What License is Needed to Drive an RV in Ontario (2026)

Looking to rent or purchase an RV? Maybe you are wondering what license you will need to drive it?

The good news is, that only a standard license is needed to drive most RVs in Ontario.

While we really didn’t have any concerns when we bought our tiny Teardrop Trailer, I’m sure those looking to purchase larger rigs may have questions.

Want to learn more? Let’s jump right in!

License Needed to Drive an RV in Ontario – Quick Facts

If you are short on time, here are some of the quick facts covered in this article:

Drivers must have a full G licence, not a G1 or G2 to tow a trailer
Class G drivers can drive or tow travel trailers, Fifth Wheels, or Class A, B, and C motorhomes provided they do not have airbrakes
Z Endorsement needed for motorhomes with airbrakes
A Class A license is needed for an RV pulling a trailer exceeding 4,600 Kg or to double tow.
If you comply with the licensing requirements in your home province, then you can drive that RV in other Canadian provinces as well as in the US.
You can drive an RV with a European Class B license in Canada

Do You Need a Special License to Drive an RV in Ontario?

In Ontario, you don’t need a special license to drive most RVs.

According to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, someone holding a Class G license can drive “any car, van or small truck or combination of vehicle and towed vehicle up to 11,000 kg provided the towed vehicle is not over 4,600 kg.”

Nellie with Our Tow Vehicle in a parking lot

This covers the majority of RVs that are popular among families and travellers.

However, if you’re driving a larger vehicle that exceeds these limits or has air brakes, you might need a different class of license.

What is the Standard Driver’s License in Ontario?

The standard driver’s license in Ontario is the Class G license. It’s the most common license type, allowing you to drive passenger vehicles, vans, and small trucks.

The Class G license is a full driver’s license.

It is obtained after progressing through a graduated licensing system, which starts with a G1 (a written test) and moves to a G2 (a road test) before reaching the full G status.

With a Class G license, you are allowed to drive on all Ontario roads at any time.

What Type of RV Can You Drive with a Standard Driver’s License?

With a standard Class G driver’s license in Ontario, you can drive or tow a wide range of RVs without needing any special endorsements.

Sibbald Point Park - Handicapped Parking spot at the registration office

These RVs and motorhomes include:

Travel Trailers, pop-up campers, Teardrop trailers
Class A Motorhomes (Airbrake excluded)
Class B Motorhomes
Class C Motorhomes
Fifth Wheel

Are There Any Exceptions to Driving an RV or Motorhome with a Standard License?

Yes, there are exceptions to driving an RV or motorhome with a standard Class G license in Ontario. Here’s what you need to know:

Driving a Vehicle Above 11,000 Kilograms: If you plan on driving a large RV or motorhome that weighs more than 11,000 kilograms (or 24,251 pounds), you can’t drive it with a standard G license. For these heavier vehicles, a Class D license is required.
Air Brakes: If the RV or motorhome is equipped with air brakes, regardless of its weight, you’ll need a Z endorsement on your license to operate it legally in Ontario.

What is the RV Exemption in Ontario?

Fifth Wheel Class G Exemption

The Fifth Wheel Class G Exemption in Ontario allows drivers with a standard Class G license to tow fifth-wheel trailers weighing more than 4,600 kilograms with a pick-up truck.

This is provided the combined weight of the trailer and the towing vehicle does not exceed 11,000 kilograms.

Fifth Wheel Trailer being towed by pick-up truck

This exemption is specifically for personal use, allowing people to tow larger fifth-wheel trailers without needing a commercial or higher-class license.

The exemption makes it really easy for people wanting a larger RV to be able to tow it without the need for additional licensing.

However, the exemption does not apply if the combined weight exceeds 11,000 kilograms. Then a higher class of license is required.

What Are Air Brakes?

Air brakes are a type of braking system commonly used in larger vehicles, including buses, trucks, and some RVs.

Unlike the conventional hydraulic brakes found in most passenger cars, air brakes use compressed air to create the force necessary to stop the vehicle.

This system is particularly effective for heavier vehicles because it can generate a much stronger braking force and is more reliable over long distances or with heavy loads.

