During COVID-19 pandemic CVOR procedures had been changed several times.
The content of this page had been modified on July 20th, based on the direct email communication with the ministry.
COVID-19
Update
CVOR Ontario
Welcome to
Please scroll down for most common questions we got to answer during 5 years of helping people get their CVOR.
Questions include:
- How to apply?
- Do I need to register a business to apply?
- Can I apply with G license?
- Can I apply without a driver license?
- How long does it take?
and many more.
What is a CVOR?
A person obtains a driver license as a proof they can drive a vehicle.
A company obtains a CVOR license as a proof it can operate commercial transport.
In short, a CVOR is a driver license for commercial transport issued to a company (or an individual operating as a business).
A driver license is a piece of plastic.
A CVOR certificate is a piece of paper as shown below.
SAMPLE CVOR CERTIFICATE
Who will ask for a CVOR license?
- Insurance agent during insurance application / renewal.
- Service Ontario clerk when you plate your vehicle or renew sticker.
- An enforcement officer conducting a road-side inspection (police, OPP, MTO).
Are you exempt?
I had a number of people call me to find out that they were incorrectly instructed by various parties including Service Ontario to obtain CVOR registration.
In a nutshell, you (your vehicle is exempt), if:
- you're using a vehicle for personal (non- commercial) purposes
- it weighs under 4,500 kg (commercial or non-commercial purpose)
What does 4,500 kg consist of?
The weight of
+ Truck
+ Trailer
+ Cargo
+ Fuel
+ Driver
+ Everything that pushes onto the ground
================================
Total Weight:
As long as 'total weight' (Gross Weight) is under 4,500 kg, you don't need a CVOR to operate that truck or truck&trailer (regardless of weight).
A personal use pickup truck is exempt.
A personal-use pickup truck means a pickup truck that:
- is being used for personal purposes without compensation
- has a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 6,500 kg (14,330 lb) or less, and is fitted with either:
- the original box that was installed by the manufacturer, which has not been modified, or
- a replacement box that duplicates the one that was installed by the manufacturer and has not been modified
- is not carrying or towing a trailer carrying commercial cargo or tools or equipment of a type normally used for commercial purposes
What else can you do without a CVOR?
You can get a transit permit. For example, to get your safety done.
You can transfer the ownership of the vehicle. You only need CVOR to buy a plate for the vehicle. You can still transfer a vehicle in your name (provided other conditions are met), and you can leave it unplated.
Detailed Exemption List
- A truck or bus leased by an individual for 30 days or less to move their personal goods, or to carry passengers at no fare
- An unladen truck or bus operating under the authority of a dealer plate or service plate
- A bus used for personal purposes without compensation
- A motor home used for personal purposes
- A pickup truck used for personal purposes (see above)
- A truck under 4,500kg of gross weight (regardless of use purpose)
Vehicles that require CVOR
- Trucks, tractors, mobile equipment vehicles or trailers and/or any combination of these vehicles that have a registered gross weight or actual weight of more than 4,500 kilograms
- Tow trucks, regardless of registered gross weight or actual weight
- Buses with a manufactured seating capacity of 10 persons or more, excluding the driver
- Accessible vehicles and school purposes vehicles, depending upon use
What is the application process
NOTE: the process below is current of July 20th, 2020
Step 1: Send in your application
- fill your application (download CVOR Application from Central Forms Repository of Service Ontario: click here to access)
- attach supporting documents as listed on the application (note supporting documentation on the PDF application itself is outdated, more about this later)
Step 2: Wait for a letter "Written Test Required"
- Ontario based carriers will receive a letter, instructing them to take the written test
Step 3: Take the test at DriveTest center
- take the letter "Written Test Required" together with documentation listed on the letter to the nearest DriveTest Center facility (appointment is not required)
- the letter will list specific individuals who can take the test (applicant, director/owner)
Step 4: Receive CVOR certificate
- DriveTest center will send your test results to CVOR Processing Unit, and then
- you will receive a CVOR certificate (within 1-2 business days)
IMPORTANT: Outdated Information on the CVOR Application
A number of items on the CVOR application are no longer mandatory, and some additional supporting documentation had been added.
The PDF file at ServiceOntario repository was not updated, and as a result you may experience processing delays.
To avoid them, and to make sure your application gets processed as soon as possible, please consider our FREE Application Guide (below).
It was compiled based on the experience of filing of hundreds of applications over the years.
Free Guide
A guide on how to fill and submit your CVOR application.
Includes the updated list of supporting documentation, and
and exhausting Q&A section.
Includes the updated list of supporting documentation, and
and exhausting Q&A section.
Common Questions
Do I need to register a business to apply?
Registering a business is not required. You can submit a 'personal' application. To do so, choose "Personal" on interactive PDF or simply print PDF file marked personal application.
It is recommended to apply for a CVOR license as a corporation. By having this setup you shield your personal assets from third party liability. Note that registering a "Master Business License" or a "Trade Name" is NOT the same as registering a corporation. Trade Name for all legal intents and purposes is the same as personal application.
For people registering under a trade name, select "personal" type of application.
Can I apply with a G license?
Yes. An individual/corporation is not required to have a driver license to apply for CVOR.
They do need to ensure that whoever is driving their vehicles has a valid and adequate driver license.
Scenario: Gary bought a 11,000kg dump truck.
Gary has a G license, Gary applies for CVOR and get his authority.
Gary hires David with D license to drive his 11,000kg dump truck.
This scenario is legitimate and common.
Can I apply without a driver license?
Yes. An individual/corporation is not required to have a driver license to apply for CVOR.
They do need to ensure that whoever is driving their vehicles has a valid and adequate driver license.
Scenario: Gary bought a 11,000kg dump truck.
Gary has a G license, Gary applies for CVOR and get his authority.
Gary hires David with D license to drive his 11,000kg dump truck.
This scenario is legitimate and common.
When can I operate?
You can operate once you have certificate in your hands.
Submitting application, and/or passing required does not qualify person/company to operate "CVOR" vehicle.
How to prepare for the test?
The ministry does provide a 300 pg "commercial vehicle operators safety manual".
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/trucks/commercial-vehicle-operators-safety-manual/
Many people find it overwhelming. Hence, our company offers many different training options for all skill levels.
Where can I take CVOR test?
If you have this question, then you either:
- did not apply, or
- did not receive "Written Test Required" letter after applying
You want to submit your CVOR application first, and wait for the letter. The "Written Test Required" letter will outline where, how and when you can take a CVOR test.
Note, that you cannot walk into Service Ontario or DriveTest Ontario and apply/take a test there. You need to apply using the process outlined on the application form. CVOR application office is central to all of Ontario and is located in St. Catherines, Ontario. For all intents and purposes, there is no "walk-in" option.
Do you need my help?
If you'd like me to help you with a CVOR application, simply click on the button below, and proceed with the order.
I will take care of things from there. That way you can take care of whatever it is that you're doing, and won't have to figure out the hoops of complicated PDF files, numerous questions, and pitfalls of submission.
Note: government disbursement fees are not included.
I will take care of things from there. That way you can take care of whatever it is that you're doing, and won't have to figure out the hoops of complicated PDF files, numerous questions, and pitfalls of submission.
Note: government disbursement fees are not included.
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