DND 404 Equivalency Programs
A partnership between the Canadian Armed Forces and the Provincial/ Territory Ministries of Transportation.
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Helmets to Hardhats wants to make it easier for Veterans to transition into the civilian workforce by engaging with all levels of government to accredit the DND 404 driver’s licence for their commercial class equivalents. By working with Canada’s Buildings Trades Unions and J4 Transport, when successful, this initiative will allow eligible Veterans to obtain immediate employment in the commercial trucking industry without additional training or testing.
We will continue to work with the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) to liaise with proper authorities and jurisdictions to raise the priority of this initiative and assist them in developing an implementation plan to ensure the efficient transfer of the DND 404 onto provincial licenses.
To help you determine the process and guidelines applicable to your location, we invite you to view the participating provincial annexes, which describe how to transfer your DND 404 qualification onto your provincial/territorial license.
The Canadian Armed Forces, through Strategic J4 Transportation, has agreements and directives established with each province. While these directives are very similar, each province has its own specific requirements. For detailed information and the cover letter for your province, please contact .
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia website
1. The British Columbia Ministry of Transportation (MOT) and DND / CAF have established guidelines for the licence class upgrade of the British Columbia licence based on DND credentials to assist retired and active Canadian Armed Forces members to transition to civilian employment and career opportunities.
2. British Columbia MOT will recognize Commercial classes 1, 2, 3, 4*, and Class 5 or 7 DND 404 licences for retired or current military members who are British Columbia residents only. Testing requirements are waived for obtaining equivalent licences. Applicants who no longer hold a DND 404 may be eligible provided that their DND 404 was in good standing at the time of surrender.
3. All members must still meet B.C.'s identification, vision, and medicalstandards, and pay all applicable licensing fees.
4. How to exchange your licence:
a. You must be an active member or have been retired for less than three (3) years.
b. Contact your DND Road Safety Representative at your current or former base, who will help you obtain the three required forms, which are acover letter, an application and the member’s proficiency record.
c. Applicants must bring thecompleted forms to a driver licensing office to have your application reviewed and processed.
d. Applicants looking to exchangetheir DND 404 for a commercial class licence will receive a *Driver Medical Examinationform. Applicants will have 45 days to complete and submit the form.
e. Members who wish to upgrade to a commercial class licence that is not equivalent to their DND 404 will be required to provide a driving record.
As of February 1, DND 404 military driver’s permits are recognized as equivalent for Yukon commercial and passenger licences for Classes 1 through 5.
Under the new procedure, equivalency applicants are still required to complete a vision test, meet medical standards, fulfil Yukon residency requirements and pay a fee, but will not have to perform knowledge and road tests.
- The Alberta Ministry of Transportation (MOT) and DND / CAF have established guidelines for the licence class upgrade based on DND credentials. This helps retired and active CAF members transition to civilian employment. Alberta MOT will recognize Class 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 (non-GDL) plus Air Brake endorsement DND 404 licences for Alberta residents only, with a minimum 2-year DND 404 history.
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Alberta MOT outlines four application categories:
- a. Current Military members
- b. Retired Military members
- c. Members with a civilian driver’s licence from another jurisdiction
- d. Members who have never held a civilian driver’s licence
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Required Documentation:
- a. DND Driver Proficiency Record (includes licence status, classes, and air brake endorsement)
- b. Driver Qualification Letter (Appendix 1), signed by approved personnel
- c. Letter to Alberta MOT Registrar (Appendix 2)
- d. Driver’s Medical Examination Report (signed within 6 months)
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For Current Military Members:
- a. Obtain documents from local R&V safety section
- b. Present Alberta Class 5 licence (if applicable)
- c. Present DND 404 to confirm validity
- d. Ensure documents are signed within 6 months of application
- e. Submit to R&V Safety for package review (if required)
- f. Receive returned documents after review
- g. Submit documents to Registry Agent for upgrade
- h. Only original documents accepted; copies are not valid
- For Retired Members (within 2 years): The process is identical to step 4 (except 4c), with confirmation of valid DND 404 at time of retirement and minimum two-year history.
