How much does a CVOR certificate cost in Ontario?

A new CVOR certificate costs $287 including HST: $255 for processing and $32 for the online learning and assessment. The fee is non-refundable. Renewal costs $51.

How long do I have to pass the CVOR assessment?

You have 6 months from when you apply. You must finish by the day before the expiry date on the letter the ministry mails you. If you miss it, you must reapply and pay all fees again.

How often do I renew my CVOR?

Every two years with an Excellent or Satisfactory rating, and every year with a Satisfactory-unaudited or Conditional rating. An Unsatisfactory rating leads to suspension or cancellation.

Does a CVOR certificate let me drive a truck?

No. The CVOR is for the operator. Each driver still needs the correct licence class, such as Class A or Class D.

How to Get a CVOR Certificate in Ontario

Q: Do I still take the CVOR test at DriveTest?

No. Since November 1, 2024, the online CVOR learning and assessment has replaced the old knowledge test. You do not need to visit a DriveTest Centre.

If you operate trucks over 4,500 kg, buses or tow trucks in Ontario, you need a Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration (CVOR) certificate. This guide explains who needs one, how to apply, what it costs and how to keep your record clean.

What is a CVOR certificate?

The Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration (CVOR) program tracks the safety records of commercial vehicle operators in Ontario. You need a valid CVOR certificate to operate a commercial vehicle. If you have never registered a commercial vehicle in Ontario, get your CVOR certificate before you register the vehicle with ServiceOntario.

The CVOR certificate is for the operator (the business or person responsible for the vehicle). It is not a driver's licence. Drivers still need the right licence class, such as Class A or Class D.

Who needs a CVOR certificate

You need one for these vehicles with Ontario, U.S. or Mexico plates:

Trucks over 4,500 kg (registered gross weight or actual weight), including farm-plated trucks
Buses with 10 or more seats
Concrete pumps and mobile cranes (not off-road mobile cranes)
Tow trucks, including flatbed tilt-loaders used only to carry vehicles, and any vehicle built or equipped to tow another vehicle

Some vehicles do not need one. Examples:

Vehicles plated in another Canadian province or territory (they need a safety certificate from their home jurisdiction)
Trucks of 4,500 kg or less (except tow trucks)
Rentals of 30 days or less for a personal move or to carry passengers for free
Ambulances, fire trucks, hearses and personal-use motor homes
Some personal-use pickup trucks (6,500 kg gross vehicle weight rating or less, unmodified box, no commercial towing)

Check the full list on ontario.ca before you decide you are exempt.

Choose your application type

Individual: for a sole proprietor or an unincorporated business owned by one person. The certificate is in your personal name.
Corporation: for an incorporated business. The certificate is in the legal business name (for example, ending in Inc., Ltd., Corp., LP, LLC or ULC).

Pick carefully. Fees are non-refundable if you choose the wrong type.

Documents you need

Individuals:

Your Ontario driver's licence number, or a copy of your out-of-province licence
No licence? Use a passport, Ontario Photo Card, permanent resident card, citizenship card issued before February 2012, or a U.S. birth certificate or proof of birth

Corporations:

The same ID for every corporate officer (all officers must be listed)
Corporate documents: incorporation, amalgamation and amendment documents, and a master business licence or equivalent
Business information on file with Ontario that is up to date

Everyone:

A completed Consent and Authorization form (SR-E-5072)
Your estimated fleet size for the next year
Information about your business operation

In your first year, each vehicle is given a fixed 50,000 km. This is reviewed when you renew.

How to apply online

Gather your ID, corporate documents (if any) and form SR-E-5072.
Go to the "Get a CVOR certificate" page on ontario.ca and select Apply or resume application. This opens the Commercial Vehicle Services portal.
Choose individual or corporation and fill in your details.
Pay the fee with a Visa or Mastercard credit card, or Visa debit or Debit Mastercard.
Watch your mail for a letter about the online learning and assessment (see below).
Wait for your certificate by email or mail. Do not operate until you have it.

Some applicants must apply by mail or fax instead (form 023-5078): general or joint partnerships, representatives applying for a partnership, and operators re-entering after a certificate has been expired for more than one year. For a re-entry application, email CVOR@ontario.ca.

The $287 fee

The total fee is $287, including HST:

$255 for processing
$32 for the learning and assessment

By mail, you can also pay by cheque, bank draft, money order or certified cheque payable to "Minister of Finance/MTO".

Online learning and assessment (since November 1, 2024)

Since November 1, 2024, an online CVOR learning and assessment has replaced the old knowledge test. You no longer go to a DriveTest Centre for this step.

Who must take it:

Ontario-based applicants applying for the first time
Applicants whose CVOR certificate has been expired for more than 3 years

How it works:

After you apply, you get a letter in the mail that explains how to register for the online course.
You have 6 months to pass. You must finish by the day before the expiry date in your letter.
If you do not finish in time, you must start the application again and pay all fees again.

To get ready, review the ministry's free commercial vehicle safety interactive videos and try our CVOR practice test.

Renewing your CVOR certificate

How often you renew depends on your safety rating:

Excellent or Satisfactory: every two years
Satisfactory-unaudited or Conditional: every year
Unsatisfactory: no renewal; the certificate is suspended or cancelled

Watch for the reminder the ministry sends 60 days before expiry.
Have your CVOR number, CVOR start date and a valid card ready.
Report your total vehicles, total drivers, and actual distance driven in Ontario, the rest of Canada, and the U.S. and/or Mexico.
Renew online at ontario.ca/RenewMyCVOR and pay the $51 renewal fee.

If you renew by mail or fax, send your package at least 15 days before expiry. A lost certificate can be downloaded free from the self-service portal. A mailed replacement costs $35.75.

How to keep a good CVOR record

Your CVOR record shows your collisions, convictions and inspections. Your safety rating is public. Poor results can lead to warning letters, interviews, audits, fleet limits, plate seizure, or suspension or cancellation. To stay in good standing:

Hire licensed, qualified drivers. Train them and keep records of the training.
Keep accurate hours-of-service records and monitor driver performance.
Do daily and annual or semi-annual vehicle inspections. Fix problems quickly and keep maintenance records.
Follow rules for cargo securement, weights and dimensions, and dangerous goods.
Keep commercial vehicle liability insurance on every vehicle.
Keep a copy of the CVOR certificate in every vehicle and show it to police or enforcement when asked.
Report changes (names, addresses, email, fleet, kilometres, officers) within 15 days in the self-service portal.
Check your online carrier record often. It is free and shows your collisions, convictions, inspections and intervention history.

Drivers who need air brakes should also study for the Z endorsement. Bus operators can practise with the Class C and Class B tests.

CVOR practice test →Class A (AZ) practice test →Class D (DZ) practice test →Air Brake (Z) practice test →Class C practice test →Class B practice test →