Ontario 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 province of Ontario.

To apply to drive in Ontario, 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.

Skip to:

1. What you need to drive with Lyft in Ontario
2. 1. Vehicle requirements
   2. Driver requirements
   3. Document requirements
   4. Emblem requirements
3. Ontario driver regulations
4. 1. Hourly driver mode limits
   2. Best practices
   3. Items to keep in your vehicle
5. Know your insurance
6. Moving to or from Ontario

What you need to drive with Lyft in Ontario

To be approved to drive, applicants must meet the below requirements, as well as maintain valid and current documents to prove eligibility. Failing to update a required document before the expiration date results in temporary deactivation.

Use your Lyft Driver app to upload your documents. To add documents in the app, tap 'Account' in the main menu, then 'Documents.

Back to top

Vehicle requirements

1. Vehicle Age
2. 1. 11 years or newer if you’re driving in Ottawa
   2. 10 years or newer if you're driving in Kitchener-Waterloo, Windsor, and London
   3. 8 years or newer if you’re driving in Toronto
   4. 7 years or newer if you’re driving in the Greater Toronto area
3. 4 doors
4. 5-8 seats, including the driver's
5. Not a taxi or stretch limousine or rental vehicle
6. Not titled as salvage, non-repairable, rebuilt or any other equivalent classification
7. Registered in the driver's name to qualify in Kitchener-Waterloo.

For more information about winter tires and driving safety in winter, see Ontario Ministry of Transport's winter driving website.

See if your vehicle qualifies for premium rides to earn more on each ride.

Back to top

Driver requirements

1. Valid Ontario driver’s licence
2. 1. Driver’s licence must be Class G or higher and issued in Ontario
   2. Temporary licences are acceptable, but be sure to upload your permanent copy when you receive it
3. Driving history
4. 1. 1 year driving history if you’re driving in Ottawa
   2. 2 years driving history if you’re driving in Kitchener-Waterloo or Niagara
   3. 3 years driving history if you’re driving in Toronto or the Greater Toronto area
5. Be 25 years or older
6. Pass a driver screening, which reviews your driving history and criminal background check. Learn more about driver screenings.
7. Have a smartphone that can download and run the Lyft Driver app. See phone software recommendations.
8. Drivers in Toronto must note the following:
9. 1. Cameras: If you choose to equip your vehicle with a dashcam or other recording device, you are required to inform passengers that they may be recorded
   2. Phone mounting: You are required to use a hands-free, mounted device at all times when available to give rides on the Lyft platform.
   3. Bikes and scooters stickers: You are required to affix two "LOOK FOR bikes & scooters" stickers on both rear windows. You can print out a temporary sticker here.

Back to top

Document requirements

1. Driver profile photo: Learn how to take the best photo
2. Ontario Vehicle Registration
3. Personal Vehicle Insurance
4. Safety Standards Certificate (SSC)
5. Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) (Ottawa and Windsor)
6. HST Account Number
7. Proof of work eligibility
8. Rideshare driving training (Toronto)
9. Rideshare driver's licence (Toronto and Niagara)
10. Emblem requirements

Back to top

Safety Standards Certificate (SSC)

To drive with Lyft in Ontario, your vehicle must pass an annual inspection and receive a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) issued by a mechanic licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO).

Any inspection station in Ontario licensed by MTO can give you a certificate once your vehicle passes an inspection. Most licensed inspection stations have a sign that reads ‘Motor Vehicle Inspection Station.' For more information, click here.

You are required to upload a photo of your Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) in your Lyft Driver app within 36 days of the inspection. It must match the vehicle information on file. If you already have an SSC, you can submit it as long as the inspection was completed within the past 36 days. Keep a copy of your SSC in your vehicle while driving with Lyft.

Ottawa and Windsor

If you’re driving in Ottawa or Windsor and 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.

Niagara

If you’re driving in Niagara and your vehicle is 7 years or newer, you should submit a valid SSC on an annual basis. If your vehicle is older than 7 years, you must submit this document on a biannual basis. Your vehicle may not be more than 10 years old.

Back to top

Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)

Lyft drivers in Ottawa and Windsor are required to pass a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC). For more information on how to obtain a VSC online or in person in your municipality, see the details below.

Ottawa

If you live in Ottawa, you can create an account and apply for a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) through the Ottawa Police’s online portal. Make sure you select the option for a Level 3: Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC). To apply in person, fill out and drop off a request form at the Ottawa Police Service Records Management Service Centre.

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 Lyft Driver app to confirm that you are a Lyft applicant.

When applying in person, bring the following documents with you:

1. 2 forms of valid photo ID: Be prepared with your Driver’s Licence and another form of ID.
2. Proof of an Ottawa address: If your current address is not on your Driver’s Licence, bring a phone or utility bill.

