How Long Does it Take to Get a PTC Licence in Toronto?

If you’re planning to drive for a rideshare, taxi, or limousine company in Toronto, you’ll need to get a Private Transportation Company (PTC) Licence. While the process is straightforward, the total time can vary depending on how long it takes you to gather your documents and which type of PTC company you’re applying to drive for.

In this post, we break down how long each step typically takes, from completing the training to receiving your licence.

What is a PTC Licence?

A Private Transportation Company (PTC) includes taxi and limousine brokerages, as well as any rideshare service that connects passengers and drivers through an app, such as Uber or Lyft. In Toronto, drivers can’t simply start giving rides. You must hold a PTC Licence, which confirms that you’ve completed the City’s mandatory training and that you meet vehicle safety requirements.

Looking for a guide to getting licensed? Check out our post on How to Get Your PTC Driver Licence in Toronto.

How Long Does Each Step Take?

1. Complete the Mandatory Vehicle-for-Hire Training Course (4 Hours)

In Toronto, all vehicle-for-hire drivers must complete a city-approved training course before they can start driving passengers. The course is offered online and takes about four hours to complete. Once you pass, you’ll receive a certificate of completion, which you’ll need to provide as part of your PTC Licence application.

2. Apply for Your PTC Licence (1 Hour-2 Days)

Once you’ve completed the mandatory training, the next step is to apply for your PTC Licence. The application process looks slightly different depending on whether you plan to drive a taxi, limousine, or rideshare vehicle:

• Taxi or Limousine: You’ll apply directly through the City of Toronto’s online application, where you’ll create an account, enter your information, and upload the required documents.
• Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.): You’ll apply to drive for the rideshare company, and they’ll submit the PTC Licence application to the City on your behalf.

In both cases, you’ll need to provide basic personal details and upload documents such as your driver’s licence, training certificate, insurance information, and vehicle paperwork.

If you already have everything ready, this step can be completed in under an hour. However, gathering the required documents can take longer – especially if anything needs to be updated or renewed.

3. Document Review (Up to 20 Days)

Waiting for the City (and your rideshare company, if applicable) to review your documents is typically the longest part of the process. They will:

• Review your vehicle-for-hire training certificate
• Verify your driver’s licence and vehicle documentation
• Run background and driving record checks

The City doesn’t publish a fixed deadline, but many drivers report the review taking up to 20 days, with the fastest approvals occurring in 5–10 days.

4. Receive Your PTC Licence (Instant)

Once your documents are approved, the City will issue your PTC Licence immediately. At this point, you can begin driving passengers in the GTA.

Final Thoughts

The timeline to get a PTC Licence in Toronto varies, but most drivers can expect the full process to take about 1-3 weeks from start to finish. Completing your training promptly and preparing your documents in advance can significantly speed up the process.

Unsure where and how to take the mandatory vehicle-for-hire training course? Check out our post on Where to Take the PTC Licence Training Course.