Uber Driver Canada: Your Friendly 2025 Guide to Earning with Uber

A Quick Welcome

Thinking of driving for Uber in Canada? Great choice! Whether you’re looking for a side hustle, a flexible job, or a way to meet new people while earning money, driving with Uber gives you tons of freedom.

This guide will walk you through everything — from signing up and meeting the rules, to how much you can earn, and what it's really like out there. Ready? Let’s roll!

Why So Many Canadians Drive for Uber

You’re not alone — thousands of people across the country are behind the wheel with Uber. Here’s why it’s so appealing:

🕒 Set your own hours: Work when it fits your life.
💵 Get paid weekly (or instantly): The money shows up fast.
💼 No boss: You’re in charge of your schedule.
🚗 Big demand: Especially in busy places like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary.
🎯 Fits into your lifestyle: Great for parents, students, retirees — anyone!

What You Need to Become an Uber Driver

There are a few things you’ll need before you can hit the road:

General Requirements

Be at least 21 years old
Hold a valid Canadian driver’s licence (usually Class G or higher)
One year (or more) of driving experience
Pass a background check
Have a 4-door vehicle in good condition
Provide proof of insurance and registration

Documents You’ll Upload

Driver’s licence
Insurance papers
Vehicle registration
Photo of yourself
Consent for a background check

Rules by Province (Yes, They’re Different!)

Canada's a big country — and Uber rules change a bit depending on where you live.

Ontario (Toronto, Ottawa, etc.)

Class G licence
Vehicle inspection
PTC licence in some cities

British Columbia (Vancouver)

Class 4 commercial licence
Commercial inspection
ICBC rideshare insurance

Quebec (Montreal)

Uber-approved training course (online)
Vehicle no more than 10 years old

Alberta (Calgary, Edmonton)

Class 1, 2, or 4 licence
Annual vehicle inspection

You can check Uber’s up-to-date info here.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Started

Here’s how to get on the road with Uber in Canada:

Go to Uber’s site and sign up
Upload your documents
Consent to a background check
Get your vehicle inspected
Download the Uber Driver app
Wait for approval (a few days max)
Start driving and earning!

What Kind of Car Can You Use?

Uber’s picky — in a good way. Your vehicle must:

Be a 4-door car
Usually less than 10 years old (depends on the city)
Be in clean, good shape (no major dents or damage)
Have seatbelts for all passengers
Pass a safety inspection

Things that usually won’t work:

Full-size vans
Salvage/rebuilt titles
Taxis or limos

All About Uber Driver Insurance

This is a big one. When you're offline, your personal car insurance covers you. But once you're online with Uber, Uber’s coverage kicks in.

Here’s how it works:

Offline: You’re fully under your own policy
Waiting for a ride: Limited Uber coverage begins
On a trip (with or without passenger): Full Uber insurance is active

It’s smart to talk to your insurer about rideshare coverage. Many offer custom options now.

Let’s Talk About Money: Uber Pay in Canada

How much can you make with Uber? It depends on your city and how often you drive.

Estimated Hourly Rates (Before Expenses):

Toronto: $22–$28/hr
Vancouver: $20–$26/hr
Calgary: $19–$24/hr
Montreal: $18–$23/hr
Ottawa: $19–$25/hr

How Your Earnings Are Calculated:

Base fare + time + distance
Surge pricing during busy times
Tips from passengers (100% yours)
Bonuses and promotions

You’ll get paid weekly, but you can also cash out instantly if needed.

How to Handle Taxes Like a Pro

Driving for Uber = being self-employed in the eyes of the CRA.

Here’s what that means:

You file a T2125 form (Statement of Business Activities)
You may owe income tax and CPP contributions
If you make $30K+, register for a GST/HST number

What You Can Deduct:

Gas
Insurance
Maintenance
Cell phone & data bills
Car loan interest

Apps like QuickBooks Self-Employed help a ton with tracking.

What Costs You’ll Need to Cover

You’ll have some ongoing expenses, such as:

Fuel (of course)
Oil changes and repairs
Car washes and interior cleaning
Your rideshare insurance policy
Phone/data plan
General car wear and tear

Plan for around 25%–30% of your earnings going toward these.

Tips to Boost Your Uber Income

Want to earn more? Here’s how the smart drivers do it:

Drive when demand is high: Fridays, weekends, rush hour
Use the destination filter to stack rides
Keep your car tidy and smell-free
Offer water, gum, or phone chargers
Watch for app promotions and bonuses

Every little detail adds up to more tips and higher ratings!

Should You Drive for Lyft Too?

Lyft is available in some Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Here’s how it stacks up:

Feature	Uber	Lyft
Cities	Most major cities	Fewer (Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa)
Rider Base	Larger	Smaller but growing
Payout Speed	Instant pay available	Also offers Express Pay
Bonuses	Frequent incentives	Occasional bonuses

Some drivers run both apps at once to stay busy!

Staying Safe on the Road

Your safety matters. A lot. Here are some must-follow tips:

Confirm the passenger’s name before they get in
Don’t be afraid to cancel if something feels off
Dashcams can help (just make sure they’re legal in your province)
Avoid cash — Uber is all digital
Report anything suspicious to Uber ASAP

What Other Drivers Are Saying

Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what some real Canadian Uber drivers shared:

“It gives me freedom. I work around my daughter’s school schedule.” – Lisa, Ottawa
“Downtown Toronto is crazy on Saturday nights, but the pay is great!” – Jamal, Toronto
“I do it part-time after my day job. It’s easy extra income.” – Raj, Calgary

Common Questions, Honest Answers

Q: Can I drive with a G2 licence?
A: Nope. You need a full Class G or higher.

Q: Does Uber help with gas costs?
A: Not directly — but promotions and surge pricing help.

Q: Can I use a leased or rental car?
A: Only through Uber-approved partners.

Q: How do I reach Uber for help?
A: Use the in-app Help section or visit a local Uber Hub.

Final Words from One Driver to Another

Driving for Uber in Canada isn’t for everyone, but if you’re looking for flexibility, independence, and decent income, it might be perfect for you.

Just follow the rules, stay organized, keep your car in great shape, and treat your passengers well. You’ll build a 5-star reputation and feel good about what you’re doing.

When you’re ready to give it a shot, sign up here. We’ll see you out on the road!

Brought to you by RideshareCanada.com – Your go-to resource for rideshare news, guides, and tips in Canada.