How to Become an Instacart Driver: Earn Cash on Your Schedule

Driving for Instacart has gotten pretty popular across Canada, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re cruising through the busy streets of Toronto, catching the skyline vibes in Vancouver, or navigating Montreal’s French-flavoured neighbourhoods, this gig gives a lot of freedom. No rigid 9-to-5, no boss peering over your shoulder—just you, your car, and a bunch of groceries to deliver.

The schedule’s super flexible. Wanna knock out a few morning shifts? Sure. Evening runs? No problem. Weekend hustle? Go for it. Especially in BC, where traffic can be a bit of a pain, being able to pick your hours is a game-changer.

Pay isn’t too shabby either. Base pay plus tips from Canadians who genuinely appreciate good service can add up. If you play it smart—think peak hours and batching orders—you can actually pull in a decent side income without burning out.

All in all, it’s a gig that gives you independence, some extra cash, and the chance to call the shots. In this guide, we’ll go through everything you need to become an Instacart driver in Canada, from the paperwork to getting approved, plus a few insider tips to make sure you breeze through the process.

What Is an Instacart Driver (aka Shopper)

Instacart drivers, or shoppers as they’re sometimes called, are basically the people who make grocery delivery happen. There are two types:

Full-Service Shoppers: These folks do the full deal—they pick the groceries in-store and then deliver them to the customer’s doorstep. Basically, you’re the whole operation from start to finish.

In-Store Shoppers: These drivers stick to shopping only. They don’t do the delivery part, which can be handy if you don’t have a car or just want to avoid traffic.

Across Canada, demand can vary depending on the city. Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver have tons of orders most days, while smaller towns might be quieter—but there’s still opportunity.

Drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees, which means you’re basically running your own mini business. You set your hours, pick which batches to accept, and keep track of your earnings and expenses. In BC, for instance, some drivers joke that navigating Vancouver’s streets is half the adventure, and the other half is snagging the best peak-hour orders for bigger payouts.

Being an Instacart driver isn’t rocket science, but it does require attention to detail and reliability. Customers expect their groceries to arrive fresh and accurate, so a little care goes a long way. At the same time, there’s a fair bit of freedom—you’re not stuck in a cubicle, you’re out there moving, earning, and deciding your own pace.

Driver Requirements to Become an Instacart Driver in Canada

Becoming an Instacart driver in Canada comes with a few basic must-haves, nothing too crazy, but all important if you want your application to sail through.

Age & Eligibility

First off, you need to be at least 18 years old. You also need to have the legal right to work in Canada—this means being a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or having a valid work permit. No shortcuts here, sorry.

Driver’s License

If you’re signing up as a full-service shopper, a valid Canadian driver’s license is a must. Instacart needs to know you can safely get groceries from the store to someone’s doorstep. No license? You can still be an in-store shopper, where you just handle the shopping part.

Vehicle Requirements

For full-service drivers, your vehicle should be roadworthy and reliable. A 4-door car, SUV, or minivan usually does the trick. Nothing flashy required—just clean, mechanically sound, and insured.

Vehicle inspection: Most provinces in Canada don’t require a formal inspection for Instacart, but your car must be safe to drive. In BC, some local rules might apply, but generally as long as your ride is in good shape, you’re good to go.

Smartphone & App

You’ll need a smartphone with a reliable data plan. The Instacart app is your dashboard, your order tracker, and basically your lifeline while on the job. It’s not high-tech, but it’s essential.

Other Essentials

Proof of insurance and vehicle registration for full-service drivers.
A bank account for direct deposit—Instacart pays weekly.

The good thing is that once you tick these boxes, you’re already halfway there. Think of it as gathering your toolkit before you hit the road—get your license, your car in order, your phone ready, and you’re all set.

Required Documents for Instacart Drivers in Canada

When it comes to signing up as an Instacart driver, having the right documents ready is key. The exact requirements can vary depending on which province you’re in, so here’s a breakdown:

General Documents (All Provinces)

Driver’s License: For full-service shoppers, a valid Canadian license is mandatory.
Vehicle Insurance: Must be in your name and cover personal use.
Vehicle Registration: Shows you legally own or lease the car.
Social Insurance Number (SIN): Needed for taxes and CRA reporting.
Bank Account: For weekly direct deposits.
Additional ID (Optional): Passport or provincial health card if requested for background check.

