Uber Driver Requirements Ontario – What You Need to Start Driving in 2025

So you’re thinking of becoming an Uber driver in Ontario? Not a bad move. Whether you're in Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, or any of the smaller cities across the province, there’s a solid demand for rideshare services—and Uber is right at the center of it all. It offers flexibility, decent income potential, and the freedom to work on your own schedule. But before you can start picking up riders and earning tips, there’s a whole list of requirements you need to meet.

And Ontario being Ontario, there are provincial rules, municipal regulations, and Uber’s own platform requirements to deal with. It can feel a bit overwhelming at first. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll break down everything you need to know—no corporate lingo, no guesswork—just straight-up, real talk about what it takes to become an Uber driver in Ontario in 2025.

Ready? Let’s get into it.

Let’s start with the basics: age. Uber requires that all drivers in Canada be at least 21 years old. Even if you’ve been driving since you were 16, you’re going to need to wait until your 21st birthday to get behind the wheel for Uber. No exceptions here.

Next up, you’ll need a valid Ontario G driver’s licence. That’s a full licence—not a G1 or G2. The G licence shows that you’ve completed the graduated licensing system and are legally allowed to drive without any time-of-day or passenger restrictions. Some cities (like Toronto) also require you to have held your G licence for at least one year, but we’ll get into the city-specific stuff later on.

If you don’t have your G licence yet, your first step is to go get it. If you’ve got it already—great. That’s one requirement down.

Now let’s talk about your driving record. Uber’s not looking for perfect angels behind the wheel, but they do need drivers with clean, safe driving histories. You’ll need to provide a driver’s abstract—a record of your driving history over the past few years.

Here’s what Uber typically looks for in Ontario:

• No major convictions in the past 3 years (like careless driving, racing, or driving under suspension)

• No criminal convictions related to driving (impaired, dangerous operation, etc.)

• No more than a few minor violations (like speeding tickets)

If your record is clean or only has minor blemishes, you should be fine. You can request your driver’s abstract online through ServiceOntario or in person at a ServiceOntario centre.

Now for the background check. Every Uber driver in Ontario must pass a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC). This is a standard check that looks for past criminal activity, including violent offences, theft, fraud, or anything that might make you a safety concern.

Uber typically uses a third-party company like Triton or Checkr to process your background check. In most cases, it’s done online—you’ll just enter some personal info and give consent, and the company handles the rest. Results usually come back within a few days, but occasionally it can take a week or two depending on volume.

If something shows up on your background check, Uber may deny your application, but you’ll have a chance to provide documentation or context in some cases. Transparency is key.

Next, you’ll need to prove that you’re legally eligible to work in Canada. That can be one of the following:

• Canadian passport

• Birth certificate

• Canadian citizenship certificate

• Permanent resident card

• Valid open work permit that allows self-employment

Make sure the name matches your driver’s licence and other documents. If you’re using a work permit, double-check that it doesn’t have any restrictions against self-employment or operating a vehicle commercially.

Now let’s talk insurance—because this part can be confusing. The good news is Uber provides commercial auto insurance while you’re using the app in Ontario. That means from the moment you go online to when you complete a trip, Uber’s insurance has you covered.

But here’s the catch: you still need your own personal auto insurance for when you’re offline. Most standard policies don’t cover rideshare driving, so you’ll want to talk to your insurance provider and ask for a rideshare or transportation network endorsement.

Companies like Intact, Economical, Desjardins, and others in Ontario offer this kind of coverage. Some policies even have Uber-specific plans. Rates will vary depending on your age, driving record, vehicle, and where you live.

So bottom line: you’ll need proof of personal insurance, and Uber will automatically activate their coverage once you’re online.

Alright, vehicle requirements. Your car doesn’t need to be brand new, but it can’t be falling apart either. In Ontario, Uber’s standard vehicle requirements include:

• Must be 10 years old or newer (so 2015 or newer in 2025)

• Must have 4 doors

• Must be in good physical condition (no major dents, rust, or body damage)

• Must pass a safety inspection

• Must not be salvaged or rebuilt

If you want to drive for Uber Black or UberXL, there are extra requirements like higher-end models, leather interiors, or more seating capacity. But for UberX—the most common category—any clean, 4-door sedan, hatchback, or SUV should do the trick.

