404 by Province

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. Specific information and cover letter for this province available upon request to support@helmetstohardhats.ca

Insurance Corporation of British Columbia website

Effective JAN 25 2016

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.

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. Specific information and cover letter for this province available upon request to support@helmetstohardhats.ca

News release

Effective February 1 2016

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.

Alberta Transportation

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. Specific information and cover letter for this province available upon request to support@helmetstohardhats.ca

1.       The Alberta Ministry of Transportation (MOT) and DND / CAF have established guidelines for the licence class upgrade of the Alberta licence based on DND credentials to assist retired and active Canadian Armed Forces members to transition to civilian employment and career opportunities. Alberta MOT will recognize Class 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 (non GDL) plus Air Brake endorsement equivalent DND 404 licences for retired or current military members who are Alberta residents only. In order to be eligible for licence upgrade, current and retired service members must have held a DND 404 for at least two years. CAF / retired members, who do not hold or cannot obtain a full Class 5 equivalent licence, are not eligible for licence upgrade.

2.    Alberta MOT has outlined the application process for members under the following four categories:        
a.   Current Military members;
b.   Retired Military members;
c.   Current or Retired military members who hold a civilian driver’s licence from another jurisdiction;
d.   Current or Retired military members who have never held a civilian driver’s licence.

DOCUMENTATION
3.       The Alberta MOT requires the military member to produce the following supporting documentation to qualify for an Alberta civilian driver’s licence or to upgrade their Alberta civilian driver’s licence:
a.   DND Driver Proficiency Record including member’s name and date of birth, DND 404 licence number, licence classes and air brake endorsement (if applicable), restrictions, licence effective and expiry dates, licence status (not revoked, or suspended) and provincial driver’s licence number (if applicable);
b.   Driver Qualification Letter (Appendix 1). Letter must be signed by approved personnel whose names have been submitted in writing to Alberta MOT.
c.   Letter to the Alberta MOT Registrar of Motor Vehicles signed by the Transportation Authority (named in writing to Alberta MOT) (Appendix 2);
d.   A full Driver’s Medical Examination Report (Class 1, 2, and 4) form signed and dated within six months by a board certified physician.

CURRENT MILITARY MEMBERS
4.       The process for currently serving military members is as follows:
a.   Proceed to the local R&V safety section to obtain documentation as outlined in para 3 a-c;
b.   Be prepared to present a full Alberta Class 5 driver’s licence (if applicable) or an equivalent licence issued by another jurisdiction (if applicable);
c.   Present your DND 404 licence to confirm licence currency;
d.   Driver Qualification letter (application form) must be signed within six months of the date you apply for licence or for licence upgrade;
e.   Once all documents have been signed and stamped by R&V safety personnel, R&V Safety will send the complete package to Driver Programs and Licensing Standards (DPLS) for review. (NOTE: this secondary review is only required for applications prior to 01 November 2015. Applications processed after this date may skip this step);
f.     Once the secondary review is complete, DPLS will send all original documentation back to the local R&V safety section for return to the applicant. (NOTE: Following 01 November 2015, this step may be skipped with all documentation directly returned by R&V safety section to applicant upon review and authentication);
g.   Present all required documentation (including medical report) to an Alberta Registry Agent for licence upgrade. Registry Agent applies the upgrade for Classes 1, 2, 3 or 4 to the applicants file and ensures that the applicant is medically eligible for licensing upon review of the Driver’s Medical Examination Report.
h.   All documents sent to DPLS or presented to Alberta Registry Agents must be originals only. Copies will not be accepted for upgrade purposes.

RETIRED MILITARY MEMBERS (RETIRED WITHIN TWO YEARS OF APPLICATION)
5.       In order to be eligible for licence upgrade, the member must be retired within two years from the date of application. All applications must include confirmation that the member’s 404 and qualifications were not suspended or revoked at the time of DND 404 surrender, confirm that the member held a DND 404 for a minimum of two (2) years, and identify the official date of release from the CAF. The process for upgrade is the same as para 4 (minus para 4c), as long as the requisite timelines are honoured.

CURRENT / RETIRED MILITARY MEMBERS WHO HOLD A CIVILIAN DRIVER’S LICENCE FROM ANOTHER JURISDICTION
6.       If the retired or currently serving member holds a minimum full Class 5 equivalent driver’s licence from another jurisdiction, the member must transfer to an Alberta licence prior to upgrade. This transfer is a separate process to the licence upgrade. The process for transfer and upgrade is as follows:
a.   The member must be an Alberta resident and comply with Alberta proof of identity and residency requirements;
b.   If the member’s licence was issued in a jurisdiction with which Alberta has a reciprocal agreement, the Licence may be exchanged to the Alberta equivalent without testing;
c.   Members whose provincial / territorial licence is suspended or revoked will not be eligible for licence upgrade;
d.   The Class 5 Alberta driver’s licence may then be upgraded to a Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 licence with Air Brake endorsement (if applicable) IAW para 4.

