Blog Post

What Are the Hours of Service Rules?

  • By Jerit Justin
  • 07 Aug, 2021

When employed as a trucker, one of the main considerations is safety both for the trucker and for other drivers on the road. It is for this reason that both Canada and the US have Hours of Service (HOS) rules that drivers must adhere to. These rules help ensure that drivers get enough rest between shifts – as well as adequate break time - so that they do not become a hazard while driving. The HOS rules are slightly different in Canada than they are in the US.

Canadian Hours of Service Rules

Canadian HOS rules state that commercial truck drivers must limit their driving to 13 consecutive hours in a 16-hour work shift and then must have at least 8 consecutive hours off duty. A driver must stop driving after:

  • 13 hours of driving after the end of their last 8 hours off duty.
  • 14 hours of time on duty after the end of their last 8 hours off duty
  • 70 hours within a 7-day period, or 120 hours within a 14-day period. 
  •  All drivers are required to take at least 24 hours off following a 14-day period. 

United States Hours of Service Rules

Drivers operating a commercial vehicle in the United States must adhere to the following rules:

  • 11-hour driving rule: A driver must take 10 consecutive hours off once they have driven for 11 consecutive hours.
  • 14-hour driving limit: A driver may not drive more than 14 consecutive hours following their 10 hours off duty.
  • 15-hour driving limit: A driver may not drive more than 15 consecutive hours following 8 hours off duty. 

Driving cross-border and knowing the rules

Canadian drivers driving in the US, must follow US hours of service rules and likewise, US drivers in Canada must follow Canadian HOS rules. So drivers making cross border trips need to be aware of both sets of HOS rules.

Some of the basic differences are:

  • Maximum driving time in the US is 15 hours, maximum driving time in Canada is 14 hours. 
  • In the US, a driver must have their daily records of duty for the past 7 days in their possession. In Canada, a driver must have those record for the past 14 days. 

Contact Trukademy today

Complying with Hours of Service rules is important but it can be confusing. If you are interested in enrolling in our Hours of Service Course, 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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