Lyft Driver Requirements Toronto: Everything You Need to Start Driving

So you're thinking about hitting the road with Lyft in Toronto? Nice move. Whether you’re sick of that 9-to-5 routine, want a flexible side hustle, or just love the idea of getting paid to drive around the city, becoming a Lyft driver can be a solid choice.

Toronto's one of Lyft’s busiest cities in Canada. From Pearson airport runs to downtown trips and weekend party pickups, there’s no shortage of ride requests. If you're based in the 6ix or anywhere nearby, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started. No fluff, just real info, real talk.

Who Can Drive for Lyft in Toronto?

Let’s start with the basics. You need to:

• Be at least 25 years old

• Have a valid Ontario G driver’s license (no G1 or G2)

• Have at least one year of driving experience in Canada

• Own or have access to a vehicle that meets Lyft’s standards

• Be legally allowed to work in Canada

• Pass a criminal background check

• Have a fairly clean driver’s abstract (your driving record)

If that sounds like you, you’re already halfway there.

The Documents You’ll Need

Before Lyft gives you the green light, you’ll have to upload a few documents through their app:

• Your valid Ontario G license

• Proof you can work in Canada (passport, PR card, birth certificate, or work permit)

• Vehicle registration

• Insurance with your name listed

• Driver’s abstract (get this from Service Ontario)

• Criminal background check (done via Sterling Backcheck)

• Safety Standards Certificate (vehicle inspection)

• A clear selfie photo (no hats, sunglasses, or bad lighting)

• Bank info to get paid

Make sure everything’s clear and readable. Blurry pics slow things down.

Vehicle Rules: What Kind of Car Can You Use?

Your ride needs to check these boxes:

• Be a 4-door

• Seat at least 5 people (including you)

• Be 2015 or newer (as of 2025)

• No major damage

• Pass a vehicle inspection (Safety Standards Certificate)

You can’t use cars that are:

• Rebuilt or salvaged

• Taxis or have commercial wraps/logos

• Trucks or large vans

Got a nice SUV or luxury sedan? You might be eligible for Lyft XL or Lux, which come with better fares.

Vehicle Inspection (SSC)

Before hitting the road, your car has to pass a safety inspection. Here's the deal:

• Go to a certified mechanic in Ontario

• Ask for a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC)

• Upload it to your Lyft profile

It's good for 12 months, so mark your calendar to redo it next year.

Some mechanics may offer rideshare-specific inspections or discounts. Lyft sometimes shares deals from partner shops, so check your email or driver dashboard for promos.

Background Check & Driving Record

Lyft needs to know you're safe and reliable. They’ll run:

• A criminal background check (via Sterling Backcheck)

• A driver’s abstract — your driving history (tickets, collisions, etc.)

You’re aiming for a clean record. A few minor infractions might pass, but major issues like DUIs, license suspensions, or a long list of violations could disqualify you.

Want to see your abstract before Lyft does? You can order it online from Service Ontario or pick it up in person.

Toronto’s Licensing Rule (PTC License)

Toronto has its own rule: you need to be registered as a Private Transportation Company (PTC) driver.

The good news? Lyft takes care of most of it.

• They’ll submit your PTC application

• They usually cover the fees for new drivers

• They’ll notify you once your status is approved

Still, make sure your documents stay current — Toronto’s licensing department can suspend your status if anything expires.

Insurance: What’s Covered?

You’ll have two types of insurance while driving Lyft:

1. Your personal auto insurance (your everyday coverage)

2. Lyft’s built-in commercial policy, which kicks in when the app is on

The Lyft policy covers things like third-party liability and accident benefits. Still, it’s smart to tell your insurance company you’re ridesharing — some offer special rideshare add-ons or endorsements.

If you’re in an accident while driving, Lyft’s insurance may cover it, but you must report it properly. Know the steps:

• Report to Lyft through the app

• Contact your personal insurance

• Provide accident details

What’s It Like Driving in Toronto?

Honestly? Busy — but in a good way.