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Members With Out-of-Province Licences:
- a. Must reside in Alberta and meet ID requirements
- b. May exchange licence without testing if from a reciprocal jurisdiction
- c. Suspended/revoked licences are ineligible
- d. Class 5 may be upgraded to Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 with Air Brake endorsement (see step 4)
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Members Without Civilian Licences:
- a. Must be Alberta residents with proper ID
- b. With 2+ years DND 404, can skip GDL requirements and apply for Class 5
- c. Can then upgrade to Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 with Air Brake (if applicable)
- Licence Equivalency: See Appendix 3 for Alberta licence classes and their DND 404 equivalents based on vehicle specs.
- Questions: Contact D Tn 2-5 National Road and Vehicle Safety at 819-997-3044
Appendices:
- Appendix 1: Driver Qualification Letter
- Appendix 2: Letter to MOT Registrar
- Appendix 3: Vehicle Equivalency Table
SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance)
Current and recently retired military members can apply to exchange their military driving credentials for a Saskatchewan driver’s licence. Military training and testing requirements meet Saskatchewan’s own licence testing standards. The military member or retiree must be a Saskatchewan resident in order to exchange their Department of National Defence (DND) 404 military driver’s permit for the equivalent Class 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 Saskatchewan driver’s licence. For retired members to qualify, they must have retired within the last 2 years.
How to receive an equivalent Saskatchewan driver’s licence: If you are only needing a Class 5 licence, start at Step 2.
Step 1: You will need to complete a Commercial Driver’s Licence Medical Report (pdf, 160 kb – see webpage below) within 90 days of applying for a commercial (Class 1, 2, 3 or 4) driver's licence. If you fail to complete the mandatory Medical Report within 90 days, your driver’s licence will be automatically down-graded to a Class 5.
Step 2: Proceed to your local Road and Vehicle Safety Section (15 Wing Moose Jaw or CFS Dundurn) to confirm your equivalency exchange and complete the required paperwork.
Step 3: Once all documentation has been completed, confirmed and signed by an authorized Road and Vehicle Safety representative, present all required documentation to your local motor license issuer, and apply for the appropriate class of Saskatchewan driver’s licence.
Contact: Driver Development 1-800-667-5111 (toll free)
Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation website
There are certain considerations in place for Armed Forces personnel who are looking to obtain or upgrade their Manitoba driver’s licence.
Members of NATO forces visiting Manitoba, and their spouses, are exempt from the requirement to obtain a Class 5 Manitoba driver’s licence within three months of arrival, provided they maintain a valid driver’s licence from their home jurisdiction. When applying for a Manitoba driver’s licence, reciprocity will be granted to members of NATO Forces personnel and their family members (subject to proof of military and/or dependent status). Reciprocity allows for the exchange of a valid out-of-country licence for the equivalent Manitoba Class 5 or Class 6 licence without knowledge or road testing. Note that reciprocity is not available for driver’s licences from Denmark.
For members of the Canadian Armed Forces: if your Manitoba or out-of-province licence has lapsed, or was suspended for non-payment while you were actively serving, your military service record will be accepted to close the gap in your driver record. This will also be extended to your family members.
Obtaining a Manitoba licence
A Manitoba resident can use their DND 404 licence in classes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (including air brakes) to obtain a Manitoba driver’s licence. No additional testing is required.
Active members and members who have retired within the last two years require the following documents:
- DND Driver / Operator Proficiency Record showing:
- Member’s name and date of birth
- DND-404 Licence number
- Licence class(es) and air brake endorsement (if applicable)
- Restrictions
- Licence effective and expiry dates
- Licence status
- Other provincial driver’s licence details, if applicable
- Driver Qualification Letter:
- Dated within three months of applying (or within two years for retired members)
- Authorized and signed by approved DND personnel
- Confirms veteran held a valid, non-expired DND-404 licence
- Includes date of retirement from active service, if applicable
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Full physical medical report (Class 1, 2, 3, or 4):
- Signed and dated within six months by a physician
- Only required if an approved medical report is not already on file with MPI
Support Our Troops
Specialty licence plates are available for purchase through Autopac agents. Each set costs $70, with $30 going toward scholarships for military members and their families pursuing education in Manitoba.
