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Uber Driver Requirements Montreal (2025): The Chill, Real Talk Guide for Future Drivers


So... you’re sitting there thinking, “Hmm… maybe I should try driving for Uber in Montreal.”

Maybe you just want to make some side cash.
Maybe your boss sucks.
Maybe you're new in Canada and looking for something flexible to get you going.
Or maybe you just really like driving around listening to music and talking to strangers (hey, no judgment).

Whatever your reason, first of all—welcome. Second of all—you’ve got questions, and we’ve got the answers. In fact, this is probably the most complete, real-talk style guide you’ll find about becoming an Uber driver in Montreal.

We’re not gonna bore you with stiff, copy-paste corporate speak. Instead, think of this article as your friendly older cousin who already drives Uber and is now spilling the tea on how you can get started without making rookie mistakes.

So buckle up (legally required, remember), and let’s get into everything you need to know about becoming an Uber driver in the beautiful chaos we call Montreal.

Why Montreal? Why Uber?

Let’s talk about why this even makes sense.

Montreal isn’t just pretty architecture and poutine. It’s also:

  • A college town (McGill, Concordia, UQAM, all packed with people who don’t own cars)

  • A nightlife beast (ever tried getting home from Crescent Street at 3 AM? Good luck without Uber)

  • A festival factory (Jazz Fest, Just For Laughs, F1… it never stops)

  • Full of tourists, newcomers, and commuters who would rather be in your backseat than behind the wheel

Translation? This city has demand.

And Uber? Well:

  • You set your own hours

  • You don’t need a résumé or cover letter

  • You can work 10 hours one week and zero the next

  • It pays better than most entry-level jobs

  • It doesn’t care if you have tattoos, purple hair, or talk to your cat in public

Honestly, it’s not a bad gig. But Quebec does have its quirks. Let's talk about them.

What Are the Actual Requirements?

You can't just show up with a car and vibes. There are real rules here.

Here’s what Uber (and Quebec) want from you:

Personal Requirements

  • Be 21 years or older

  • Have a Class 5 Quebec driver’s license (if you’re from outside Quebec, keep reading)

  • Have at least 1 year of driving experience (or 3 years if you're under 25)

  • Pass a criminal background check

  • Pass a driving history check (so maybe slow down a bit next time, Speed Racer)

  • Be eligible to work in Canada

  • Have a smartphone that won’t crash mid-ride (seriously, you’ll need the app open all day)

Vehicle Requirements

  • 4-door car (no, your coupe won’t cut it)

  • Model year 2012 or newer (Uber might raise this soon)

  • Seats at least 5 people (including you)

  • No major dents or damage

  • No commercial branding

  • Registered and insured in Quebec

  • Passes a vehicle inspection (we’ll get to that)

If you don’t own a car yet—don’t panic. There are options. More on that later.

Step-by-Step: How to Become an Uber Driver in Montreal

Let’s break it down like you just landed and need a plan. Here’s the order of operations:

Step 1: Sign up on Uber’s site

Go to uber.com/ca/en/drive/montreal and create a driver account. It takes like 3 minutes. Don’t overthink it.

Step 2: Upload your documents

Uber’s gonna ask you to upload:

  • Your Quebec driver’s license

  • Proof of vehicle insurance (in your name)

  • Vehicle registration

  • Consent for a background check

  • Consent for a driving history check

Double-check everything. A small typo could delay your application for days.

Step 3: Complete Quebec’s mandatory training

Unlike other provinces, Quebec makes you take a training course before hitting the road. It’s like Uber school—online videos, some quizzes, and a certificate at the end.

  • It’s usually 4 to 6 hours

  • It’s approved by the province

  • You can’t skip it. No training, no driving.

Uber will guide you to the approved provider after you register.

Step 4: Vehicle inspection

Your car needs to pass an official Uber inspection. That means:

  • Brakes work

  • Headlights are fine

  • Tires aren’t bald

  • Everything is safe, basically

Uber will tell you where to go for this. Expect to pay around $60-$80 for the inspection.

Step 5: Wait for activation

Once everything’s uploaded, trained, checked, and blessed by Uber’s digital gods, they’ll activate your account. You’ll get a notification in the app.

Boom. You’re now a rideshare driver in Montreal.

Wait, What If I’m From Another Province?

Maybe you just moved from Toronto, or you’re visiting from Vancouver. Can you still drive here?

Short answer: Nope—not until you exchange your license.

If your license isn’t from Quebec, you’ll have to swap it out at the SAAQ (Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec). They’ll take your old license and give you a shiny new Class 5 Quebec one.

The process takes about an hour if you’ve got your documents ready. But don’t wait until the last minute—without it, Uber won’t let you drive.

What About the Vehicle?