You’ll get:

• Airport runs to/from Pearson (YYZ)

• Downtown commuters and tourists

• Students from UofT, TMU, York

• Late-night partygoers on Queen, King, and Ossington

Weekday rush hours can be slow, but that’s also when surge pricing kicks in. Learn your zones. Popular pick-up areas include:

• Union Station

• Eaton Centre

• Bloor-Yonge

• The Annex

• Liberty Village

• Billy Bishop Airport

Avoid peak traffic if you’re new. Start with quieter times like mid-morning weekdays or early weekends.

How Much Can You Earn?

Most drivers in Toronto report earnings between $23–$35/hour before expenses. But your actual take-home depends on a bunch of things:

• Time of day

• Location

• Whether you hit bonuses or streaks

• Tips

• Type of ride (standard vs Lux or XL)

Lyft also offers:

• Weekly bonus challenges

• Ride streaks for consecutive trips

• Referral bonuses if you get friends to sign up

Don’t forget, you’re paying for gas, wear and tear, oil changes, brakes, and cleaning supplies. Budget smart.

Want to make more? Combine Lyft with other gigs like Uber, DoorDash, or Instacart to stay busy all day.

Getting Paid

Lyft pays weekly by direct deposit, but if you want cash faster, you can use Express Pay to cash out instantly (small fee applies).

Track your money, tips, ratings, and ride history all in the Lyft Driver app. That app becomes your new best friend.

Your pay summary will break down:

• Base fare

• Tips

• Bonuses

• Ride type (shared, standard, XL)

Always check your earnings tab. Mistakes are rare, but if something looks off, contact Lyft Support.

Taxes: Yeah, You Gotta Do ‘Em

You’re considered self-employed, so you handle your own taxes:

• File a T2125 (Statement of Business or Professional Activities)

• Track all your earnings and expenses

• Keep receipts for gas, repairs, car washes, etc.

• Consider using QuickBooks, Wave, or Stride to stay organized

If you earn over $30,000 a year, you’ll need to register for HST/GST too.

You can write off:

• Gas

• Maintenance

• Phone bill

• Data plans

• Snacks (yep, if it’s while working)

• Car washes

• Dash cams or mounts

Need help? Talk to an accountant or use tax filing tools designed for gig workers.

Safety First: Tips for Toronto Drivers

• Always confirm your rider’s name before they hop in

• Use a dash cam, especially at night

• Keep your car clean and smelling fresh

• Lock your doors while waiting for pickups

• Use the Emergency Help button in the app if needed

• Avoid dangerous areas late at night

Bonus tip: keep a phone charger and water bottle handy. You’ll thank yourself.

Lyft offers 24/7 support plus in-app tools to report problems, request help, and block riders if needed.

Building Your Rating and Getting 5 Stars

Toronto riders can be picky. Here’s how to stay 5-star:

• Greet your riders

• Offer a phone charger or play chill music

• Drive smooth and avoid hard stops

• Ask if they want a quiet ride or conversation

• Keep your car warm in winter, cool in summer

Your rating is based on the last 100 rides. If it drops too low, you might get warnings.

Stay polite, helpful, and professional—even when you’re tired. It makes a difference.

What If You Get Deactivated?

Stuff happens. If your rating drops, your background check expires, or your documents go out of date, you could get deactivated.

Usually Lyft gives warnings first. Just:

• Update your profile on time

• Renew documents early

• Avoid negative passenger reports

You can appeal most deactivations through Lyft’s help center.

Is It Worth Driving Lyft in Toronto?

If you like flexibility, don’t mind traffic, and want a steady source of side income, then yes. Lyft can be totally worth it in Toronto.

You’re in charge of your schedule, your car, and your money. You don’t need to ask anyone for days off. And if you know the city well, it pays even better.

It might not make you rich, but for a lot of drivers, it’s a reliable, steady gig with decent returns.

Some drivers go all in, working full-time. Others just hit the road on weekends. Either way, it’s your hustle, your pace.