Can I Work for Uber or Lyft in Vancouver Without a Class 4 Licence?

A lot of people think the same. But once they start looking into it, they run into something called “Class 4.” That’s when the questions start.

So let’s talk about what this Class 4 thing is, why it matters, and whether you can skip it and still work for Uber or Lyft in Vancouver.

What Is Class 4 Anyway?

In British Columbia, your regular driver’s licence is called a Class 5 licence. That lets you drive your personal car, go to work, take your kids to school, or drive across town for groceries.

But when you want to start driving people for money, things change. For that, BC says you need something called a Class 4 licence. That’s because you’re now a commercial driver. That means more responsibility and a higher safety bar.

There are two kinds of Class 4 licences:

• Restricted Class 4: for taxis, Uber, Lyft, and small passenger vehicles
• Unrestricted Class 4: for ambulances and buses

If you want to drive for Uber or Lyft, you only need the Restricted Class 4. But yes, you do need it. It’s not optional.

But Why? Isn’t My Class 5 Good Enough?

If you’re just picking up a friend or driving your aunt to the airport, your Class 5 is fine. But once you open the app and start making money by giving people rides, the government treats you as a different kind of driver.

It’s not just about your skills. It’s about safety. You’re responsible for strangers getting into your car, trusting you to get them safely from one place to another.

That’s why ICBC and the province say drivers for ride-hailing services must have Class 4.

What Happens If I Try Without It?

If you try to sign up with Uber or Lyft and you don’t have a Class 4 licence, you won’t get very far. They’ll ask you for proof. If you fake it, or try to drive anyway, you could:

• Get suspended from the platform
• Get fined if you're caught
• Have insurance issues if anything bad happens
• Risk getting into trouble with the law

Even if your passengers don’t know the rules, Uber and Lyft do. And so do the police.

Why Do People Want to Skip Class 4?

Most people don’t want to break the rules. They just find the Class 4 process annoying or confusing. Some drivers say it feels like too much work for something they only want to do part-time.

Here’s what people don’t like about it:

• There’s a written test
• There’s a road test
• You have to go to a doctor for a medical check
• You may have to wait a few weeks to get a test appointment
• It costs money

So yeah, it’s not just “sign up and go.” You do need to plan a bit.

So Is There Any Way Around It?

Let’s be super clear. In Vancouver, if you want to drive for Uber or Lyft, you must have a Class 4 licence. There is no legal way around it.

Some people look online and see that other provinces like Alberta or Ontario don’t have the same rules. That’s true. But BC is different, and Vancouver follows BC rules. So what works in Toronto or Calgary does not work in Vancouver.

If you hear someone say “Oh, I drive for Uber without Class 4,” they are either not in Vancouver or they’re doing it illegally.

How Do I Actually Get Class 4?

If you’re ready to go ahead and do it right, here’s what you need to do.

1. Book a Medical Exam

You need a doctor to say you're good to drive. You can book this at a walk-in clinic or your regular doctor. They’ll fill out a form and send it to ICBC.

2. Study for the Written Test

You’ll be asked about driving rules, passenger safety, and how to handle emergencies. ICBC has a free PDF you can study from.

3. Take the Written Test at ICBC

Once you feel ready, go to your nearest ICBC location. Pay the fee and write the test.

4. Book the Road Test

If you pass the written test, you can then book your Class 4 road test. You’ll need your own car for this. Make sure it’s in good shape.

5. Pass the Road Test

Drive safely, show the examiner you know what you’re doing, and don’t forget the basics like shoulder checks and proper stops.

6. Wait for Approval

Once you pass everything and your medical is cleared, you’ll be issued a Class 4 licence. Then you can apply to Uber or Lyft.

Is It Worth It?

That depends on your situation. If you just want to make a few bucks here and there, it might feel like too much effort. But if you’re serious about driving part-time or full-time, and want to make real money doing it, then yes, it’s worth it.

A lot of people in Vancouver drive for Uber and Lyft. Many do it in the evenings, weekends, or between jobs. Some do it full-time. Having Class 4 opens that door.

Quick Answer

Think of it like this. If you really want to drive and earn money with your car, then this is just part of the deal. Get it done once, and you're good to go.

And if you’re doing it right, you won’t have to worry about tickets, insurance problems, or getting kicked off the platform.