Blog Post

Hours of Service Course

  • By Ish Singh
  • 05 Feb, 2020

Everyone feels a little tired at their job every now and then, but as a commercial truck driver getting overtired can be dangerous or even deadly. That’s why Departments of Transportation enforce strict hours of service regulations that must be adhered to and recorded while you are on the job.

Hours of Service (HOS) regulations are not complicated, but they are something you must thoroughly understand as a truck driver. Since most North American drivers drive in both Canada and the United States, it is important that you are in compliance with the regulations of each jurisdiction.

Trukademy’s Hours of Service Course will help you comply with these regulations.

Driving in Canada

While driving in Canada, there are two duty cycles that you need to be aware of. These are a 70 hour in 7 days cycle (Cycle 1) and a 120 in 14 days cycle (Cycle 2). When you record your hours, it is important to declare which of these cycles you are working on. In Cycle 1, you may not log more than 70 hours in a 7 day period. When using Cycle 2, you many not log more than 120 hours in a 14 day period. Furthermore, on Cycle 2, you must take a 24 hour off-duty period after accumulated 70 hours on-duty.

Hours of Service Regulations also specify the guidelines that you need to follow for daily driving as well as for switching between cycles.

Driving in the United States

The Hours of Service rules for driving in the United States are simpler than those of driving in Canada but they are stricter. For example, drivers are required to take a 30 minute break between each 8 hour period of driving. The American cycles are 70 hours in 8 days and 60 hours in 7 days.

The American regulations also outline maximum driving hours and stipulations about how and when you can reset your hours to zero after an off-duty period.

To learn the hours of service rules in their entirety, it is recommended that you enroll in Trukademy’s Hours of Service Course.

At Trukademy, we employ some of the best instructors in the business and we offer flexible scheduling and payment options. Our mission is to make you as successful in the trucking industry as you can be.

For more information or to enroll in one of our upcoming courses, contact us today.

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Obtaining your AZ license is a significant milestone in your trucking career, but passing the training exam can be daunting. At Trukademy, our truck training school in Mississauga , we understand the importance of preparing effectively for the AZ license training exam. At Trukademy, we are committed to offering the highest standards of quality and expertise in training professional drivers for successful careers in the transportation industry.

Understand the Exam Format:

Before diving into your study routine, familiarize yourself with the  AZ license training   exam format. Know how many questions are on the exam, the time limit, and the topics covered. This will help you structure your study plan more effectively.

Study the Official Handbook:

The official AZ license handbook is your ultimate guide to the exam. Study the handbook thoroughly, paying close attention to road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. Take notes, create flashcards, and quiz yourself regularly to reinforce your understanding of the material.

Take Practice Tests:

Practice makes perfect, and taking practice tests is an excellent way to gauge your readiness for the exam. Trukademy offers practice tests in our

truck driver training  programs in Mississauga. Use these tests to identify areas that need improvement and focus your study efforts accordingly.

Focus on Weak Areas:

Based on your practice test results, identify your weak areas and prioritize studying those topics. Whether understanding right-of-way rules or mastering backing maneuvers, dedicate extra time and effort to areas where you need improvement.

Utilize Online Resources:

Supplement your learning with online resources such as instructional videos, interactive quizzes, and study guides. Trukademy offers a variety of online resources as part of our trucking school in Mississauga , providing you with additional support and guidance.

Practice, Practice, Practice:

Practice your driving skills regularly to build confidence behind the wheel. Take advantage of opportunities to practice driving on different roads and weather conditions to prepare for the real-world challenges you may encounter during the exam.

Stay Calm and Focused:

On the exam day, stay calm and focused. Arrive early, get a good night's sleep, and eat a healthy meal beforehand. Take deep breaths and visualize yourself passing the exam with flying colours. Remember, you've put in the time and effort to prepare, and you're ready for this challenge.

Follow Instructions Carefully:

Listen carefully to the instructions provided by the examiner and follow them to the letter. Pay attention to speed limits, lane changes, and signalling procedures. Following instructions correctly demonstrates your competence and professionalism as a driver.


Stay Positive:

Maintain a positive attitude throughout the exam, even when challenging situations occur. Remember that mistakes happen, and it's okay to make them as long as you learn from them. Stay focused on the task and believe in your ability to succeed.

Review Your Performance


After completing the exam:

  1. Take some time to reflect on your performance.
  2. Identify areas where you did well and areas where you could improve.
  3. Use this feedback to guide your learning and development as a truck driver.

AZ License course highlights:

  1.  200+ hours of in-class and in-cab training. 
  2. Course fees are 100% tax deductible 
  3. Part-time and full-time training are available 
  4. Flexible training schedules are available 
  5. Our instructors are highly experienced in providing superior AZ truck driver training.

Contact us today with any questions, and remember to ask about your financing options.

Trukademy Canada Inc. is registered as a private career college under the Private Career Colleges Act of 2005, and our Tractor Trailer MELT and AZ program courses are approved as vocational programs under the Act. With a location in Mississauga, Ontario, we provide our graduates with a wide range of commercial truck drivers and job placement programs. All courses are tax deductible.

Passing the  AZ license training  exam on your first attempt requires dedication, preparation, and a positive mindset. By following these tips and strategies provided by Trukademy, our truck training school in Mississauga, you can confidently approach the exam and increase your chances of success. Contact us for our truck driving programs today, and let us help you achieve your goal of becoming a professional truck driver.

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