Licence rules for towing and RVs

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain what the 4,600 kg towing limit means and how to measure trailer weight.
• You can say what Ontario's Class G allows and when Class D or Class A is needed.
• You can describe BC's house trailer endorsement and when a Class 1 licence is needed.
• You can explain why air brakes on a trailer or tow vehicle change the licence you need.
• You can check your own province's rules before buying a large trailer or RV.

What you need to know and understand

• Ontario Class G covers a vehicle and towed vehicle up to 11,000 kg combined, as long as the towed vehicle is not over 4,600 kg; G1, G2 and G drivers may tow within this.
• Ontario's Class D with an RV restriction lets you drive a recreational vehicle of any weight, but no other Class D vehicles.
• In BC, a Class 5 or 7 licence lets you tow a recreational trailer up to 4,600 kg GVW; heavier needs an upgrade such as the house trailer endorsement.
• BC's house trailer endorsement needs a knowledge test, a learner's licence for practice and a road test, but no commercial medical.
• In BC, if the trailer is over 4,600 kg and either unit has air brakes, you need a Class 1 licence.
• In Saskatchewan, a Class 5 driver may tow a unit of 4,600 kg or less; a heavier towed unit needs Class 1.
• Ontario does not allow anyone to ride in a trailer, including a house or boat trailer, while it is being towed.
• In Ontario it is illegal to tow more than one trailer behind a non-commercial vehicle.

Weighing what you actually tow

Licence limits use the gross vehicle weight (GVW) of the trailer, meaning the trailer plus everything in it. ICBC advises weighing the trailer fully loaded at a weigh scale, with water and propane tanks full and your trip gear on board. A camper that looks light on the sales sheet can go over the limit once loaded.

Remember that the tow vehicle's own towing capacity, set by the manufacturer, is a separate limit. You must stay within both.

Province by province

• Ontario: Class G for combinations up to 11,000 kg with a towed vehicle up to 4,600 kg. Above that, Class D (for a heavy truck towing up to 4,600 kg) or Class A (for heavier towed units). Restricted Class A covers smaller combinations such as recreational, horse or utility trailers, but not air-braked trailers. Any air-braked vehicle needs the Z endorsement.
• British Columbia: up to 4,600 kg on Class 5 or 7. Over 4,600 kg without air brakes, the house trailer endorsement (code 07) for recreational trailers. Air brakes with a trailer up to 4,600 kg need an air brake endorsement; over 4,600 kg with air brakes needs Class 1. These BC trailer rules are for towed trailers, not motorhomes.
• Saskatchewan: Class 5 may tow up to 4,600 kg; heavier towed units need Class 1.
• Other provinces and territories: thresholds are often similar but not identical, so check your licensing office.

Before you buy

1. Find the trailer's loaded weight rating (GVWR) and the tow vehicle's towing capacity in the owner's manual.
2. Check whether either vehicle has air brakes.
3. Compare those figures with your province's licence rules.
4. If you need an endorsement or class, book training and tests before your first trip.
5. If you are a new driver, check any graduated licence conditions that apply while towing.

Common mistakes

• Using the trailer's empty weight instead of its loaded weight.
• Assuming a large motorhome is covered by the same rules as a towed trailer.
• Forgetting that air brakes on either unit can change the licence needed.
• Relying on a dealer's advice instead of checking with the licensing office.

Test yourself: Licence rules for towing and RVs

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Canadian driving licence glossary
• How to Get a Driver’s Licence in the NWT
• Can new drivers tow a trailer in Canada? Rules by licence