Ontario Driver's Licence Equivalency for Military Members
- The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) recognizes DND 404 licences as equivalent to Class A, C, D, F, G and Z endorsements for retired or active Canadian Armed Forces members who are Ontario residents. Members must have held a DND 404 for at least two years to be eligible.
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MTO outlines four categories for applications:
- Current Military Members
- Retired Military Members
- Current or Retired Members with a civilian licence from another jurisdiction
- Current or Retired Members who have never held a civilian driver’s licence
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Required documentation:
- DND Driver Proficiency Record (including licence details and status)
- Driver Qualification Letter (Appendix 1)
- Cover Letter to MTO Deputy Registrar (Appendix 2)
- Full MTO medical report (Form SR-LC-80, dated within 6 months, at member's expense)
Current Military Members
- Must be an Ontario resident and meet proof of identity requirements
- Obtain documents listed in point 3
- Present current DND 404 and civilian licence if applicable
- DND qualifications must be no more than 3 years old
- Submit to DriveTest Centre or Service Ontario; temporary licence issued if approved
Retired Military Members (within 3 years)
- Same process as current members (except no need for current civilian licence)
- DND 404 must not have been suspended/revoked at time of surrender
Military Members with Civilian Licence from Another Jurisdiction
- Must first transfer to an Ontario licence
- Licence must be valid (not suspended/revoked)
- Then apply for equivalency (e.g., Class A, C, D, F with Air Brake if applicable)
Military Members Who Have Never Held a Civilian Licence
- May be eligible for a Class G if they’ve held a DND 404 for 2+ years
- Graduated licensing is waived
- Equivalency for Class A, C, D, or F licences available
Class Equivalencies
Appendix 3 outlines the equivalencies based on weight, capacity, air brakes, etc.
For questions, contact National Road and Vehicle Safety: 819-997-3044
Appendices:
Appendix 1 – Driver Qualification Letter
Appendix 2 – Cover Letter to MTO Registrar
Appendix 3 – Vehicle Equivalency Table
Documents to Obtain 404 Equivalency
The Canadian Armed Forces, through Strategic J4 Transportation, has an agreement and a directive that is established with each of the provinces and, although very similar, each of the provinces has its own directives. Below are all documents to apply for an equivalency for Ontario.
Quebec Driver’s Licence Equivalency for Military Members
On 2 June 2014, the Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), along with Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), signed an agreement allowing military members to obtain a Quebec civilian driver’s licence up to and including the equivalent class identified on their DND 404.
SAAQ recognizes Class 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B, and 4C, including Air Brakes, for current military members who are Quebec residents.
How to Apply
To obtain a Quebec licence, members must present the following at a local SAAQ office:
- A signed “demande d’équivalence” from an authorized DND/CAF representative (Appendix 1), dated within three months of the application.
- A current and valid DND 404 licence.
- A valid military ID card.
- A copy of the member’s DND Driver/Operator Proficiency Record.
Authorized Agents
There are currently five authorized agents in Quebec who may sign the “demande d’équivalence.” Each region has at least one approved agent. Contact your local Road & Vehicle (R&V) Safety Section to obtain the current list.
Appendix 1: Sample Application Letter
Road Safety SectionValcartier Garrison, Bldg 200, Room 265
PO Box 1000, Stn Forces
Courcelette, Québec G0A 4Z0
Reference: 1021-1 (Road Safety Officer 2 CDN DIV)
Date: January 2014
Letter Content
Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)
Application for Equivalency – Control Number: 2014-XXXX
This letter certifies that the applicant possesses a valid Canadian Armed Forces driver’s licence. Their driver data sheet includes:
- Name
- Given name
- Address
- Date of birth
- DND 404 licence number, class, restrictions, and qualifications
The applicant must provide both their military and/or provincial driver’s licence, military ID card, and a copy of their proficiency record.
