The Ontario Ministry of Transportation implemented a number of significant changes to the province's airbrake program in 2002. These changes involve a new Official Air Brake Handbook, new knowledge and practical examinations and a revised 12-hour airbrake course.

Taking of the 12-hour airbrake course remains optional for persons who to wish to obtain their endorsement directly with the Ministry but is mandatory for anyone obtaining their endorsement through their employer, a community college or other safety organization.

Persons obtaining their airbrake endorsement for the first time must successfully complete both written and practical examinations. Persons renewing their drivers licence, including their airbrake ‘Z’ endorsement, must complete a written examination only.

Persons who reach the age of 65 must renew their commercial drivers licence annually including the written and practical airbrake examinations.

Since there are some differences between drivers licence classes, any driver upgrading to a class ‘A’ licence from another licence class must complete a separate written examination covering tractor/trailer braking systems.

OTA offers a comprehensive lineup of airbrake training materials specifically designed to provide persons with the knowledge they need to face the MTO airbrake examinations with confidence. OTA airbrake training products are an integrated series of publications called “Practical Airbrakes”.

Practical Airbrakes – Handbook & Study Guide (PA100)
This full size 104-page driver training manual is the core of the Practical Airbrakes program. With over 100 color illustrations, comprehensive airbrake system information, step by step instructions for completing all relevant airbrake system tests and extensive review exercises, this manual sets a new standard for airbrake training. It functions equally well in a self-study or classroom setting. With the wide range of available instructor support materials, the Practical Airbrakes Handbook and Study Guide ensures instructors are able to deliver airbrake system training in a highly proficient manner. This training manual contains considerably more information than the official airbrake handbook.

Practical Airbrakes – Practice Exams & Self Study Guide (PA105)
This 24-page booklet is a companion to the Handbook, offering 4 practice exams that are similar to the official airbrake knowledge examinations. It also provides detailed instructions on how to self-study and effectively learn the material.

Practical Airbrakes – Practical Examinations Procedures (PA108)
This 16-page booklet provides clear detailed instructions on all of the tasks that new drivers must perform during the practical portion of their airbrake examination. It details every step of the practical exam procedure; allowing drivers to practice until they get it right. Included is a detachable checklist that drivers can take with them to use during the actual examination.

Practical Airbrakes – Instructor Materials
OTA also offers a full range of instructor manuals and other multimedia support materials for delivery of airbrake training.

Note: While OTA does not offer airbrake endorsement training directly, the majority of training deliverers across Ontario use OTA’s Practical Airbrakes training materials. The Ontario Safety League offers training classes and uses OTA materials. Click here for more information on training classes.

For a full list of other available training materials, please visit the OTA Store.