Uber Driver Requirements BC Canada – What You Really Need in 2025

Thinking of becoming an Uber driver in British Columbia? Good call. Whether you live in Vancouver, Surrey, Kelowna, Victoria, or somewhere in between, the demand for rideshare services has been growing steadily across BC. And with more people choosing flexible gig work over traditional 9-to-5 jobs, Uber has become a popular way to earn extra cash—or even a full-time income.

But hold up. You can’t just download the app, hop in your car, and start picking people up. British Columbia is one of the strictest provinces in Canada when it comes to rideshare regulations. In fact, Uber didn’t even operate here until 2020 because of all the red tape.

So if you want to drive legally—and make the most of the opportunity—you’ll need to meet a specific list of requirements. Don’t worry though, we’ll walk through everything you need to know in a super relaxed, no-stress way. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know exactly what it takes to become an Uber driver in BC in 2025.

Let’s get into it.

First off, let’s talk about the basic stuff: age and licence. Uber requires that you be at least 21 years old to drive. That’s a company policy, and it applies Canada-wide, not just in BC. So if you’re under 21, you’ll have to wait a little while longer.

Now about your driver’s licence. In BC, you need a Class 4 driver’s licence—not just your regular Class 5 that most people have. This is where BC is different from other provinces like Ontario or Alberta, where a Class 5 might be enough in some cities.

The Class 4 licence is a commercial driver’s licence that allows you to transport passengers for compensation. It’s required by the Passenger Transportation Board of BC (PTB), which regulates all rideshare and commercial passenger services in the province.

There are two types of Class 4 licences:

• Restricted Class 4: for driving taxis, limousines, and rideshare vehicles

• Unrestricted Class 4: for driving larger commercial vehicles (like ambulances or buses)

For Uber, you’ll only need the restricted version, which is easier to get.

Here’s how you get it:

1. Study: Grab the ICBC Commercial Driving Guide and learn the rules

2. Medical exam: Book a medical checkup with your doctor and get a completed Driver’s Medical Examination Report

3. Knowledge test: Head to an ICBC licensing office and take the Class 4 knowledge test

4. Road test: Once you pass the written part and your medical is approved, book and pass your Class 4 road test

Keep in mind, you’ll need to bring your own vehicle to the road test, and it must meet certain safety and condition requirements. A clean, well-maintained 4-door vehicle should do the trick.

Once you pass, congrats—you’ve got your Class 4 licence and are officially eligible to drive passengers for hire in BC. That’s a big step done.

But we’re just getting started.

Now let’s talk about your driving record and criminal history. Uber will run two background checks on you:

1. Driver’s Abstract: This is a summary of your driving history. You can get this from ICBC. Uber wants to see that you’ve been a safe and responsible driver—so things like DUIs, reckless driving, or too many speeding tickets might disqualify you.

2. Criminal Record Check: Uber works with a third-party provider like Triton or Checkr to perform this check. It will look for any serious offenses, especially those involving violence, theft, or fraud.

If both checks come back clean, you’re good to go. If there are issues, Uber will likely follow up with you for more information or just reject the application, depending on how serious it is.

Now, let’s talk insurance. This is another area where BC is unique. In most other provinces, drivers use a combination of personal and commercial insurance. But in BC, things are handled entirely by ICBC, which is the government-run insurance provider.

When you start driving for Uber, your vehicle will switch to rideshare insurance coverage, which is part of ICBC’s commercial auto program.

Here’s how it works:

• When your Uber app is off, your personal ICBC insurance applies

• When your Uber app is on and you’re waiting for a ride, ICBC provides basic rideshare coverage

• Once you accept a trip and are en route or transporting a passenger, enhanced commercial coverage kicks in

The good news? You don’t need to shop around for private insurance companies or get endorsements added. You’ll just work with ICBC, and they’ll adjust your policy for rideshare use.

But here’s the thing: your insurance premiums will go up, sometimes significantly. ICBC calculates your new rate based on things like how often you drive for Uber, what kind of car you use, and your overall driving history.