Province-Specific Notes

British Columbia (BC)

ICBC-issued driver’s license is standard.
Basic vehicle insurance from ICBC is enough; optional enhanced coverage is okay but not required.
Vehicle inspection is usually not required, but make sure your car is roadworthy and safe—ICBC can flag issues if needed.
SIN and bank account same as general requirement.

Ontario (ON)

Ontario driver’s license mandatory for full-service shoppers.
Vehicle must have valid insurance (private passenger or auto insurance).
Registration must be current and in your name.
In Ontario, inspection is generally not required unless your vehicle is older or has a flagged issue.

Quebec (QC)

Quebec driver’s license required.
Vehicle must have valid SAAQ insurance.
Vehicle registration (carte grise) required.
Note: background check may also include provincial criminal check.

Alberta (AB)

Alberta driver’s license required.
Proof of insurance mandatory.
Registration (pink slip) required.
Vehicle inspection usually not needed, but car must pass basic safety standards.

Other Provinces (MB, SK, NS, NB, PEI, NL, NT, YT, NU)

Driver’s license, insurance, and registration still apply.
Inspection rules vary slightly; most don’t require an official inspection unless the car is older or has safety issues.
SIN and bank account required everywhere.

Tips to Make Sure Documents Are Accepted

Make sure all licenses and registrations are current and not expired.
Check that your insurance clearly covers personal vehicle use.
Keep digital copies handy—Instacart app may ask for uploads.
If you’re in BC, double-check ICBC guidelines; in QC, watch out for SAAQ-specific requirements.

Vehicle Requirements for Instacart Drivers in Canada

Having the right ride is a big part of being an Instacart driver. It doesn’t need to be fancy, but it should be reliable, safe, and suitable for carrying groceries. Here’s a detailed look at what’s expected across Canada:

General Requirements (All Provinces)

Reliable 4-door car, SUV, or minivan. Hatchbacks are okay if you can fit bags comfortably.
Mechanically sound—brakes, lights, tires, all in good shape.
Clean interior and exterior; customers notice this, and it can affect tips.
Insurance and registration in your name.
Vehicle inspection is generally not required, but it’s smart to keep your car in tip-top shape.

Province-Specific Notes

British Columbia (BC)

ICBC-insured vehicle is mandatory.
Vehicle inspection not required for Instacart, but car should be roadworthy.
Compact SUVs and hatchbacks work, but bigger vehicles are better for multiple orders.
Winter tires recommended during snow season (highly advised, not mandatory).

Ontario (ON)

Valid Ontario insurance and registration required.
No formal inspection needed unless the vehicle is older or flagged for safety.
Four-door cars or SUVs preferred for space and convenience.

Quebec (QC)

SAAQ-insured car required.
Registration (carte grise) must be current.
Vehicle inspection generally not needed, but customers expect safe and reliable rides.
Some drivers in Montreal prefer SUVs or minivans to handle urban traffic and parking efficiently.

Alberta (AB)

Valid insurance and registration needed.
Vehicle inspection not usually required.
Any safe, reliable car is acceptable. SUVs and minivans are practical for bulkier orders, especially in winter.

Other Provinces (MB, SK, NS, NB, PEI, NL, NT, YT, NU)

Insurance and registration still mandatory.
Vehicle inspection rules vary; generally not needed unless car is old or flagged.
Pick a ride that’s reliable and fits groceries comfortably—size matters more than brand.

Tips for Keeping Your Vehicle Instacart-Ready

Keep your car clean—both interior and exterior; it can affect tips.
Regular maintenance: brakes, tires, oil, lights.
Consider winter tires in snowy provinces like BC, AB, QC, and ON.
Keep a small bag or crate for groceries to prevent spills.

How to Sign Up as an Instacart Driver in Canada

Signing up as an Instacart driver in Canada is pretty straightforward, but getting everything in order beforehand makes the process a lot smoother. Here’s a province-aware step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Create Your Account

Head over to the Instacart website or download the app.
Choose your role: Full-Service Shopper (shop + deliver) or In-Store Shopper (shop only).
Enter your basic personal info: name, email, and phone number.