If you already have a car, make sure it checks all the boxes. If not, you’ve got options.

Here’s what your vehicle must have:

  • 4 doors

  • 5 seatbelts

  • No commercial logos

  • AC and heating (Montreal winters are no joke)

  • Registered in Quebec

  • Valid insurance with your name on it

Vehicle age rules:

Uber accepts cars from 2012 and newer (as of 2025). If you’re buying one just for Uber, play it safe and get something 2015 or newer so you’re good for a few years.

Don’t have a car?

You can:

  • Rent one (Uber partners with Hertz, Turo, and others)

  • Use someone else’s, as long as the insurance lists you as a driver

  • Lease a car specifically for rideshare

Just make sure it meets all Uber’s requirements and is legally yours to use.

How Much Money Can I Make?

Okay, let’s get into what everyone really wants to know.

How much can you earn driving Uber in Montreal in 2025?

Here’s what current drivers are reporting:

  • $23–$31/hour average after Uber’s cut and before expenses

  • On weekends or during events: $35–$45/hour

  • Full-time drivers: $900–$1,400/week

  • Part-time: $250–$600/week

Not bad, right?

But—yes, there’s a but—you still have to pay for:

  • Gas (hybrids = big savings)

  • Car maintenance (oil changes, tires, brakes, etc.)

  • Your own taxes (save 25–30% of your earnings!)

  • Cleaning supplies (you’ll get mystery stains, trust me)

That said, if you plan your hours well, you can absolutely make a living off this. Especially if you combine Uber with Uber Eats.

What’s the Best Time to Drive?

Montreal is a city that moves. But if you want to catch the best rides, timing is everything.

Here’s when drivers say it’s poppin’:

  • Weekday mornings (7–9 AM) – Commuters going downtown

  • Evenings (4–7 PM) – Going home, heading to dinner, running errands

  • Friday & Saturday nights (9 PM–2 AM) – Party people, club hoppers, late-night food seekers

  • During events – Grand Prix, Osheaga, hockey games = $$$

Bonus tip: Sunday afternoons around Costco and IKEA are gold. People shop big and don’t want to haul it all home.

Uber Eats vs Rideshare: Which One’s Better in Montreal?

Some folks prefer delivering food over people. No small talk. No weird smells. Just you, the road, and the occasional spilled milkshake.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Uber Rideshare

  • Higher earning potential

  • Requires full driver’s license

  • People in your car (obviously)

  • More maintenance needed

Uber Eats

  • Lower stress

  • Can use a bike, scooter, or even walk in some areas

  • Great for winter if you don’t want to clean snow off your car

  • Pays less, but still decent if you hustle

A lot of drivers actually do both. You can switch between Uber Eats and rideshare depending on time, weather, and mood.

What About Insurance?

Quebec’s auto insurance system is… special.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • You must have personal auto insurance in your name

  • Uber provides commercial insurance while you're online and taking rides

  • Some insurers offer special “rideshare coverage” — ask about it!

  • If you don’t tell your insurer you're doing rideshare and you get in an accident… yeah, that’s not gonna go well.

Call your insurance company and be honest. Trust me—it’s worth it.

Some Real Talk: What’s It Actually Like?

Driving Uber in Montreal is a mix of:

  • “This is awesome!”

  • “OMG that was the nicest rider ever.”

  • “Why is traffic like this on a Tuesday afternoon?”

  • “Did someone spill coffee on my seat again??”

  • “$120 for 4 hours tonight? Not bad!”

You’ll meet cool people. Weird people. Generous tippers. People who give you life advice. Someone’s dog (yes, that happens too).

But it’s not all sunshine. You need patience. A good playlist. Snacks. And probably a car air freshener or five.

Final Tips from Local Drivers

We asked a few seasoned Uber drivers in Montreal for their wisdom. Here’s what they said:

“Drive near the metro stations during rush hour. That’s where the action is.” – Alec, full-timer

“Always keep gum or mints in your car. Riders notice little things like that.” – Fatima, part-time after work

“Use the destination filter when heading home—you can still get paid on your commute.” – Jules, student driver

“Montreal potholes will eat your tires alive. Rotate and check them regularly.” – Nadia, mom of two

Ready to Roll?

If you’ve made it this far—high five 🙌

Now you know what it takes to become an Uber driver in Montreal. It’s not complicated, but you do need to follow the steps, be ready for Quebec’s extra rules, and treat this like a real business.

Whether you’re doing it full-time or just for weekend beer money, Uber gives you freedom. And in a city like Montreal? That freedom can turn into real income—on your own terms.

So what are you waiting for?

Start your journey here 👉 uber.com/ca/en/drive/montreal

See you on the road, mon ami. Bonne chance! 🍁🇨🇦

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