If you are preparing for Z Endorsement Renewal Ontario, make sure you follow the current process rather than older instructions that still refer to rewriting the air brake knowledge test.
Since September 1, 2023, Ontario has used an online Air Brakes Refresher Training module for renewal. After completing it, you need to take your Certificate of Completion and driver’s licence to a DriveTest Centre or Driver Certification Program organization. The separate air brake knowledge test is no longer required for renewal.
For Brampton commercial drivers, there is one important distinction. Renewing the Z endorsement and renewing an AZ, DZ or another commercial licence involve related but separate requirements. A commercial-class knowledge test may still apply even though the old air brake renewal test has been removed.
Key Takeaways
- Ontario now uses an online Air Brakes Refresher Training module for Z endorsement renewal instead of the previous air brake knowledge test.
- Complete the refresher module before going to DriveTest and keep your Certificate of Completion.
- Commercial Class A to F drivers still have separate commercial licence knowledge and vision test requirements.
- Z endorsement renewal is usually required every five years for drivers under 80.
- Drivers aged 80 and older must complete the online module and a practical air brake test each year.
How Z Endorsement Renewal Works in Ontario in 2026
A Z endorsement allows a driver to operate vehicles equipped with qualifying air brake systems in Ontario. Most large commercial vehicles use air brakes, which makes the endorsement relevant to many commercial drivers.
Ontario changed the renewal process in 2023. The current procedure focuses on completing the Ministry of Transportation Air Brakes Refresher Training module before visiting DriveTest.
| Renewal Requirement | Current Ontario Rule | Who It Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Air Brakes Refresher Training | Complete the online module before renewal | Drivers renewing a Z endorsement |
| Separate air brake knowledge test | No longer required at renewal | Z endorsement renewal |
| Certificate of Completion | Download or print after completing the module | Drivers completing the refresher |
| Commercial knowledge test | Still required where applicable | Class A, B, C, D, E and F drivers |
| Vision test | Required with commercial-class renewal | Class A, B, C, D, E and F drivers |
| Renewal frequency under age 80 | Usually every five years | Z endorsement holders under 80 |
| Age 80 and older | Online module and practical test each year | Z endorsement holders aged 80+ |
These requirements are based on current Government of Ontario and DriveTest information. Individual commercial licence circumstances can involve additional renewal requirements.
Steps to Renew Your Z Endorsement
1. Check Your Licence Before Starting
Have your Ontario driver’s licence available before accessing the refresher training.
The Ministry of Transportation’s training platform requires your driver’s licence as part of the process. When registering, use your full name as it appears on the licence so your training information can be matched correctly.
Commercial drivers should also check the expiry date printed on their licence instead of relying only on receiving a renewal notice.
2. Complete the Air Brakes Refresher Training
Go to the Ministry of Transportation Air Brakes Refresher Training platform and choose the module appropriate for your licence class.
For Class A or D licence holders, Ontario directs drivers to the refresher training designed for those licence classes.
The module is completed before visiting DriveTest. This is the major difference between the current process and older information about the Ontario air brake renewal test.
The official training platform currently requires identity verification. Drivers are asked to provide their name and email address and verify their identity using a photo of themselves and their driver’s licence.
3. Save Your Certificate of Completion
Once you finish the module, download or print your Certificate of Completion.
Do not treat completion of the online module as the end of the renewal process.
Ontario instructs drivers to bring either a digital or printed copy of the certificate along with their driver’s licence to a DriveTest Centre or Driver Certification Program organization.
4. Complete the In-Person Renewal Requirements
What happens at this stage depends partly on the class of licence you hold.
If you have a commercial Class A, B, C, D, E or F licence, Ontario requires a vision test and commercial-class knowledge test in person as part of the applicable commercial licence renewal process.
This is where drivers can easily misunderstand the current rules.
Do You Still Take an Air Brake Renewal Test in Ontario?
Not the former air brake knowledge test.
Ontario removed the separate air brake knowledge test from the Z renewal process as of September 1, 2023. It was replaced by the Air Brakes Refresher Training module.
That does not mean every commercial driver can renew without taking a knowledge test.
For example, an AZ or DZ driver can have two different requirements involved in the same renewal:
- The Z endorsement requirement is handled through the Air Brakes Refresher Training module.
- The commercial licence renewal can still require the applicable commercial-class knowledge test and vision test.
So if you see older information telling you to rewrite an air brake renewal test Ontario drivers previously completed, check the date and compare it with current Ministry of Transportation guidance.
Z Renewal Is Different From Getting a Z Endorsement for the First Time
Renewal should not be confused with applying for an air brake endorsement for the first time.
The refresher module exists for drivers who are renewing an existing endorsement. The Official Air Brake Handbook separately covers the knowledge and skills used when applying for an Air Brake Z Endorsement and preparing for the endorsement examination.
This matters when searching online because pages about first-time air brake training can contain tests and training requirements that do not describe the current renewal procedure.
