Updated 2019 – Lyft is on the road in Toronto so we have put together a list of everything you need to get started. This is the first Canadian market the US rideshare company has entered in to however, they will be competing with Uber who holds the majority share in Toronto. The Lyft driver requirements are pretty well the same as Uber but the rates differ slightly.
Find out if Lyft is right for you!
- Service Types and Rates
- Vehicle Requirements
- Driver Requirements
- HST and Taxes
- Insurance Requirements
- Sign Up Process
- Contact Information
Looking for other rideshare options in your city? Head over to our Choose Your City page to find out what rideshare apps are available. Learn how to get signed up in no time!
Service Types and Rates
Lyft
Base Fare:
$2.75
Per Minute:
$0.19
Per Km:
$0.75
Cancellation Fee:
$5.00
Minimum Fare:
$2.50
Lyft XL
Base Fare:
$5.00
Per Minute:
$0.35
Per Km:
$1.55
Cancellation Fee:
$5.00
Minimum Fare:
$5.00
Lux
Base Fare:
$5.00
Per Minute:
$0.35
Per Km:
$1.80
Cancellation Fee:
$5.00
Minimum Fare:
$5.00
Lux Black
Base Fare:
$8.00
Per Minute:
$0.50
Per Km:
$2.70
Cancellation Fee:
$10.00
Minimum Fare:
$12.00
Lux Black XL
Base Fare:
$15.00
Per Minute:
$0.60
Per Km:
$2.80
Cancellation Fee:
$10.00
Minimum Fare:
$22.00
Tips, Fees, and Payment Methods
Commission and Service Fees
25%
Commission 20-25%
Lyft: $2.75
Lyft Plus: $3.00
Premier: $3.00
Lyft LUX: $3.00
Lyft SUV: $3.00
Car Requirements
Tap the service to see the vehicle requirements you will need to meet to start driving
Lyft
- Vehicle model year must be 7 years old or newer
- 4-door vehicle with independently opening doors
- Seat at least 4 passengers
- Ontario license plate
- Good condition with no cosmetic damage
- No salvaged or rebuilt vehicles
- Pass a vehicle inspection
- Lyft sticker in the front and read windshields
Lyft XL
- Vehicle model year must be 7 years old or newer
- 4-door vehicle with independently opening doors
- Most vehicle models accepted
- Seat at least 6 passengers (typically a mini-van or SUV)
- Ontario license plate
- Snow or all-weather tires from Dec. 1 to April 30
- Good condition with no cosmetic damage
- No salvaged or rebuilt vehicles
- Pass a vehicle inspection
- Lyft sticker in the front and rear windshield
Lux
- High-end vehicle
- Vehicle model year must be 7 years old or newer
- 4-door vehicle with independently opening doors
- Seat at least 4 passengers
- Be an approved Lyft Premier Vehicle
- Ontario license plate
- Snow or all-weather tires from Dec. 1 to April 30
- Good condition with no cosmetic damage
- No salvaged or rebuilt vehicles
- Pass a vehicle inspection
- Lyft sticker in the front and read windshields
- Must have a minimum 4.7 driver rating
Lyft Lux Black
- Luxury vehicle
- Black Exterior
- Leather or leather-like seats
- Vehicle model year must be 7 years old or newer
- 4-door vehicle with independently opening doors
- Seat at least 4 passengers
- Be an approved Lyft Lux vehicle
- Ontario license plate
- Snow or all-weather tires from Dec. 1 to April 30
- Good condition with no cosmetic damage
- No salvaged or rebuilt vehicles
- Pass a vehicle inspection
- Lyft sticker in the front and read windshields
- Must have a minimum 4.7 driver rating
Lyft XL Black
- Luxury SUV
- Black exterior
- Leather or leather-like seats
- Vehicle model year must be 7 years old or newer
- Leather or leather-like seats
- 4-door vehicle with independently opening doors
- Be an approved Lyft Lux SUV vehicle
- Seat at least 6 passengers (must be an SUV)
- Ontario license plate
- Snow or all-weather tires from Dec. 1 to April 30
- Good condition with no cosmetic damage
- No salvaged or rebuilt vehicles
- Pass a vehicle inspection
- Lyft sticker in the front and read windshields
- Must have a minimum 4.7 driver rating
Before you can hit the road and start your new side hustle you will need to bring your vehicle in for an inspection at a licensed garage.
The garage will look at the condition of you tires, windows, brakes, mirrors, lights, and seatbelts. The main focus of the inspection is to ensure that your vehicle is safe for you and your passengers so you can drive safely and successfully.
Lyft also likes their drivers to drive clean good looking vehicles so the inspection will also look at the cosmetic condition of your vehicle. Your vehicle should pass as long as there is no major damage, fading paint or severe wear.
Want to see if your car qualifies for all of the Lyft service types? Check out our Accepted Vehicles Car List for Lyft, Lyft Lux, Lyft XL, and Lyft Black
Lyft Driver Requirements
- 21+ years old
- Ontario G Driver’s License or equivalent
- Driver photo
- Proof of work eligibility: Birth certificate, Citizenship card, Passport, Residency card, SIN card, or Work permit
- Proof of vehicle registration
- Vehicle insurance: Insurance must be in your name and name must be legible.
- Clean driving record
- Criminal background check
HST & Taxes
The taxes you will have to pay include CPP (Canadian Pension Plan contributions), Employment Insurance (optional), Federal and Provincial Income tax. You should consult with an accountant who can tell you how much to save from your earnings, especially if you have another job.
HST will also be charged to the customer and passed on to you. That means that you will need keep it to pay the government. You will need to get an HST number from the CRA in order to remit the 13%.
Insurance Requirements
Lyft’s insurance policy covers drivers whenever Driver Mode is “On” in-app. This includes pre-acceptance and post-acceptance.
The insurance policy will cover the following
- Automobile Liability Coverage
- Statutory Accident Benefits Coverage
- Uninsured Automobile Coverage
- Direct Compensation – Property Damage Coverage
- Contingent Comprehensive & Collision Coverage
See Lyft’s insurance documentation here.
Commercial driver insurance is not required, however, you should check with your personal insurance provider to make sure you are covered while operating as a rideshare driver.
You are also required to maintain your own personal insurance policy.
Sign Up Process
Head over to the Lyft website to sign up or sign up in-app by clicking on the badges below.
Help keep us going and use the referral code: MATT29492. As a new driver or
Contact Information
Support number: 1-855-865-9553
Email Support: Email Form
Twitter: @AskLyft
Lyft Help Center: Help Center
Toronto Lyft Hub
42 Hayden St
Toronto, On
M4Y 1V8
Mon-Fri: 9:30am-4:30pm
Check here for Toronto Lyft Hub operating hours.
About The Author: Commercial Driver HQ
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