Note: SAAQ may accept or deny the application. The equivalency remains valid for three months from issue and only while the applicant is an active CAF member.
Authorized Officials
Valcartier (Road Safety):
- Mario Gagnon – Tel: 418-844-5000 ext 6019 | Fax: 418-844-6634
- Denis Tremblay – Tel: 418-844-5000 ext 5868 | Fax: 418-844-6634
Montréal / St-Jean (Road Safety):
- Denis Cazabon – Tel: 514-252-2777 ext 4848 | Fax: 514-252-2050
- Denis Tremblay – Tel: 418-844-5000 ext 5868 | Fax: 418-844-6634
New Brunswick Driver’s Licence Equivalency for Military Members
New Brunswick Official News Release
Date: 04 May 2016
OROMOCTO (GNB) – Active and retired members of the Canadian military living in New Brunswick who hold a Department of National Defence (DND) 404 driver’s licence may obtain an equivalent New Brunswick commercial vehicle driver’s licence without additional training or testing.
This new measure, effective immediately, was developed with the support of Helmets to Hardhats Canada — a non-profit that partners with building trades organizations and provincial governments to support veterans and reservists with employment opportunities.
“Job creation is our top priority, and that begins with ensuring we have a labour force in New Brunswick that is ready to work,” said Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Stephen Horsman, the provincial government’s liaison with the military. “We are proud to partner with Helmets to Hardhats to assist our veterans in accessing career opportunities in the commercial trucking industry by transferring their military licensing qualifications.”
New Brunswick joins other provinces in implementing this licensing process to help current and former Canadian military members transition into the civilian workforce.
“To the many military personnel with driving qualifications who are transitioning to civilian life, this is an excellent opportunity,” said Lt.-Col. Adam Zima, commanding officer of the technical services branch at 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown. “It will make the transition from military service to the civilian workforce quicker and more affordable.”
How to Apply
- Visit a Service New Brunswick location to begin the process.
- Present a valid Class 5 New Brunswick driver’s licence (or equivalent from another province) and your DND 404 licence.
- The motor vehicle branch of the Department of Public Safety will issue an upgraded Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 licence once documentation is approved.
Note: Retired military members must have retired within the last two years to qualify for the upgrade.
“Although the skills, training and experience of members of the military are often viewed as first class, their qualifications are not commonly recognized in the civilian job market,” said Gregory Matte, executive director of Helmets to Hardhats. “Accreditation of the commercial class equivalents of the DND 404 licence in New Brunswick will provide great work opportunities for veterans and employers alike.”
No additional training or testing is required. Equivalencies are determined based on axle configuration, passenger capacity, and air brake status in coordination with the motor vehicle branch.
“We have been supportive of the work of both the provincial government and Helmets to Hardhats on this accreditation,” said Gary Ritchie, executive director of the New Brunswick Building Trades Council. “This opens the door to great opportunities for current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces and helps us find solutions to labour shortages in the commercial driving industry.”
Nova Scotia Official News Release
Registry of Motor Vehicle Changes Help Military Drivers Transition to Private Sector
Military Relations / Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal
April 20, 2016 – 10:11 AM
Service men and women will now be able to easily apply their military vehicle qualifications and training in the civilian workforce in Nova Scotia.
Anyone with a current Department of Defence 404 licence, which is required to operate various military vehicles, will no longer have to take tests to get the equivalent civilian licence.
"Nova Scotia has a proud military tradition and our workforce can benefit tremendously by tapping into the skills these men and women have developed during their careers in service to our country," said Premier Stephen McNeil. "Removing barriers for people returning to civilian life is a win-win for the individual and industry."
Examples of civilian vehicles service men and women can be licenced to drive include commercial transport trucks, buses, and motor coaches.
"This initiative is very important to the military personnel who are transiting to civilian life and have many driving-related skills and qualifications to transfer with them," said Capt. Chris Sutherland, Base Commander, Canadian Forces Base Halifax. "But it is more than the DND 404 qualification — our military people have attributes such as respect, discipline, organization, and leadership that are extremely valuable."
