Q: |
How do I become a taxicab driver in the City of Toronto? |
| A: |
In order to become a licensed taxicab driver in the City of Toronto, you must successfully complete the Effective Taxicab Driver training program. Click on the "Becoming a Taxicab Driver" link toward the bottom of the main page of this website or check out the "Primary Course" link in the menu on the left-hand side of the page for more information about this course. |
Q: |
How do I get a taxicab plate in the City of Toronto? |
| A: |
If you know of an owner who is interested in selling a plate, you must do the following:
- register the transfer of the plate at the issuing office
- the issuing office will set a Toronto Licensing Tribunal date for you to attend(all transfers of plates must be approved by the tribunal)
- the tribunal usually requires the owner of a plate to attend all or part of the Effective Taxicab Driver training program; and
- after all conditions set out by the tribunal are met, the transfer will be approved.
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| Q: |
What is the drivers' list? How do I add my name to the list? |
| A: |
The drivers' list is a waiting list for taxicab drivers who are interested in owning their own plate. There are a number of requirments that must be met in order to get your name added to the list. For example, you must hold a valid taxicab driver's license within the City of Toronto for at least three years before you can request to be placed on the list. The city issues a designated number of these plates each year, and drivers on the list are called in priority sequence. For more information, click the Ambassador course link in the menu on the left-hand side of the page. |
Q: |
Does the city issue taxicab plates? |
| A: |
The city does issue plates to taxicab drivers. These are either Ambassador or Accessible plates. These plates cannot be sold or transferred because they are the property of the city. |
Q: |
Do I need a "G" provincial driver's license to drive a taxicab in Toronto? |
| A: |
Yes, the Toronto Municipal Code requires that all drivers have a fully privileged "G" licence before they can hold a taxicab driver's licence. |
Q: |
Is there a waiting list for the Effective Taxicab Driver training program? If so, how long is it? |
| A: |
Yes, there is a waiting list for the Effective Taxicab Driver training program. Currently the waiting time is approximately 6-8 weeks. |
Q: |
I need to change some personal information. How do I do that? |
| A: |
Notify Licensing Services, located at 850 Coxwell Avenue, of the changes. If you are a licensed taxicab driver, you are required under the Municipal Code to attend the licensing office in person within 48 hours of the change to provide them with your new personal information. |
Q: |
I would like to reschedule my course date. How do I do that? |
| A: |
You must notify the Licensing Services office in person to reschedule your course date. Click on the "Contact Licensing" link in the menu on the left-hand side of the page for the contact information. |
Q: |
What must I do if my taxicab driver's licence lapses? |
| A: |
If your licence lapses, even by just one day, up to and including three years, you will be required to write an examination. You will have to pay the prescribed fee of $180, which would entitle you to the materials on which you will be tested, and asked to attend the training center on a pre-dertermined examination date. You will also be required to pay the yearly licence fee upon passing the examination.
If your licence lapses by more than three years, you will be asked to take the Effective Taxicab Driver Training Program and write the corresponding examination. You will be required to pay the course fee and meet all course requirements.In either case, it should be noted that driving with a lapsed licence is a violation of the Toronto Municpal Code, and you will be fined if caught driving a taxicab. |
Q: |
How long is a medical certificate valid for? |
| A: |
3 Years
|
Q: |
Is a medical certificate from another municipality accepted by the City of Toronto? |
| A: |
No
|
Q: |
Is a medical note from a doctor sufficient if the certificate is not available? |
| A: |
No, the ML&S approved form is the only acceptable documentation.
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Q: |
Are all fees required to be paid at time of registration? |
| A: |
Yes, course fees must be paid in full before attending training.
|
Q: |
How long is a medical certificate valid for? |
| A: |
3 Years
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Q: |
How long is a police check valid for? |
| A: |
Once a criminal background check is submitted, a new one won't be requested for four years. However, the actual criminal check is valid for one year. Note: Clients should be getting a full criminal background check from a police station, no third party agencies are permitted.
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Q: |
As a taxicab driver, must I wear a seatbelt? |
| A: |
Regulation 613-7(3) of the Highway Traffic Act exempts taxicab drivers from Section 106(3) of the Act, which prohibits that a person driving a motor vehicle not wear his or her seat belt, while transporting a passenger for hire.
It should be noted that seatbelts have been proven to significantly reduce the risk of injury and death and that for this reason it is highly recommended that you wear it at all times. |
Q: |
Where, if anywhere, may I make a legal 'U' turn? |
| A: |
'U' turns are legal everywhere, except where posted or, as per Section 143 of the Highway Traffic Act:
- upon a curve where traffic approaching the vehicle from either direction cannot be seen by the driver of the vehicle within a distance of 150 metres;
- on a railway crossing or within 30 metres of a railway crossing;
- upon an approach to or near the crest of a grade where the vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of another vehicle approaching from either direction within 150 metres; or
- within 150 metres of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel where the driver's view is obstructed within such distance. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 143
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Q: |
If a student is leaving the country, how long do they have to pick up their licence? |
| A: |
Once a "Final Day Notice" has been sent, the student has 30 days to pick up their licence, after that the appliaction will be cancelled. If you are unable to pick up your licence for some reason, please notify the Licensing Office as soon as possible.
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| Q: |
When should a collision be reported to the police and when should one attend a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC)? |
| A: |
In Toronto, the police should be notified of any collision in which people are injured, or damage is valued at more than $1,000 to vehicles or property, or there is damage to any highway property.
All drivers involved in a collision should attend a CRC, without the need for police to be present at the site, unless any of the following conditions apply:
- the collision involves injury or death;
- there is criminal activity involved in the collisions (e.g., impaired driving, stolen vehicle, assault, etc.);
- the collision involves Federal, Provincial or Municipal vehicles (including TTC);
- the collision involves vehicles transporting dangerous goods;
- the collision involves a person who is uninsured or is a suspended driver;
- the collision involves damage to private, municipal or highway property;
- the collision involves bicycles or pedestrians;
- any of the involved parties refuses to provide required information.
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| Q: |
As a taxicab driver, am I obligated to register for, and remit, the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)? |
| A: |
Yes. All fares collected by City of Toronto taxicab drivers include HST. For this reason drivers must be registered and must remit the tax as per Canada Customs and Revenue Agency regulations. |
