Becoming an Uber driver in Montreal is a popular way to earn income, whether full-time or part-time. With flexible hours, the chance to be your own boss, and Montreal’s busy urban environment, rideshare driving can be rewarding. However, there are specific steps and requirements that every prospective Uber driver must meet to legally and successfully operate in the city.
This in-depth guide provides everything you need to know about Uber driver requirements in Montreal in 2025, covering eligibility, background checks, vehicle requirements, inspections, renting options, and the sign-up process.
Introduction to Uber Driving in Montreal
Uber operates as a rideshare company that connects passengers with drivers via a mobile app. In Montreal, Uber is one of the most used transportation services alongside taxis and public transit. With a diverse population, frequent tourists, students, and professionals commuting daily, the demand for Uber services remains high.
Uber offers services like UberX, UberXL, and Uber Eats, each with slightly different requirements, but the general steps to become a driver are consistent.
Eligibility Requirements
To drive for Uber in Montreal, you must meet the following personal eligibility criteria:
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Age: You must be at least 21 years old.
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Driving Experience: A minimum of 2 years of driving experience in Canada is required.
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License: A valid Class 5 (non-probationary) driver’s license issued by Quebec.
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Work Eligibility: You must be legally authorized to work in Canada. This includes Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and individuals with a valid Canadian work permit.
Note: If you recently moved to Quebec, ensure your license is fully transferred and not under probation.
Required Documents
As part of the onboarding process, Uber requires you to submit several documents:
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Driver’s License: Must be a clear photo of both sides of your Class 5 license.
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Proof of Work Eligibility: Passport, PR card, or work permit.
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Profile Photo: Clear, front-facing, no hats or sunglasses.
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Vehicle Registration (if using your own car): Must be under your name or you must have permission to use the vehicle.
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Insurance Document: A valid insurance policy for the vehicle, showing rideshare use if applicable.
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Safety Standards Certificate (SSC): Required for vehicles over 4 years old or with over 80,000 km.
Background Checks and Safety Screening
Uber conducts background checks through third-party providers such as Triton. Two major screenings are conducted:
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Criminal Record Check: Must not have any serious criminal convictions.
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Driving Record Check (MVR): Requires a clean driving history over the past 3 years from the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ).
You may be required to provide fingerprinting or additional documentation depending on your background. The average processing time for these checks is 5–10 business days.
Vehicle Requirements
If you plan to use your own vehicle, it must meet Uber’s standards. In Montreal, the requirements include:
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Vehicle Age: Must be 10 years old or newer (2015+ models).
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Condition: Must be in good cosmetic and mechanical condition.
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Body Type: 4-door sedan or minivan; no 2-door cars, salvage titles, or commercial branding.
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Insurance: Must be insured for personal use and meet Quebec standards. Rideshare insurance is recommended.
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Safety Certificate: A valid SSC if the car exceeds age or mileage thresholds.
Vehicle Inspection Guidelines
Vehicles are subject to a mechanical inspection known as the Safety Standards Certificate (SSC). Here’s what you need to know:
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Where to Inspect: Uber-approved mechanics or garages.
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What’s Checked: Brakes, lights, tires, suspension, steering, emissions.
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Cost: Typically $30–100 depending on the garage.
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Renewal: May be required annually or if major repairs are made.
Once you obtain the SSC, upload it to your Uber profile.
Driving Without Owning a Car: Rental Options
If you don’t own a car, you can still drive for Uber in Montreal by renting a vehicle. Uber partners with rental companies to offer vehicles that meet all requirements.
1. Uber Marketplace Rentals
Uber has partnerships with:
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Avis
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Hertz
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Budget
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Dollar
These rentals usually include:
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Rideshare-ready vehicles
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Insurance and registration
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Maintenance and unlimited kilometers
Costs: Typically $240–$300 per week. Must be 21+ (25+ preferred) and pass Uber’s background check first.
2. Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing
Platforms like Turo or Communauto allow drivers to rent cars from individuals or fleets. You must ensure the vehicle meets Uber’s inspection and insurance criteria.
3. Borrowing or Leasing
You can also use a borrowed vehicle if you're listed on the insurance and the car meets Uber’s standards.
How to Sign Up for Uber in Montreal
Signing up is a multi-step process but can be completed in as little as a few weeks:
Step-by-Step:
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Go to uber.com and select "Sign up to drive."
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Create your profile: email, password, name, and phone.
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Upload your documents: driver’s license, work eligibility, insurance, vehicle registration.
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Complete the background and driving record check.
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Schedule your vehicle inspection (if applicable).
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Apply for the "Permis de chauffeur autorisé" from SAAQ.
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Complete the 15-hour training course (usually in French).
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Register for GST/QST numbers with Revenu Québec.
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Receive your Uber decals and install them on your vehicle.
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Download the Uber Driver app and go online once approved.
Provincial and Tax Regulations
Permis du Chauffeur Autorisé
Issued by the SAAQ, this permit is mandatory for all rideshare drivers in Quebec. It requires a background check confirmation and costs approximately $27.
Mandatory Training
Quebec requires rideshare drivers to complete a 15-hour course, typically covering:
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Customer service
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Navigation
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Quebec traffic laws
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Safety procedures
Courses are mostly available in French and must be completed before being activated.
GST and QST
Drivers must register for:
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Goods and Services Tax (GST)
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Quebec Sales Tax (QST)
These apply to all self-employed contractors. Uber provides annual income summaries to assist with tax filing.
Timeline and Cost Overview
| Requirement | Estimated Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Uber Sign-Up | 10 minutes | Free |
| Background Check | 5–10 business days | ~$80 |
| Vehicle Inspection | 1–2 hours | $30–100 |
| SAAQ Permit | 1–2 weeks | ~$27 |
| 15-Hour Training | 1–2 weeks | ~$100–150 |
| Decal Delivery | 1–2 weeks | Free |
| GST/QST Registration | 1 day online | Free |
| Rental Vehicle (if applicable) | Instant (once cleared) | ~$250/week (ongoing) |
Total startup cost (own car): ~$200–350.
Total startup cost (rental): ~$250–300/week ongoing.
Tips for Success as an Uber Driver in Montreal
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Choose high-traffic zones like downtown, Griffintown, and the Plateau.
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Drive peak hours: mornings (7–10 am), evenings (4–7 pm), and weekends.
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Maintain a clean, professional vehicle and dress neatly.
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Keep snacks, water, and phone chargers for riders.
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Track expenses and mileage for tax deductions.
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Stay polite and engage riders, especially tourists who may tip well.
Conclusion
Becoming an Uber driver in Montreal in 2025 is a structured process but manageable with the right guidance. From vehicle requirements to background checks and provincial regulations, Uber ensures that drivers are safe, reliable, and professional.
Whether you own a car or plan to rent, following the outlined steps will get you on the road legally and confidently. With dedication and strategic driving, Uber can be a flexible and profitable income source.
If you're ready to start, visit Uber's Montreal sign-up page and begin your journey today!
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