How to Get Your Taxi Licence in Toronto

To drive a taxi in Toronto, you’ll need a Vehicle-for-Hire Driver License issued by the City of Toronto. This licence confirms that you’ve completed all of the City’s training requirements and are qualified to operate a taxi safely and professionally.

In this post, we’ll break down the steps you’ll need to follow to get your Vehicle-for-Hire Driver License.

Step 1: Take a City-Approved Training Course

Before you can apply for a licence, you’ll need to complete a City-approved driver training course. This training is mandatory for anyone who wants to drive a taxicab, limousine, or ride share vehicle in Toronto.

The course covers key topics you’ll need to know as a vehicle-for-hire driver, including:

• Safely transporting passengers
• Navigating the challenges of city driving
• Providing service to passengers with disabilities or accessibility needs
• Preventing racism and discrimination
• Laws and regulations that govern vehicle-for-hire drivers

The course typically takes a few hours to complete and can be done online at your own pace. At the end, you’ll take a multiple choice test. Once you pass, you’ll receive a certificate of completion which will need to be uploaded as part of your licence application.

Step 2: Apply Through the City of Toronto

Once you’ve finished your training, you can fill out an online application through the City of Toronto website.

You’ll be asked to fill out some basic information and upload the following documents:

• Driver Training Certificate of Completion: Received after completing the driver training in Step 1.
• Two Pieces of Government-Issued ID: One piece must prove your eligibility to work in Canada, such as a passport, birth certificate, or work permit. One piece must include a photo. Health cards are not accepted.
• Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check: Issued by a Canadian police service within the last 280 days. More information is available here.
• Driver’s Licence: A valid Ontario Class G (or higher) with at least three years of driving experience.
• Photo: A clear, passport-style photo for your licence record.

You’ll also need to pay a fee of $224.78 prior to submitting your application.

For more detailed instructions on how to navigate the online application, the City has created a step-by-step guide.

Once your application is reviewed and approved, the City will issue your vehicle-for-hire license. At that point, you can begin driving for an approved taxi brokerage or operate your own licensed vehicle that meets the City’s standards.

Final Thoughts

Getting your Vehicle-for-Hire Driver License in Toronto really comes down to two steps: complete your city-approved training and apply through the City of Toronto. Once approved, you’ll be licensed to drive passengers across the GTA.