CURRENT OR RETIRED MILITARY MEMBERS WHO HAVE NEVER HELD A CIVILIAN DRIVER’S LICENCE
7.       In limited circumstances, military members who do not have a civilian PDL, may obtain a DND 404 by virtue of completion of professional driver training, the LFC Driver Wheeled or the Basic Driver Training Course. If the retired or currently serving military member has never held a Civilian Driver’s Licence, they may still apply for upgrade IAW with the following:
a.   The member must be an Alberta resident and comply with Alberta’s proof of identity and residency requirements;
b.   Members who have held a DND 404 for two years or more will be eligible for a full Class 5 licence and Graduated Driver Licence requirements will not apply.
c.   Once a full Class 5 licence has been obtained, the full Class 5 Alberta Driver’s licence may then be upgraded to a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4 licence with Air Brake endorsement (if applicable) IAW para 4.

ALBERTA CIVILIAN CLASS / DND 404 QUALIFICATION EQUIVELENCIES
8.       Appendix 3 outlines the vehicle types available for Alberta Licence upgrade and their Equivalent Civilian Class. Equivalencies have been determined in coordination with the Alberta MOT and are determined by gross weight, curb weight, cylinders, axles, passenger capacity and Air Brake Status.

9.       Questions on this procedure may be directed to D Tn 2-5 National Road and Vehicle Safety, 819-997-3044
Appendix 1 - Driver Qualification Letter
Appendix 2 - Letter to the MOT Registrar of Motor Vehicles
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. Specific information and cover letter for this province available upon request to support@helmetstohardhats.ca

SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance)

Current and recently retired military members can apply to exchange their militarydriving 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.

Step1: 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.

Step2: 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.

Step3: Once all documentation has been completed, confirmed and signed by an authorized Road and Vehicle Safety representative, present all required documentation to yourlocal motor license issuer, and apply for the appropriate class of Saskatchewan driver’s licence.

Contact: DriverDevelopment 1-800-667-5111 (tollfree)

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. Specific information and cover letter for this province available upon request to support@helmetstohardhats.ca

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 that 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 exchange of a valid out-of-country licence for the equivalent Manitoba Class 5 or Class 6 licence without knowledge testing 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 if the licence was suspended for non-payment while you were actively serving, the military service record will be accepted to close the gap in the 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 these documents to receive a licence:
DND Driver / Operator Proficiency Record which indicates:

- Member’s name and date of birth
- DND-404 Licence number
- Licence class(es), and air brake endorsement (if applicable)
- Restrictions
- Licence effective & expiry dates
- Licence status
- If applicable, other provincial driver’s licence number, licence class & expiry date
Driver Qualification Letter: - Dated within three months of applying for a Manitoba licence. For retired members, the letter can be dated within two years of applying for a Manitoba licence.
- Authorized & signed by approved DND personnel.
- Confirms the veteran held a DND-404 class 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 driver’s licence that was not expired, revoked, or suspended at the time of surrender to DND (for retired personnel).
- Includes the date of retirement from active military service (if applicable).
A full physical medical report for a class 1, 2, 3, or 4 driver’s licence signed and dated within six months by a physician, if an approved medical report is not already on file with MPI.

Support our Troops
Specialty licence plates are available for sale through Autopac agents. A set of the new plates will cost $70, with $30 of each purchase going towards educational scholarships for qualifying military members, their spouses, partners or children planning to study in Manitoba. More information is available here.

DriveTest Ontario website

1.       The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) and DND / CAF have established guidelines for the licence class equivalency of the Ontario licence based on DND credentials to assist retired and active Canadian Armed Forces members to transition to civilian employment and career opportunities. MTO will recognize Class A, C, D, F, Gand Z endorsement equivalent DND 404 licences for retired or current military members who are Ontario residents only. In order to be eligible for licence equivalency, current and retired service members must have held a DND 404 for at least two years. CAF / retired members, who have not held a DND 404 for at least two years are not eligible for licence equivalency. Members are not required to hold individual vehicle qualifications for two years or more to apply for the equivalent provincial driver’s licence class.

2.       MTO has outlined the application process for members under the following four categories:
            a. Current Military members;
            b. Retired Military members;
            c. Current or Retired military members who hold a civilian driver’s licence from another jurisdiction;
            d. Current or Retired military members who have never held a civilian driver’s licence.

