Uber Driver Requirements Gatineau: The Complete 2025 Guide

Driving for Uber in Gatineau, Quebec, offers an attractive opportunity for individuals looking to earn income on a flexible schedule. Whether you want to drive full-time, part-time, or deliver food with Uber Eats, this comprehensive guide breaks down all the essential requirements, steps, and options to become an Uber driver in Gatineau. From licensing and vehicle requirements to background checks, training, insurance, and what to do if you don’t own a car, we’ll cover it all. This blog post has been carefully researched and compiled to meet all 2025 standards.

Overview of Uber in Gatineau

Gatineau is part of the Outaouais region in western Quebec, directly across the river from Ottawa, Ontario. Due to its unique geography and bilingual nature, Uber operates slightly differently in Gatineau compared to other parts of Quebec or Ontario.

As of 2025, Uber continues to operate in Gatineau for both ridesharing (UberX, Uber Comfort) and food delivery (Uber Eats). However, cross-border regulations with Ottawa impact driver flexibility.

Important Note: Quebec and Ontario have different licensing and insurance laws. Drivers registered in Quebec can drop off passengers in Ontario but cannot pick them up there, and vice versa.

Eligibility Requirements

To become an Uber driver in Gatineau, you must meet the following basic criteria:

• Be at least 21 years old

• Possess a valid Class 5 Quebec driver's license

• Have at least 2 years of licensed driving experience

• Pass a criminal background check and driver's abstract check

• Have a clean driving record for at least 3 years

• Provide proof of eligibility to work in Canada (e.g., Canadian citizen, permanent resident, work permit)

Licensing and Driving Record

Quebec Driver's License

You must hold a Class 5 driver's license issued in Quebec. Learner's permits or probationary licenses are not accepted.

Driving Experience

Uber requires that drivers have at least 2 years of verifiable driving history.

Driving Record

Your driving record must be clean, with no major infractions in the past 3 years. Common disqualifiers include:

• DUI or DWI convictions

• Reckless driving

• Multiple speeding violations

• At-fault collisions

Vehicle Requirements

Your vehicle must meet specific standards to be eligible for Uber in Gatineau:

Basic Requirements

• 4 doors and at least 5 seat belts

• No commercial branding or visible damage

• Must not be a salvage, rebuilt, or modified vehicle

Vehicle Age & Condition

• Vehicles under 4 years old or with less than 80,000 km may not need inspection

• Older vehicles require a provincial safety inspection

• Annual Uber inspection may be required regardless of mileage

Registration & Insurance

• Must be registered in Quebec

• Valid Quebec license plate

• Must have rideshare-approved insurance

Background Checks and Screening

All Uber drivers must pass background screening that includes:

• Criminal Record Check: Ensures you have no violent, sexual, or theft-related offenses

• Driving Record Check: Evaluates any traffic infractions or license suspensions

These checks are usually done through approved vendors like Triton Canada or ISB Global Services, and cost approximately $80 CAD.

Mandatory Training in Quebec

The Quebec government requires all Uber drivers to complete a 15-hour mandatory driver training program, which covers:

• Road safety and awareness

• Customer service

• Accessibility and discrimination policies

• Uber platform navigation and policies

Uber will give you access to the course upon submission of your documents. Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate required for final approval.

Insurance and Registration

Insurance

Uber requires that all drivers have:

• Personal auto insurance (including your name on the policy)

• Rideshare-specific insurance endorsement from your provider

You may also be covered under Uber’s contingent liability policy while actively using the platform, but you are responsible for primary insurance compliance.

Vehicle Registration

Your vehicle must:

• Be registered in Quebec

• Have valid license plates

• Match the information submitted to Uber

Tax Registration (GST & QST)

All Uber drivers in Quebec must register for both:

• GST (Goods and Services Tax)

• QST (Quebec Sales Tax)

Even if your income is below $30,000/year, Uber requires you to submit your GST and QST numbers to remain active.

You can register online via:

• Revenu Quebec (for QST)

• Canada Revenue Agency (for GST)

Signing Up as a Driver

Step-by-Step:

1. Go to uber.com/ca/en/drive/gatineau-qc-ca

2. Create an account with your name, email, and phone number

3. Choose whether to drive or deliver (or both)

4. Upload the required documents:

   • Driver’s license

   • Proof of work eligibility

   • Vehicle registration & insurance

   • Safety inspection report (if needed)

   • Background checks

   • GST/QST numbers

5. Complete the online training course

6. Wait for Uber approval (typically 5–10 business days)

If You Don't Own a Car

Not having a car doesn’t prevent you from joining Uber. Here are your options:

1. Rent a Vehicle Through Uber Partners

Partners like Hertz and Avis offer rental programs:

• Costs: $250–$350/week (includes insurance)

• Requirements: Age 21+, credit card, clean record

2. Join a Fleet

Some Uber vehicle owners rent out their cars to drivers:

• Weekly or monthly rental

• Profit-sharing agreements (e.g., 70/30 split)

Search on:

• Facebook Marketplace

• Kijiji Gatineau

3. Drive Uber Eats (Bike/Scooter)

You can use a bike, e-bike, scooter, or even walk for Uber Eats:

• No car or insurance required

• Must be at least 18 years old

• Requires only government ID and SIN

Uber Eats in Gatineau

Driving for Uber Eats is a simpler way to get started:

Requirements:

• Age 18+

• Valid ID and SIN

• Smartphone with Uber Driver app

Vehicles Allowed:

• Bicycle

• E-bike

• Scooter

• On foot (in downtown areas)

No training, background check, or tax registration needed unless you earn over $30,000/year.

Tips for Success

• Drive during peak times: Morning/evening rush hours, Friday/Saturday nights

• Track expenses: Gas, repairs, insurance – they’re tax-deductible

• Stay polite and professional: Ratings matter

• Use destination filter: To stay near home

• Combine UberX with Uber Eats: Maximize earnings

Common Questions & Issues

Q: Can I drive in Ottawa if I’m registered in Gatineau?

A: You can drop off in Ottawa but not pick up unless you have an Ontario-registered vehicle.

Q: How long does it take to get approved?

A: Most drivers are approved within 7 to 10 days if documents are complete.

Q: What if my car is older than 10 years?

A: It likely won’t qualify. Consider Uber Eats or rental/fleet options.

Final Thoughts

Driving for Uber in Gatineau is a solid way to earn money with flexible hours, but it requires more than just a driver's license. Quebec's strict regulatory environment means you need the right license, insurance, vehicle, training, and tax documents before you can hit the road. If you don’t own a car, renting or joining a fleet are great options, and Uber Eats offers an even faster entry point.

Always stay updated with Uber’s platform notifications and Quebec laws. With the right preparation, you can build a reliable stream of income right here in Gatineau.