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    Ottawa Driver Information

    This page provides information about vehicle, driver, and document requirements, province regulations, insurance coverage, and city-specific requirements needed to drive with Lyft in the state of Ottawa.
    To apply to drive in Ottawa, submit an application online or in the Lyft Driver app –– download it from the App Store (iOS) or the Google Play store. To be approved to drive, applicants must meet these requirements.
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    What you need to drive with Lyft in Ottawa

    Drivers are required to maintain current documents. Failing to update a required document before the expiration date results in temporary deactivation.
    Use your Lyft Driver app or Driver Dashboard to upload your documents.
    Vehicle requirements
    • 10 years or newer
    • 4 doors
    • 5-8 seats, including the driver's
    • Not a taxi or stretch limousine
    • Not titled as salvage, non-repairable, rebuilt or any other equivalent classification
    • Rental vehicles aren't permitted
    See if your car qualifies for Lyft Lux or Lyft Lux Black to earn more on each ride.
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    Driver requirements
    • Valid Ontario driver’s licence — A temporary licence is also acceptable*
    • 1 year driving history
    • You must be 25 years or older to drive
    • Pass a driver screening, which reviews your driving history and criminal background check. Learn more about driver screenings.
    Any smartphone that can download and run the Lyft Driver app. See phone software recommendations.
    *Drivers are required to have a valid Class G or higher Ontario driver's licence for at least one year. A temporary licence is acceptable, but be sure to upload your permanent copy when you receive it.
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    Document requirements
    Safety Standards Certificate (SSC)
    To drive with Lyft in Ottawa, your vehicle must be registered in Ontario and have a valid Safety Standards Certificate (SSC). To obtain the SSC, visit a mechanic licensed by the Ministry of Transportation. For more information, click here.
    Drivers are required to upload a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) within 36 days of their inspection. It must match the vehicle on file. Keep a copy of your SSC in the vehicle while driving on the Lyft platform.
    If your vehicle is 5 years or newer, you should submit a valid SSC on an annual basis. If your vehicle is older than 5 years, you must submit this document on a biannual basis. Your vehicle may not be more than 10 years old.
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    Vulnerable Sector Check
    Lyft drivers in Ottawa are required to pass a criminal record and vulnerable sector check. Obtain this check by visiting your local police service. If you live within the City of Ottawa, you may apply online here. If your area is served by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), visit the closest detachment and bring this letter from Lyft. Along with the printed letter, you must show the OPP your app to confirm that you are a Lyft applicant.
    Once you’ve obtained the results of your vulnerable sector check, upload the front and back separately in your Driver app or Dashboard. The document must be approved within 90 days of the request.
    For more information regarding vulnerable sector checks, click here.
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    Proof of work eligibility
    You must upload one of the following documents as proof of work eligibility (must contain your name, and can be any of the following):
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    HST Account Number
    Lyft drivers in Canada are required to register for, and remit, harmonized sales tax (HST). Learn more about HST requirements here.
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    Driver Identification Card
    After you’re approved to drive, you’ll be issued a driver identification card via email. Print out this page and keep it in your vehicle at all times. You also must produce this immediately upon request of a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer or police officer.
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    Emblem requirements
    Drivers are required to display the Lyft emblem while in driver mode. The Lyft emblem is Lyft’s official trade dress. It helps passengers and law enforcement identify your vehicle.
    The Lyft emblem should be displayed in the lower corner of your front and rear windshield on the passenger side every time you enter driver mode. If you drive in the City of Toronto, be sure to display your Lyft emblem on your passenger side rear window, as required by local regulations. Make sure to remove the emblem when you are not in driver mode.
    Example of front and rear windshields for purpose of illustrating emblem placement.
    Image of the Lyft emblem.
    If you’ve just been approved to drive, you should receive your Lyft emblems shortly. If you didn't get one or need a new one, contact us. In the mean time, you may print a temporary emblem.
    HST account number: Lyft drivers in Canada are required to register for, and remit, harmonized sales tax (HST). To learn more about HST requirements, click here.
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    Ottawa driver regulations

    Be sure to follow these rules when giving rides in Ottawa, and keep an eye on your email for important updates from Lyft.
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    Hourly driver mode limits
    In Ottawa, Lyft’s standard time limit for driver mode applies.
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    Best practices
    • Display all required emblems and placards
    • Always have your driver’s licence and insurance document
    • Follow all airport rules
    • Don't accept street hails
    • Don't accept cash for rides
    • Don't wait in taxi lines
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    Know your insurance

    Review Lyft's insurance policy here.
    You can view Lyft Certificates of Insurance here.
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    Moving to or from Ottawa

    If you're already a driver in a different state, and you're moving to Ottawa, send us a message with the following info:
    Moving from Ottawa to a different Lyft region? Find your new region here to see what steps you'll need to take.
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    Still need help?