The Difference Between Vehicle-for-hire Licence and PTC Licence - Toronto

Updated: May 30, 2023

If you're planning to pursue a professional driving career in Toronto, you'll likely need to obtain two types of licences: a Vehicle for Hire (VFH) licence and a Private Transportation Company (PTC) licence.

However, distinguishing between these licences can be challenging for many individuals. To gain a clearer understanding of the differences between Vehicle for Hire (VFH) licence and Private Transportation Company (PTC) licence, this informative article will provide you with comprehensive insights and guidance.

1. Brief Overview

A "Vehicle for Hire" (VFH) driver licence and a "Private Transportation Company" (PTC) licence are two distinct types of licences related to transportation services. Here's an explanation of each:

- Vehicle for Hire (VFH) Driver Licence

A VFH driver licence is typically issued by local transportation authorities or departments of motor vehicles. It allows individuals to legally operate a vehicle for hire, such as a taxi, limousine, or other similar vehicles, to transport passengers for compensation.

- Private Transportation Company (PTC) Licence

A PTC licence is associated with app-based transportation platforms or ridesharing services like Uber, Lyft, or other similar companies. PTC drivers are typically independent contractors who use their own vehicles to provide transportation services through the platform.

2. Who will need a Vehicle for Hire (VFH) licence and a Private Transportation Company (PTC) licence?

According to City of Toronto Government, you need a licence from the City of Toronto if you are a:

Taxicab owner, operator or broker
Limousine owner or service company
Private transportation company (PTC), such as Uber & Lyft
Taxicab, limousine or PTC vehicle driver

Depending on the situation, you may need: a Vehicle for Hire (VFH) licence and a Private Transportation Company (PTC) licence. These are two distinct types of licences related to transportation services.

3.1 The required documents for obtaining a Vehicle for Hire(VFH) driver licence:

Valid G Class Photo Driver's Licence
Proof of Work Status
Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check
Driving Record Abstract
Training Certificate(from an approved training program)
Photo

3.2 How to apply

You could apply for a Vehicle-for-hire licence online or in-person.

Apply online

It is suggested to have all the required documents ready to upload before you start the application, you will need:

A valid Ontario Class G (or higher) driver’s licence. Drivers need to have a minimum of 3 years of driving experience.
Proof of Work Status
Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check
Driving Record Abstract
Training Certificate
Photo
Licence application fee of $207.82(online payment/sending a cheque)

You can simply click this link and go to "How to Apply" - "Submit Application" to apply.

Apply in-person

You need to book an appointment at the Licence and Permit Issuing Office, 850 Coxwell Avenue, 3rd Floor. Walk-ins are not acceptable for in-person application.

You need to bring hard copies of all required documents and forms with you.

Payment can only be made by debit, credit or cheque. Cash will not be accepted.

4. Private Transportation Company (PTC) Licence

A PTC licence is associated with app-based transportation platforms or ridesharing services like Uber, Lyft, or other similar companies. Before driving for a PTC, it is necessary to obtain a licence through their application process, even if you already possess a Vehicle-for-Hire driver licence.

4.1 The PTC will handle the application for a PTC driver licence on your behalf

The PTC will handle the application for a PTC driver licence on your behalf. However, you still need to upload a training certificate. To upload your training licence separately, you can follow these general steps:

Contact the PTC company or the platforms you are working with and inquire about their specific requirements for submitting your training licence.
Obtain a copy or electronic version of your training certificate. This is a certificate or document provided by the training organization that confirms your completion of the training program. at DriveWise, we send the training certificate directly to you after you complete your in-person training.
Check the format and file type accepted for document uploads. Common formats include PDF, JPEG, or PNG.
Prepare the file by scanning or converting it to the required format, ensuring that the document is legible and clear.
Access the respective platforms or the application portal provided by the PTC company. Look for a section or option related to uploading documents or certifications.
Follow the provided instructions to upload your training licence. This may involve selecting the file from your device and confirming the upload.
Double-check the submission to ensure that the document was successfully uploaded. If there is an option to preview the uploaded document, take advantage of it to confirm its legibility.
If you are uncertain about any steps or encounter difficulties during the process, reach out to the support or contact provided by the PTC company or the platforms for further assistance.

Here are two examples from Uber Help and Lyft Help, click to expand:

Uber

Lyft

Remember to keep copies of your training licence in case you need them for future reference or applications.

4.2 You need to apply on each PTC

If you work on two different platforms and need to upload your training licence separately, you should follow the instructions provided by the PTC company or the platforms themselves.

4.3 Additionally, the PTC company assumes the responsibility of submitting fees to the City on behalf of its drivers.

5. Getting your training Certificate

Getting a training certificate is essensial for both Vehicle for Hire (VFH) licence and Private Transportation Company (PTC) licence. At DriveWise, we offer the BEST in-person training.

Our blended learning approach combines the power of Virtual Reality Simulation with engaging in-class instruction. The curriculum focuses on addressing your individual risks, concerns, and procedures, ensuring targeted learning experiences. This comprehensive program is based on the highly successful DriveWise 6-Star Approach to Cooperative Driving, which has consistently proven to reinforce positive driving habits, reshape driver behaviors, and enhance decision-making skills.

During the training day, participants will benefit from a balanced mix of interactive classroom sessions and immersive virtual reality simulation labs. The 8-hour course includes a delicious lunch, conveniently provided as part of the enrollment package. To ensure optimal learning outcomes, we maintain small class sizes, with a maximum of 15 students per instructor, guaranteeing each learner receives personalized attention and the best possible educational experience.

6. Conclusion

In summary, a VFH driver licence is required for individuals operating traditional taxi or limousine services, while a PTC licence is specific to drivers providing transportation services through ridesharing platforms or transportation network companies.

Check this table for comparison:

	VFH driver licence	PTC driver licence
Who's in Charge of Applying	individuals	The PTC will apply for a PTC driver licence on your behalf.
How to Apply	Online/in-person	Uploading training certificate on PTC platforms
Application Fee	$207.82	The PTC company is responsible for submitting the fees to the City on behalf of its drivers
Required Documents	Valid G Class Photo Driver's Licence(or higher) Proof of Work Status Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check Driving Record Abstract Training Certificate from an approved training program Photo	Training Certificate from an approved training program Valid G Class Photo Driver's Licence(or higher) Documents required by PTC company, such as car insurance
Without This Licence	you MUST obtain a VFH driver licence if you drive a taxicab or limousine	Depends on the PTC term of services