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 .
Provincial info below Verified Jan 2026
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia website
If you are a retired or active Canadian Armed Forces member who holds, or has held, a Department of National Defence driver’s licence (DND 404), you can have testing requirements waived for the equivalent B.C. licences.
You still need to meet B.C.'s identification, vision, and medical standards, and pay all applicable licensing fees. Your DND 404 licence is eligible for the following equivalent B.C. licences:
• Class 5 or 7 or
• Commercial class 1, 2, 3 or 4*
If you no longer hold a DND 404 licence, you might still be eligible if your DND 404 was in good standing at the time of surrender.
How to waive testing requirements
You must be an active member or have been retired for less than three years. You also need to provide three required documents, listed below. Contact your DND Road Safety Representative at your current or former base for help with obtaining these documents:
• cover letter (signed and on DND colour letterhead),
• an application form (signed and dated within three months of applying) and
• the proficiency record.
Book an appointment to have the application reviewed and processed at an ICBC driver licensing office. You’ll need to bring your completed documents to the appointment. If you hold a DND 404 licence when you apply, you don't need to surrender it.
*If you want to get a commercial class B.C. licence, you'll receive a Driver Medical Examination form. You'll have 45 days to complete and submit the form.
If you want to upgrade to a commercial class licence that is not equivalent to your DND 404 licence, you'll need to take additional testing and provide a driving record. You may also need to complete B.C.'s Class 1 MELT course.
Visit the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia website for more information.
Yukon Government may waive Class 1, 2, 4, and full non-GDL Class 5 knowledge and road test requirements for applicants issued a DND 404, provided specific conditions are met.
To qualify, applicants must provide:
-
DND Driver/Operator Proficiency Record indicating:
- 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
-
Driver Qualification Letter:
- Issued by DND authenticating the proficiency record
- Dated within three months of application
- Confirms highest licence class qualified
- Includes retirement date for veterans (if applicable)
- Application must be within two years of retirement (veterans)
- Current Medical Examination dated within six months
- Approval is at the discretion of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles
To exchange a DND 404 licence for an Alberta licence, members or veterans must contact the Road Safety Representative at their current or former base. The application is forwarded to Alberta Transportation for processing.
Applicants must attend a registry agent office to receive a duplicate or renewed licence and pay all applicable fees.
If the applicant has never held an Alberta or reciprocal licence, a Class 7 learner’s licence may be issued until driving history is confirmed.
For more information, call 1-866-989-6370.
No current webpage or information available. Saskatchewan licensing office has been contacted.
Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation website
Manitoba residents may use an equivalent DND 404 licence to obtain a Manitoba Class 1–5 licence without additional testing.
Required documents include:
- DND Driver/Operator Proficiency Record
- Driver Qualification Letter (dated within required timeframe)
- Medical examination (if applicable)
Visit the Manitoba Public Insurance website for more information.
Ontario Driver's Licence Equivalency for Military Members
Active and retired members with DND 404 permits may have testing waived for equivalent Ontario licences (Classes A, C, D, F, G, and Z).
Applicants must meet identification, vision, medical standards, and provide required documentation at DriveTest.
Additional medical forms may be required for controlled classes.
Visit the DriveTest website for more information.
Quebec Driver’s Licence Equivalency for Military Members
No current webpage or information available. Quebec licensing office has been contacted.
New Brunswick Driver’s Licence Equivalency for Military Members
New Brunswick Official News Release
Active and retired military members may obtain an equivalent New Brunswick commercial licence without additional testing.
Applicants must visit a Service New Brunswick location and present the required documentation.
Read the official news release for more information.
Nova Scotia Official News Release
DND 404 licence holders may exchange their licence by providing required DND documentation, a medical examination (if applicable), and paying standard fees.
For more information, call 1-800-898-7668.
DND 404 licence holders may obtain an equivalent NL licence without written or road testing, provided eligibility conditions are met.
Original documentation and medical examinations may be required depending on licence class.
Visit the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador website for more information.
Phone (613) 238-2300
Toll-free: (855) 238-9707
72 Chamberlain Avenue
Ottawa, ON K1S 1V9
Hours of Operation
0900 - 1600h EST