Step 2: Select Your Province & City

Instacart needs to know where you’ll be working.
Availability can vary, so check which cities have the most demand:

Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal = high demand.
Smaller towns may have fewer orders but still opportunity.

If you’re in BC, pick the city carefully—traffic can affect delivery times, and some areas might have limited shifts.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

Driver’s License (for full-service shoppers).
Vehicle Insurance and Registration.
Social Insurance Number (SIN) for tax purposes.
Bank Account info for direct deposit.
Optional: additional ID like passport or provincial health card if requested.

Tip: Make sure everything is valid and up-to-date. Expired documents are the #1 reason applications get delayed.

Step 4: Background Check

Canadian background checks include criminal history and, for full-service shoppers, driving records.
Timeline: usually 3–7 days, but can vary by province.
QC: may include additional provincial checks.
Tips for smooth approval:

Have all documents ready.
Be honest on your application.
Fix minor issues on driving record if possible.

Step 5: Choose Your Shopper Type

Full-Service Shopper: picks groceries + delivers.
In-Store Shopper: shops only.
The choice affects vehicle requirements and potential earnings.

Step 6: Complete Training / Tutorial

Instacart provides a tutorial via the app.
Covers:

App navigation
Shopping best practices
Delivery expectations

In BC and other provinces, it’s helpful to pay extra attention to local traffic patterns and store layouts.

Step 7: Start Accepting Orders

Once approved, you can log in and start accepting batches.
Tips to start strong:

Begin with smaller orders to get a feel.
Keep your vehicle organized.
Plan routes efficiently, especially in traffic-heavy cities.

Background Check, Approval Process, and Common Reasons for Rejection

Getting approved as an Instacart driver in Canada isn’t complicated, but understanding the background check and approval process helps you avoid unnecessary delays or rejections.

Background Check Basics

Instacart requires a criminal record check for all applicants.
For full-service shoppers, your driving history is also reviewed.
The process is handled by third-party screening services in Canada.
Timeline: usually 3–7 days, but can stretch a bit depending on your province and how quickly documents are verified.

Province-Specific Notes

British Columbia (BC)

ICBC driving record is checked for full-service shoppers.
Criminal check covers provincial records; national check may apply for serious offences.
Minor driving infractions usually don’t block approval, but serious incidents (DUIs, reckless driving) can.

Ontario (ON)

Ontario Ministry of Transportation record reviewed for driving.
Background check includes CPIC (Canadian Police Information Centre) records.
In Toronto or Ottawa, busy areas, drivers with clean records get approved faster and can start taking orders immediately.

Quebec (QC)

SAAQ driving record required.
Criminal background includes provincial and federal checks.
Extra attention to language: some documents may need French verification.

Alberta (AB)

Alberta driving record reviewed.
Criminal check includes Alberta records and CPIC check.

Other Provinces (MB, SK, NS, NB, PEI, NL, NT, YT, NU)

Similar checks: criminal background + driving record (for full-service).
Remote provinces may have slightly longer turnaround times due to document verification.

Common Reasons for Rejection

Incomplete or expired documents (license, insurance, registration, SIN).
Criminal convictions affecting eligibility (theft, fraud, violent offences).
Poor driving record for full-service shoppers (DUIs, multiple major infractions).
Vehicle not meeting safety or insurance requirements.

Tips to Increase Approval Chances

Gather all documents before applying.
Ensure your vehicle is safe, insured, and registered.
Be honest on your application; falsifying info = instant rejection.
In BC, double-check ICBC records for any unresolved issues.
For Quebec, have documents ready in French if requested.

Working as an Independent Contractor in Canada

When you drive for Instacart in Canada, you’re considered an independent contractor, not an employee. That gives you flexibility but also comes with responsibilities, especially when it comes to taxes and record-keeping.

Income and Taxes

All earnings from Instacart are self-employment income.
You are responsible for reporting it to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Taxes aren’t automatically deducted, so you’ll want to set aside a portion of each payment for income tax (around 20–30% is common).
You’ll receive a T4A slip from Instacart at year-end to report your earnings.