If you already hold Z and your licence is approaching renewal, follow the renewal instructions that apply to your existing licence rather than assuming you need to repeat the original endorsement process.
How Often Do You Renew a Z Endorsement in Ontario?
For drivers under age 80, Ontario says air brake endorsement renewal is usually required every five years.
The word “usually” matters. Your individual driver’s licence record and renewal date determine when action is required.
Check the expiry information on your licence and any official renewal notice you receive rather than calculating a date based only on when you remember completing previous training.
Different Rules Apply at Age 80
Once a Z endorsement holder reaches age 80, Ontario requires the online learning module and a practical test each year to renew the endorsement.
This is different from the usual renewal process for someone under 80.
What If You Cannot Complete the Refresher Online?
The online module is the standard renewal route, but Ontario provides an alternative for drivers who cannot complete it online.
The Government of Ontario states that these drivers can visit a DriveTest Centre to complete the learning module in person.
This is useful to know before assuming that difficulty accessing the online system prevents you from renewing.
Commercial Drivers Should Check the 2026 Documentation Rules
There is another current requirement that can matter to AZ, DZ and other commercial drivers renewing their licences.
Starting May 11, 2026, DriveTest states that applicants for Class A, B, C, D, E or F licences must provide documentation verifying that Ontario is their primary place of residence, that their presence in Canada is legal and that they are eligible to work in Canada. DriveTest also states that people with temporary legal status may need additional documentation when renewing a commercial driver’s licence.
This is a commercial licence requirement, not a new part of the Air Brakes Refresher Training module itself.
Document requirements can depend on your status and licence situation. Check the current DriveTest acceptable-document guidance before visiting if this requirement applies to you.
Where Brampton Drivers Can Handle Their Renewal
Brampton’s DriveTest Centre moved in June 2026.
The current location listed by DriveTest is:
Shoppers World Mall
499 Main St. S., Unit 064
Brampton, ON L6Y 1N7
DriveTest currently lists commercial A, B, C, D, E, F and Z testing among the services available at the Brampton centre.
For someone who needs to renew Z endorsement Ontario requirements from Brampton, the practical sequence is to complete the required refresher module first and then attend the appropriate renewal location with the required documentation and Certificate of Completion.
Centre information and operating arrangements can change, so checking DriveTest before travelling is sensible.
Avoid These Renewal Mistakes
Following an Older Air Brake Test Process
Information published before or shortly after the September 2023 change may still describe an air brake knowledge test at renewal.
Use current Ontario information when preparing.
Confusing the Z Test With Your Commercial Knowledge Test
The removal of the air brake knowledge test does not remove the applicable commercial-class knowledge test for Class A to F licence renewal.
Completing the Module but Forgetting the Certificate
You need the Certificate of Completion for the next stage of the renewal process. Keep a digital copy or print it before going to DriveTest.
Waiting Until Your Commercial Licence Has Expired
Expiry can make renewal more complicated.
DriveTest warns commercial drivers to renew well before expiry. Requirements for an expired commercial licence vary according to how long it has been invalid and can include additional testing or reapplication requirements.
FAQs
Is there still a written Z renewal test in Ontario?
The separate air brake knowledge test is no longer required when renewing a Z endorsement. Since September 1, 2023, Ontario has used the Air Brakes Refresher Training module instead. Commercial Class A to F drivers can still have a separate commercial-class knowledge test as part of their licence renewal.
Can I complete the entire Z endorsement renewal online?
No. The refresher training can be completed online, but Ontario instructs drivers to take their Certificate of Completion and driver’s licence to a DriveTest Centre or Driver Certification Program organization to proceed with renewal.
What do I need after completing the refresher module?
Download or print your Certificate of Completion. Bring the digital or printed certificate and your driver’s licence when completing the next stage of renewal.
Do AZ and DZ drivers still take a knowledge test at renewal?
Ontario states that holders of commercial Class A, B, C, D, E or F licences need to complete the applicable commercial-class knowledge test and vision test in person. This is separate from the old air brake knowledge test, which has been removed from Z endorsement renewal.
How often is Z Endorsement Renewal Ontario required?
For people under 80, Ontario says renewal is usually required every five years. Drivers aged 80 and older must complete the online learning module and practical test each year to renew the endorsement.
What if I cannot take the Air Brakes Refresher Training online?
Ontario says drivers who are unable to complete the module online can visit a DriveTest Centre to complete the learning module in person.
Keep Your Renewal Based on Current Ontario Requirements
The main change drivers need to understand is simple. Renewing a Z endorsement no longer means rewriting the old air brake knowledge test. Complete the current Air Brakes Refresher Training module, keep your Certificate of Completion and follow the remaining requirements that apply to your licence class.
For Brampton AZ and DZ drivers, pay particular attention to the difference between the Z refresher requirement and the separate commercial licence renewal requirements. Checking your licence expiry date, documents and current DriveTest instructions before starting can help you prepare for the correct process.