DOCUMENTATION
3.       MTO requires the military member to produce the following supporting documentation to qualify for an Ontario civilian driver’s licence:
            a. DND Driver Proficiency Record including member’s name and date of birth, DND 404 licence number, licence classes and air brake endorsement (if applicable), restrictions, licence effective and expiry dates, licence status (not revoked, or suspended) and provincial driver’s licence number (if applicable);
            b. Driver Qualification Letter (Appendix 1). Letter must be signed by approved personnel whose names have been submitted in writing to MTO.
            c. Letter to the MTO’s Deputy Registrar of Motor Vehicles signed by the Transportation Authority (named in writing to MTO) (Appendix 2);
            d. A full MTO medical report form SR-LC-80 form signed and dated within six months by a physician/specialist or nurse practitioner and will be at member own expense. This form may be obtained from any Ontario DriveTest Centre or Service Ontario College Park (Toronto).
                        (1) The military member is responsible for the cost of the MTO medical report and;
                        (2) DND medical facilities are not mandated for this service.

CURRENT MILITARY MEMBERS
4.       The process for currently serving military members is as follows:
            a. The member must be an Ontario resident and comply with Ontario proof of identity requirements;
            b. Proceed to the local R&V safety section to obtain documentation as outlined in para 3 a-c;
            c. Be prepared to present a full Ontario Class G driver’s licence (if applicable) or an equivalent licence issued by another jurisdiction (if applicable);
            d. Present your DND 404 licence. Individual vehicle qualifications are eligible for licence equivalency provided that they are no more than three years out of date;
            e. Driver Qualification letter (application form) must be signed within six months of the date you  apply for licence or for licence equivalency;
            f. Present all required documentation (including medical report) to a DriveTest Centre or Service Ontario College Park (Toronto) for a new licence. If approved, a temporary licence will be issued at the time of application provided that identification, medical and vision standards are met, and all applicable licensing fees are paid. The permanent licence will be sent to the  member’s mailing address in approximately four to six weeks.

RETIRED MILITARY MEMBERS (RETIRED WITHIN THREE YEARS OF APPLICATION)
5.       In order to be eligible for licence equivalency, the member must be retired within three years from the date of application. All applications must include confirmation that the member’s 404 and qualifications were not suspended or revoked at the time of DND 404 surrender, and identify the official date of release from the CAF. The process for equivalency is the same as para 4 (minus para 4c), as long as the requisite timelines are honoured. Vehicle qualifications are eligible for licence equivalency provided that they are no more than three years out of date at the time of application.

CURRENT / RETIRED MILITARY MEMBERS WHO HOLD A CIVILIAN DRIVER’S LICENCE FROM ANOTHER JURISDICTION
6.       If the retired or currently serving member holds a minimum full Class G equivalent driver’s licence from another jurisdiction, the member must transfer to an Ontario licence prior to equivalency. This transfer is a separate process to licence equivalency but will be affected at the same time. The process for transfer and equivalency is as follows:
            a. The member must be an Ontario resident and comply with Ontario proof of identity requirements;
            b. If the member’s licence was issued in another jurisdiction , the Licence must be exchanged to   the Ontario equivalent;
            c. Members whose provincial / territorial licence is suspended or revoked will not be eligible for licence equivalency;
            d. The Ontario driver’s licence may then be given equivalency to a Class A, C, D, or F licence with Air Brake endorsement (if applicable) IAW para 4 as per qualifications on the DND 404.

CURRENT OR RETIRED MILITARY MEMBERS WHO HAVE NEVER HELD A CIVILIAN DRIVER’S LICENCE
7.       In limited circumstances, military members who do not have a civilian PDL, may obtain a DND 404 by virtue of completion of professional driver training, the LFC Driver Wheeled or the Basic Driver Training Course. If the retired or currently serving military member has never held a Civilian Driver’s Licence, they may still apply for equivalency IAW with the following:
            a. The member must be an Ontario resident and comply with Ontario’s proof of identity requirements;
            b. Members who have held a DND 404 for two years or more will be eligible for a full Class G licence and Graduated Driver Licence requirements will not apply.
            c. The Ontario driver’s licence may then be given equivalency to a Class A, C, D, or F licence with Air Brake endorsement (if applicable) IAW para 4 as per qualifications on the DND 404.

ONTARIO CIVILIAN CLASS / DND 404 QUALIFICATION EQUIVELENCIES
8.       Appendix 3 outlines the vehicle types available for Ontario Licence equivalency and their Equivalent Civilian Class. Equivalencies have been determined in coordination with MTO and are determined by gross weight, curb weight, cylinders, axles, passenger capacity and Air Brake Status.
9.       Questions on this procedure may be directed to D Tn 2-5 National Road and Vehicle Safety, 819-997-3044
Appendix 1 - Driver Qualification Letter
Appendix 2 - Letter to the MTO Deputy Registrar of Motor Vehicles
Appendix 3 – Vehicle Equivalency Table