructure projects in Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver, companies are desperate for drivers.

This guide explains the difference between Class D (Ontario) and Class 3 (West), the cost of the mandatory "Air Brake" (Z) endorsement, and why the "Gross" garbage industry is actually the hidden gem of trucking.

Not ready to drive? Check out Tree Planting vs. Brush Clearing for physical work or Concentrix vs. Teleperformance for remote roles.

The License: Class D vs. Class 3 (What's the Difference?)

In Canada, licenses are provincial. The name changes, but the privilege is roughly the same: Driving a "Straight Truck" (a truck where the cab and body are one unit) over 11,000 kg.

Ontario: Class D

  • What it drives: Dump trucks, Garbage trucks, Fire trucks.
  • Towing: Can tow a trailer under 4,600 kg. (If you want to tow a heavy excavator, you need Class A).
  • Cost to get: $900 - $1,500 (Training + Test).

Alberta / BC: Class 3

  • What it drives: Dump trucks, large 3-axle trucks.
  • Towing: Same restrictions (light trailers only).
  • Cost to get: $1,500 - $2,500 (Mandatory Entry-Level Training "MELT" rules are stricter here).

Note: You almost ALWAYS need the "Air Brake" Endorsement (Z or Q) to get hired. A dump truck without air brakes is just a really big pickup truck (rare).

The "Z" Endorsement: The Secret Requirement

You cannot drive a commercial truck without understanding Air Brakes.

Unlike hydraulic brakes (in your car), air brakes can fail catastrophically if not checked.

  • What is it? A 2-day course (usually a weekend).
  • Cost: $250 - $450.
  • The Test: You must demonstrate a "Circle Check." You have to physically get under the truck, pull the slack adjuster, and listen for air leaks.
  • Why it matters: If you have a Class D license but no "Z" endorsement, 90% of employers will toss your resume in the trash. Get the "DZ" combo immediately.

The Pay: Is It Worth It?

Yes. The ROI (Return on Investment) is massive compared to college.

Entry-Level (0-1 Year Experience)

  • Dump Truck: $24 - $28/hour.
  • Garbage Truck: $26 - $30/hour.

Experienced (3+ Years)

  • Hydro Vac Operator: $35 - $45/hour. (This requires specialized training but uses the same license).
  • Concrete Mixer: $32 - $38/hour.
  • City Municipal Driver (Union): $30 - $35/hour + Pension.

The Math:

  • Cost of License: ~$1,500.
  • Wage Increase: +$8/hour (compared to general labour).
  • Payback Period: You make your money back in 4 weeks of work.

Practical Questions Answered

Personal Finance Canada to find the gritty truth.

"Should I just get my AZ (Class 1) instead?"

Maybe.

  • The Argument: An AZ (Tractor Trailer) license costs $8,000 - $10,000 due to mandatory MELT training (103.5 hours).
  • The DZ Reality: A DZ license costs $1,500.
  • Verdict: If you want to stay local and have $1,500, get the DZ. If you want to earn $100k+ long-haul, save up for the AZ. Many people start with DZ to earn money to pay for their AZ later.

"Is Dump Truck driving seasonal?"

Yes.

  • Summer: You work 60 hours a week paving roads.
  • Winter: You get laid off.
  • The Hack: Get a job driving a Snow Plow or Salt Truck in the winter. They also require a DZ license. This creates year-round income.

"Is Garbage Truck driving gross?"

Not really.

  • Modern trucks have automated arms. You sit in an air-conditioned cab and use a joystick. You rarely touch the garbage bags.
  • The Smell: You get used to it in week 1.
  • The Perks: It is "Recession Proof." People always have garbage. It is the most stable job in trucking.

Deep Dive: The "Hydro Vac" Upgrade

If you have your Class 3/D, the highest paying niche is Hydro Excavation.

  • What is it? A massive truck that uses high-pressure water and a vacuum to dig holes (safely around gas lines).
  • The Job: You drive the truck, but you also operate the "Boom" and spray the water.
  • The Pay: $35 - $45/hour.
  • Why: It counts as "Construction" + "Trucking." You are getting paid for two skill sets.
  • Entry: Start as a "Swamper" (Helper) on a Hydro Vac truck to learn the ropes, then get your license to become an Operator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pass the medical exam?

It's strict.

  • You need a commercial driver medical exam.
  • Disqualifiers: Uncontrolled diabetes (insulin-dependent), history of seizures, severe heart issues, or failing the vision test.
  • Cannabis: While legal, many companies (especially oil & gas or cross-border) have zero-tolerance policies. You will be drug tested.

Is the road test hard?

Yes.

  • The truck is huge.
  • The Killer: The "Pre-Trip Inspection." You have to memorize 50+ items on the truck and point them out to the examiner. If you miss one critical item (like a loose wheel nut), you fail instantly before you even turn the key.

Can I drive an Automatic?

Yes, but...

  • Most modern dump trucks are Automatic.
  • Restriction: In some provinces, if you pass your test on an Automatic, you get a "Restricted" license and cannot drive Manual trucks. This limits your job options (older trucks are Manual). Try to learn on a Manual if possible.

Summary: The Blue Collar Fast Track

  1. Get the Medical: Ensure you qualify before spending money on lessons.
  2. Choose a School: Don't just pick the cheapest. Pick one that teaches "Manual" transmission.
  3. Get the Z: Do not skip the Air Brake course. It is worthless without it.
  4. Apply to Garbage: It pays better than dirt, has year-round hours, and offers union benefits.

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur who studies hiring trends, labour market data, and real entry-level opportunities across Canada. He specializes in simplifying the job search for newcomers, students, and workers using practical, up-to-date information.

Sources

Note

Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.

Published by:

Mc Yow-z Jeff Calixte