What is the City of Toronto Driver Training Certificate?

If you plan to drive for a Private Transportation Company (PTC) in Toronto – like Uber, Lyft, or a taxi or limousine company – you’ll need to get a PTC Licence. To qualify for a licence, you’ll need to complete a city-approved driver training course and submit your completion certificate to the PTC you plan to drive for.

In this post, we will explain when the City of Toronto introduced the training requirement and how you can fulfill it.

When Did the City of Toronto Mandate Driver Training?

The requirement for all vehicle-for-hire drivers to complete a training course is part of the City of Toronto’s Vehicle-for-Hire By-law, which governs all PTC drivers.

In July 2019, Toronto City Council approved updates to the vehicle-for-hire regulations, including the rule that requires PTC drivers to complete a standardized training course. The goal was to improve passenger safety and accessibility across the industry.

In April 2022, the City announced the approval of the first training provider. Since then, PTC licences are only issued or renewed for drivers who have successfully completed an approved training course.

How Do I Get the Driver Training Certificate?

To get a driver training certificate, you’ll need to complete a city-approved training course:

Step 1: Choose an Approved Provider

The City of Toronto has approved a small number of providers to deliver the vehicle-for-hire training. Each course covers the same content but differs in how the content and final exam are delivered. If you want a fully online, self-paced experience with no in-person lectures or exams, DrivePro is your best option.

Step 2: Complete the Course

The course typically takes about four hours to complete and covers important topics such as:

• Safely driving passengers, including those with disabilities or accessibility needs
• Navigating city driving
• Preventing racism and discrimination
• The laws that govern vehicle-for-hire drivers

Step 3: Pass the Test

At the end of the course, you’ll take a short multiple-choice test to demonstrate your understanding of the course material. If you pass, you’ll receive a certificate of completion – the official document you’ll need to apply to drive for a PTC.

Not sure what to do next? Check out our post on How to Get Your PTC Licence.

Final Thoughts

Getting your City of Toronto driver training certificate is an important step toward becoming a licensed vehicle-for-hire driver. It confirms that you’ve completed the City’s required training and understand how to safely and professionally transport passengers in Toronto.

Ready to get started? Sign up for a city-approved course today with DrivePro.