Once completed, upload photos of your results in your Driver app within 90 days of the request.

Windsor

If you live in Windsor, you can create an account and apply for a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) through the Windsor Police Service's online portal. Make sure you select the option for a Level 3: Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC). To apply in person, you can download and fill out this form or pick one up in person at the Windsor Police Services headquarters.

When applying in person, bring the following documents with you:

1. 2 forms of valid photo ID: Be prepared with your Driver’s Licence and another form of ID.
2. Proof of a Windsor address: If your current address is not on your Driver’s Licence, bring a phone or utility bill.

Once completed, upload photos of your results in your Driver app within 30 days of the request.

Back to top

HST account number

Lyft drivers in Canada are required to register for, and remit, harmonized sales tax (HST). Learn more about HST requirements here.

Back to top

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):

1. Passport (example)
2. Residency card (example)
3. Birth certificate (example)
4. Citizenship card (example)
5. Work permit (example)
6. Study permit (example)
7. Certificate of Indian Status (example)
8. Canadian Forces Identification Card (example)

Back to top

Rideshare driving training

All Toronto drivers need to complete a third-party training program approved by the City of Toronto. Learn more about Driver Training requirements.

Back to top

Rideshare driver's licence

Toronto

Lyft drivers in Toronto must have a Private Transportation Company (PTC) driver's licence. Lyft will apply for the licence on behalf of each driver who meets all City of Toronto’s requirements. Once issued, Lyft will send you an email with your PTC driver's licence information. Keep your licence in your vehicle when driving with Lyft.

To ensure your PTC driver’s licence application is approved as soon as one is available, make sure to keep all of your documents in your driver app valid and up to date.

Niagara

A TNC driver’s licence and TNC vehicle license issued by the Niagara Regional Police Service are required to drive in Niagara.

1. Your TNC driver's license does not need to be affiliated with Lyft. If you already have a TNC driver’s license from another rideshare company, you do not need to obtain an additional one.
2. Your TNC vehicle license must be affiliated with Lyft. You must obtain a Lyft affiliated TNC vehicle license to give rides on the Lyft platform.

You can apply online for either the TNC driver and/or TNC vehicle license here.

Please note that you will need to inform Niagara City when your contact information changes otherwise your licence may not be valid.

Back to top

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.

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 meantime, you may print a temporary emblem.

Back to top

Ontario driver regulations

Be sure to follow these rules when giving rides in Ontario, and check your email for important updates from Lyft.

Skip to:

1. Hourly driver mode limits
2. Best practices
3. Items to keep in your vehicle

Hourly driver mode limits

In Ontario, Lyft’s standard time limit for driver mode applies.

Additionally, drivers in London may not spend more than 12 consecutive hours in driver mode and/or more than 14 cumulative hours in driver mode in a 24-hour window. Drivers who reach this limit must take a 10-hour break.

Back to top

Best practices

1. Display all required emblems and stickers
2. Always have your driver’s licence and insurance document
3. Follow all airport rules
4. Don't accept street hails
5. Don't accept cash for rides
6. Don't wait in taxi lines

Note: Be prepared to have your vehicle and documents inspected if you are stopped by law enforcement or a city official requesting a ride for the purpose of an inspection. Drivers who fail this inspection may be suspended from offering rides on the Lyft platform.

Back to top

Items to keep in your vehicle

1. Safety Standard Certificate
2. Vehicle Registration
3. Vehicle Insurance
4. TNC driver and vehicle licence for Niagara drivers
5. Lyft ID for Kitchener-Waterloo drivers (accessible in your Waybill)
6. PTC license for Toronto drivers (sent by email after approval)
7. Driver identification card for Ottawa drivers (sent by email after approval)

Back to top

Know your insurance

You can review Lyft's insurance policy here.

You can view Lyft Certificates of Insurance here.

Back to top

Moving to or from Ontario

If you're already a driver elsewhere and you're moving to Ontario, review our accessibility and anti-discrimination policies and contact us with the following info:

1. The date you're moving
2. Your new shipping address
3. Photos of each of the following documents (click on the links for sample images):
4. 1. Safety Standards Certificate (SSC)
   2. Ontario Driver's licence (Class G or higher)
   3. Personal vehicle insurance
   4. Vehicle registration
   5. Proof of work eligibility (must contain your name, and can be any of the following):
   6. 1. Passport
      2. Residency card
      3. Birth certificate
      4. Citizenship card
      5. Work permit
      6. Study permit (which allows off-campus work)
      7. Certificate of Indian Status
      8. Canadian Forces Identification Card

Moving from Ontario to a different Lyft region? Find your new region here to see what steps you'll need to take.

Back to top