That said, air brakes operate differently than hydraulic brakes.

This is why you will need an air brake endorsement added to your standard driver’s license to drive a motorhome weighing over 11,000 kilograms (24,250 pounds).

Can You Drive an RV in Both Canada and the United States?

Yes, you can drive an RV in both Canada and the United States with a standard driver’s license.

As long as you comply with the specific licensing requirements in your home province, then you are good to drive that RV in other Canadian provinces as well as in the US.

Nellie and our Tow Vehicle at Turkey Point

For example, because I can tow my Teardrop Trailer in Ontario with a Class G license, I will be able to do the same in any other Canadian province I travel to, as well as any state in the US.

Can I Drive an RV in Ontario if I Have an International License?

Yes, you can drive an RV in Ontario with an international driver’s license.

Of course, this is provided your license is valid and allows you to operate a similar type of vehicle in your home country.

Ontario recognizes valid driver’s licenses from other countries for short-term visitors.

However, if your international license is not in the Latin alphabet, or is not in English in French, it’s recommended that you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well. This is because an IDP actually serves as a translation of your original license.

Remember, the type of RV you can drive with your international license should align with the vehicle class your license permits in your home country.

What Type of License is Needed to Rent an RV in Canada?

To rent an RV in Canada, you typically need a valid driver’s license that allows you to drive a passenger vehicle in your home country or province.

For most renters, a standard Class G driver’s license (or its equivalent) is sufficient.

This is because the majority of RVs available for rent fall within the weight and size limits that can be operated with a regular driver’s license.

Nellie and our Highlander at Presquile Provincial Park

However, some rental agencies might have additional requirements:

Age Requirements: Many rental companies require drivers to be a certain age, often 21 or 25, and might impose additional fees for drivers under a certain age.
Valid License: Your license must be valid for the entire rental period. If you’re from a country where the driver’s license is not in English or French, you might be required to present an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Credit Card: A credit card in the driver’s name is usually required for a security deposit.
Insurance: You’ll need to have insurance coverage, which can sometimes be provided by the rental agency.

Can I Rent an RV in Canada with a European Driver’s License?

Yes, you can rent an RV in Canada with a European Class B driver’s license.

Swiss residents must have a pink license.

Rental companies will accept European driver’s licenses only if:

The license uses the Latin alphabet.
The driver has had their driver’s license for at least 12 months.

If your European license does not use the Latin alphabet, you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Can I Rent an RV in Canada with an International Driving Permit?

Yes. Rental companies typically accept International Driving Permits (IDP) if the person’s license is not in English or French, or does not use the Latin alphabet.

However, if you are using an IDP, keep in mind that you must ALWAYS have the original license from your country in your possession.

A rental company will not accept an IDP without your original license. This means that you will not be able to pick up your RV without both in hand!

Final Thoughts

For the most part, you can get away with only having a standard Class G license to drive an RV in Ontario.

This makes hitting the road with your home-on-wheels much more accessible than you might think.

Of course, we would totally recommend double-checking the requirements if you’re renting or if you’re planning to drive a larger or more specialized RV.

Hopefully, we have answered all your licensing questions, and you can now feel free to hit Ontario’s roads for a fantastic RV adventure.

License is Needed to Drive an RV in Ontario – FAQs

Rondeau Provincial Park - Nellie on the campground road

Can I drive an RV with a G2 in Ontario?

No. Only a person holding a full G license can tow or drive an RV in Ontario.

Do I need insurance for an RV in Ontario?

Yes, you need insurance for an RV in Ontario, as it is legally required for all motor vehicles to have a minimum level of liability insurance coverage.

What is a Class A restricted license in Ontario?

A Class A restricted license in Ontario allows drivers to operate a motor vehicle and towed vehicle where the towed vehicle exceeds a total gross weight of 4,600 kilograms (10,141 lbs), but the combined weight of the vehicle and towed vehicle does not exceed 11,000 kilograms (24,250 lbs).

Can you rent an RV on a G2 license?

No. Most rental companies will not allow you to rent an RV if you do not have a full Class G license.