You’ll need to visit an Autoplan broker to update your insurance before going online with Uber.

Next, there’s the matter of vehicle inspections. Every Uber vehicle in BC needs to pass a Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program (CVIP) test at a designated inspection facility.

This is more than your regular oil change check. The CVIP inspection looks at:

• Brakes

• Tires

• Suspension

• Lights

• Steering

• Seatbelts

• Exhaust system

• General vehicle safety

If your vehicle passes, you’ll get an inspection certificate, and you’re good for the year. You’ll need to repeat the inspection annually, and Uber will ask for updated documentation to keep your account active.

Let’s take a second to talk about the kind of vehicle you can use. Uber in BC follows some standard guidelines for vehicles. Here’s what they look for:

• Vehicle must be 2013 or newer (as of 2025)

• Must have 4 doors

• Must seat at least 4 passengers (not including the driver)

• Must be in good cosmetic and mechanical condition

• No salvaged or rebuilt titles

• No commercial branding or wraps

Your vehicle doesn’t have to be fancy, but it needs to be safe, clean, and reliable. If you’re looking to drive for UberXL, Uber Comfort, or Uber Green, there are additional requirements—like larger vehicles, higher fuel-efficiency ratings, or electric certification.

Once you’ve got your car set, your Class 4 licence, your background checks, and your insurance squared away, you’re almost ready to roll.

But don’t forget one last major requirement: Passenger Transportation Licence.

The Passenger Transportation Board (PTB) is the government body that regulates all rideshare operations in BC. Uber, as a rideshare company, holds a Transportation Network Services (TNS) Licence, but individual drivers must be registered with the Passenger Transportation Branch (PTB) as a rideshare driver.

Luckily, Uber takes care of most of this process for you. When you upload your documents in the driver app, Uber submits your info to the PTB. But you’ll still be responsible for:

• Providing all required documents (licence, insurance, inspection)

• Keeping your info updated annually

• Staying compliant with all PTB rules (e.g., no illegal pickups, proper signage if required, no cash payments)

The PTB may also require your name to appear on their public TNS driver registry, which anyone can search. This is to ensure transparency and safety for riders.

Now let’s talk about money—because let’s be real, that’s why we’re all here.

Uber drivers in BC, particularly in Vancouver, report average earnings of about $24–$32 per hour before expenses. That sounds great, but remember:

• You’ll pay for gas

• Your insurance will be higher

• You’ll need regular maintenance (especially if you drive full-time)

• Uber takes a service fee (usually 25–30%)

At the end of the day, most part-time drivers make around $18–$22 per hour net, while full-time drivers who work strategically (like during surge pricing and weekends) can earn more.

Keep in mind, you’re also self-employed. That means you need to track your income and expenses for tax purposes. You may be able to write off things like:

• Mileage

• Oil changes

• Phone bills (if used for Uber)

• Car washes

• Vehicle depreciation

Talk to an accountant or use bookkeeping apps like QuickBooks Self-Employed to stay on top of it.

And finally, here’s a step-by-step overview of how to get started as an Uber driver in BC in 2025:

Step 1: Make sure you meet the age and licence requirement (21+ with Class 4)
Step 2: Complete your medical exam and pass the Class 4 knowledge and road test
Step 3: Get your ICBC insurance updated for rideshare
Step 4: Pass your commercial vehicle inspection (CVIP)
Step 5: Upload all documents into the Uber driver app
Step 6: Wait for Uber and PTB approval (can take a few days to a couple weeks)
Step 7: Once activated, go online and start accepting trips!

So is driving for Uber in BC in 2025 worth it?

If you’re looking for flexibility, independence, and an income you control—then yes, it can absolutely be worth it. The startup process in BC is definitely more involved than in other provinces, but once you’re set up, you’ll be ready to earn on your own schedule.

Just be prepared to invest time into getting licensed, inspected, and insured properly. It’s a professional gig, even if it feels casual—and that’s exactly how the province treats it.

Take your time, follow the steps carefully, and before you know it, you’ll be on the road earning money across British Columbia.

Drive safe and good luck!