Now, about that safety inspection. In Ontario, every Uber vehicle must pass an annual mechanical safety inspection from a licensed mechanic. This inspection is based on the Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s standards and checks everything from brakes to suspension, tires, steering, lights, and more.

You’ll get a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) once your vehicle passes. This certificate must be dated within 36 days of your Uber application, and you'll need to upload a photo or scan of it through the Uber driver portal.

If your car doesn’t pass, fix the issues and get re-inspected. No certificate = no activation.

Municipal regulations time. Ontario is a big province, and every city has slightly different rules when it comes to rideshare. Let’s go through a few major ones quickly:

Toronto
To drive in Toronto, you’ll need a Vehicle-for-Hire Driver’s Licence issued by the city. This includes:

• Background check (CRJMC) from Toronto Police or approved agency

• Driving abstract

• Annual vehicle inspection

• Application fee (about $100–120)

Toronto has its own set of rules for vehicle age and insurance, so make sure to check the city’s website or Uber’s Toronto-specific info page.

Ottawa
Uber drivers in Ottawa need to register with the city as Private Transportation Company (PTC) drivers. Requirements include:

• Valid G licence

• Criminal background check

• Proof of work eligibility

• Proof of insurance with rideshare endorsement

• Annual safety inspection

The city may also require a record of vehicle registration and a recent photo for ID.

Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, and others
Most of these cities follow similar steps as Toronto and Ottawa but may vary slightly in fees or documents. Uber typically keeps things up to date on your city’s driver hub page, so be sure to double-check what your local municipality expects.

Now let’s talk money—because driving with Uber is great and all, but you’re here to make income, not just fill out paperwork. In Ontario, your earnings as an Uber driver depend on:

• Time and day you drive

• Your city (Toronto pays more than smaller towns)

• The type of car and ride service you offer (UberX vs UberXL, etc.)

• Promotions, bonuses, and quests from Uber

• Tips

Drivers in Toronto report earning between $22–$30/hour before expenses. Subtract fuel, maintenance, insurance, and taxes, and you’ll get a better sense of your take-home pay.

Remember, you’re self-employed as an Uber driver. That means you’ll need to keep track of your income and expenses and file taxes accordingly. Consider opening a separate bank account just for Uber earnings and tracking your mileage.

One thing to keep in mind is Uber often runs incentives for new drivers—like guaranteed earnings for completing a certain number of trips in your first few weeks. Keep an eye out for those, especially right after you’re approved.

Now, let’s walk through the full signup process step-by-step, just to tie everything together.

Step 1: Create an account on Uber.com or in the Uber Driver app
Step 2: Upload your Ontario G driver’s licence
Step 3: Upload your driver’s abstract and background check results
Step 4: Upload proof of work eligibility and personal insurance
Step 5: Add your vehicle info (registration, make, model, year)
Step 6: Upload your Safety Standards Certificate
Step 7: Wait for approval or requests for any missing info
Step 8: Complete onboarding (either online or in-person at a Greenlight Hub)
Step 9: Go online and start accepting trips

If your city requires a separate municipal licence (like Toronto or Ottawa), Uber will guide you through the steps or direct you to the appropriate local office.

It’s a process, sure—but once it’s done, you’re ready to earn on your terms.

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

Honestly, it depends on your lifestyle. If you’re looking for flexibility, extra income, or a way to stay busy while setting your own schedule, Uber is one of the most accessible options out there. You don’t need to invest in a storefront, buy expensive equipment, or report to a manager. Just your car, your phone, and a valid licence.

But like any self-employed gig, it comes with responsibility. You’ll have to manage your expenses, keep your car in top shape, and stay up to date with local rules.

That said, tens of thousands of Ontarians are already doing it—and if you follow all the requirements, there’s no reason you can’t join them.

Good luck out there, and drive safe.