TORONTO — The Ontario government said on Monday it is making it easier for Canadian military personnel and veterans to exchange their military driver’s license for a number of Ontario driver’s licenses.

Starting July 1, Department of National Defence (DND) 404 military driver’s permits will become recognized equivalents for a number of Ontario commercial and passenger licenses.

The change comes after the province said completed an extensive review of DND licensing standards, which showed that military training and testing requirements meet or exceed Ontario’s license testing standards.

“For us at Trucking HR Canada, transitioning military personnel bring relevant and extensive experience that the trucking industry can certainly benefit from,” said Angela Splinter, CEO of Trucking HR Canada.

Allowing military personnel and veterans to use their DND 404 permits will reduce time associated with obtaining commercial licenses required for employment in sectors such as the trades, according to the Ontario government.

The province will waive knowledge and road tests for those with a DND 404 driver’s permit, but will still require applicants to complete a vision test, meet medical standards, satisfy identification requirements and pay a fee.

“Ontario is proud to support the brave men and women who dedicate themselves to serving and protecting our country. We’re honored to stand with organizations like Helmets to Hardhats and help serving members and veterans transition to civilian life and employment,” said Ontario Minister of Transportation. 

Manitoba and Quebec already recognize the DND 404 permit for license equivalency.

“Canada’s servicemen and women give so much in the service of our country, standing on guard to defend the values we cherish and the freedoms we covet, willingly putting themselves in harm’s way when called upon. They deserve every advantage that we can accord them. This will go a long way toward helping them transition to civilian careers,” said Hugh Laird, vice-chair of the board of directors for Helmets to Hardhats, a non-profit that helps military service people transition to a civilian career.