This new, simplified process applies to current military members and military members who have retired within the past three years.
Individuals can apply through any Access Nova Scotia location. Standard fees still apply.
The new policy is effective today, April 20, 2016.
If you are the holder of a DND 404 licence or have held a DND 404 licence (which is expired less than two years) you may be eligible to obtain an equivalent class of NL driver’s licence without written or road testing.
NL’s existing identification requirements, medical requirements, and applicable fees still apply.
Requirements:
Residency:
You must live in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Moving to the Province:
If you are moving to NL from another jurisdiction, you must surrender your previous driver's licence and an equivalent NL driver licence will be issued. You will be required to complete a driver’s licence application form and have your photo and signature updated. For further information go to http://www.servicenl.gov.nl.ca/drivers/DriversandVehicles/driverlicensing/application.html#12.
DND 404:
You are not required to surrender your DND 404 licence.
Testing and Training Waived:
Motor Registration Division (MRD) will waive Class 1, 2, 3, 4 and full non-GDL Class 5 knowledge and road test requirements for applicants who have been issued a DND-404 allowing for the operation of commercial and private passenger vehicles (must hold DND 404 for a minimum of 2 years), and issue an NL equivalent Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or full non-GDL Class 5 driver's licence provided the following conditions are met.
What do I need to do?
If you are the holder of a current DND 404 Licence you must complete an Upgrade Driver Application Qualification Form and submit along with a:
DND Driver Proficiency Record indicating:
- Member's name and date of birth
- DND-404 permit number
- Licence class(es) and, if applicable, air brake endorsement
- Restrictions
- Licence effective and expiry dates
- Licence status
- Confirmation that you are the holder of a current DND-404 Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 equivalent that is not expired, revoked, or suspended.
- Letter to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, Motor Registration Division, Services NL signed by the base or station Transportation Authority.
All documents submitted must be originals only.
(For Class(es) 1, 2, 3 and/or 4 Commercial Licences)
You must provide a current Driver Medical Examination (pdf) for Motor Registration Division dated within six months of upgrade application.
Where do I obtain the required forms?
The Driver Application Qualification Form, DND Driver Proficiency Record and the signed Letter to the Registrar may be obtained from your local Road and Vehicle (R&V) Safety Section DND Base or Station.
If you are a Veteran or Previous DND 404 Licence Holder:
The application date must not be greater than two years from the date of retirement from active service.
If you were the holder of a current DND 404 Licence you must complete an Upgrade Driver Application Qualification Form and submit along with a DND Driver Proficiency Record indicating:
Veteran DND Driver Proficiency Record should include:
- Member's name and date of birth
- DND-404 permit number
- Licence class(es) and, if applicable, air brake endorsement
- Restrictions
- Licence effective and expiry dates
- Licence status
- If you are a veteran, include the date of retirement from active military service and confirmation that you held a DND-404 class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 non-GDL driver's licence that was not expired, revoked or suspended at the time of surrender to the DND.
- Is currently dated within three months of applying for upgrade
- Is duly authorized and signed by approved DND personnel
- Letter to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, Motor Registration Division, Service NL signed by the base or station Transportation Authority.
All documents submitted must be originals only.
(For Class(es) 1, 2, 3 and/or 4 Commercial Licences)
You must provide a current Driver Medical Examination (pdf) for Motor Registration Division dated within six months of upgrade application.
Where do I obtain the required forms?
The Driver Application Qualification Form, DND Driver Proficiency Record and the signed Letter to the Registrar may be obtained from your local Road and Vehicle (R & V) Safety Section DND Base or Station.
Additional Information:
The Registrar of Motor Vehicles reserves the right to approve or deny any equivalency upgrade request. If you have a medical condition or any other condition that may affect your fitness and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, you may be required to undergo additional medical or practical examinations.
Phone (613) 238-2300
Toll-free: (855) 238-9707
72 Chamberlain Avenue
Ottawa, ON K1S 1V9
Hours of Operation
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