Tracking Expenses

Mileage: Keep track of kilometers driven for deliveries; you can claim this on your taxes.
Phone & Data: Portion of your mobile phone bills can be claimed if used for the job.
Vehicle Expenses: Gas, maintenance, insurance (for work portion) can be partially deductible.
Receipts Matter: Always keep receipts and log expenses to make CRA reporting smoother.

Provincial Notes

BC: Consider ICBC insurance rules; some policies have specific clauses for ride-share or delivery work.
Quebec: Tax reporting may include provincial forms and French-language CRA documents.
Other provinces: Basic CRA self-employment rules apply, but check local deductions for vehicle or delivery expenses.

Tips for Staying Organized

Use a simple spreadsheet or an app to track earnings and expenses.
Separate a bank account if possible, for easier tracking.
File taxes on time to avoid penalties.
Remember, good record-keeping now = less stress at tax time.

Friendly Advice

Even if Instacart is just a side hustle, thinking of it like a small business helps. Treat every delivery seriously, keep your paperwork tidy, and you’ll avoid headaches at tax time. Plus, the flexibility and independence make it worth the effort.

Pros & Cons of Being an Instacart Driver in Canada

Driving for Instacart in Canada comes with its perks and challenges. Knowing both sides helps you decide if this gig is right for you.

Pros

Flexible Schedule

You can pick your hours, whether mornings, evenings, or weekends.
Great for students, part-timers, or anyone juggling other commitments.
In BC, this flexibility helps dodge traffic and bad weather days.

Extra Income

Earnings include base pay + tips.
Peak hours and weekends often mean bigger payouts.
In cities like Toronto or Montreal, consistent orders can make it a reliable side hustle.

Independence

No boss hovering, no cubicle. You’re in charge of your own mini business.
Set your own pace and choose the batches you accept.

Get Out and About

You’re not stuck at a desk—especially nice in spring/summer across Canada.
Explore your city a bit while getting paid.

Cons

Vehicle Wear-and-Tear

Gas, maintenance, and mileage add up.
In winter months (BC, AB, QC), snow and icy roads make driving trickier.

Unpredictable Demand

Some days are busy, others quiet.
Smaller towns may have fewer orders, meaning fewer earnings opportunities.

Self-Managed Taxes

As an independent contractor, you’re responsible for taxes.
Without proper tracking, CRA can be a headache.

No Employee Benefits

No paid vacation, sick days, or health benefits.
Must handle your own insurance, retirement savings, etc.

Who This Gig is Best For

Students, part-timers, or anyone looking for extra cash with flexibility.
Drivers who don’t mind being on the road and enjoy independence.
People who can keep organized records for taxes and expenses.

Friendly Tip

Think of it like a small business—your car is your office, and your time is your money. Play smart, track everything, and it can be a fun and profitable gig.

Conclusion – Is Becoming an Instacart Driver Right for You?

By now, it’s clear that being an Instacart driver in Canada isn’t just about picking up groceries and dropping them off—it’s about flexibility, independence, and a bit of entrepreneurship. From gathering the right documents and meeting driver requirements to navigating the app and staying on top of taxes, there’s a lot to keep in mind, but none of it is overwhelming if you’re prepared.

The gig works best for people who want control over their schedule. Whether it’s a side hustle to pad your wallet or a full-time hustle to keep life moving on your terms, Instacart offers the chance to earn while staying flexible. In BC, being able to pick your hours around traffic and weather can make a big difference; in Ontario or Quebec, it’s about finding the high-demand times to maximize pay.

Yes, there are downsides—vehicle wear-and-tear, self-managed taxes, and sometimes unpredictable demand—but the perks often outweigh the challenges. You get to stay active, earn money on your own terms, and enjoy a level of freedom that’s rare in traditional jobs.

If you’re organized, reliable, and comfortable on the road, this gig can be rewarding both financially and personally. Keep your documents in order, ensure your vehicle is safe, and approach each shift like you’re running your own mini business.

At the end of the day, becoming an Instacart driver in Canada is about balancing independence, responsibility, and opportunity. If that sounds like your kind of grind, why wait? Gather your documents, get your car ready, and start your journey as an Instacart driver today.