Vehicle for Hire Licensing

Vehicle for Hire By-law

• Regulation 1 - Amended June 12, 2019 - speaks to limousine vehicle types, conditions of vehicles, and more;
• Regulation 2 - Amended November 18, 2018 - speaks to cab colours;
• Regulation 3 - Amended September 24, 2019 -  speaks to cameras, fares, safety certificates and more; and
• Regulation 4 - Created Feb 6, 2019 - speaks to top lights and identification within the vehicle.

A vehicle for hire driver licence application form is available on the 7th floor of City Hall, or for download here.

Every application for a new driver must include:

• An Ontario Drivers Licence;
• Canadian Citizenship, Permanent Resident Status, or a Work Permit (and possibly a visa) issued by the Government of Canada;
• A Police Records Check dated no later than 60 days prior to the application (note: criminal convictions within the last five years may result in a licence not being issued); a third-party police check obtained online is also suitable;
• A Ministry of Transportation Driver’s Record (abstract) dated no later than 60 days prior to the application.

Applicants may choose between a 12 or 24-month licence. Driver licence fees are $5/month. The associated fees are:

12 months          $60.00

24 months          $120.00

Please speak to our licensing staff regarding taxi and limo plates.

Driver training, though not required by the by-law, can help develop good driver habits. Topics covered include a focus on by-law regulations, customer service, the role of enforcement, dealing with persons varying abilities, and sensitivity training. The City of London does not offer such courses but you can contact the following to inquire about training:

Bob Barker (independent) Tel 514-803-7518 or rkbarker94@gmail.com

Yellow London Taxi Tel 519-657-1111

NOTE: The City of London does not endorse or monitor any of the courses or instructors listed here.  These are simply provided as a courtesy.

Before starting and operating a Vehicle for Hire company, all of the below information should be read in conjunction with the City of London Vehicle for Hire By-law:

• Speak with Service Ontario to determine if the business will operate under an individual or a company;
• A Vehicle for Hire Broker Licence is required;
• Each driver who operates within the brokerage will need complete or provide the following:
  • Apply through the brokerage mobile app as a new driver;
  • Provide the brokerage with an Ontario Driver's Licence;
  • Provide proof of Citizenship; and
  • Provide a Police Record Check and Driver's Abstract, both dated within 60 days.
• All of the above driver information will need to be reviewed by the brokerage to determine if it complies with the City of London Vehicle for Hire By-law.

Fee Breakdown:

• The Vehicle for Hire Broker Licence must be renewed each October, plus a $0.25c per trip fee which is to be provided to the City by the 15th of each month.

If you are currently working or planning on working for a private vehicle for hire company (e.g. Uber, Facedrive), all documents, inquiries, and fees should be sent through the company. The company provides the City with a list of all driver's names, driver's documents, and applicable fees. No documents or fees should be submitted to the City of London by the driver, unless otherwise specified.

Although we attempt to keep this page up-to-date, please refer to the City of London Vehicle for Hire By-law, Schedule 5 - Fees for the most accurate fees.

• Licence fees identified in this By-law are non-refundable.
• Each fee listed below shall be charged by the City in each particular instance.

2018 Vehicle for Hire Chart

• January 23, 2018 - Six  Month Review
• May 1, 2018 - One Year Review
• July 16, 2018 - Industry Consultation
• September 11, 2018 - Public Participation Meeting
• October 10, 2018 - Vehicle for Hire By-law Amendments

If you wish to make a complaint against the driver of a taxi, limousine, or private vehicle for hire, first, contact the company (e.g. Checker, Yellow, UBER, Facedrive). Then contact our Licensing Office and an enforcement officer will investigate.

To submit a complaint, email the following information to Licensing@London.ca.

• Your name;
• Your contact information;
• Vehicle for Hire Company;
• Plate number (if available);
• Detailed description of the complaint, images are welcome.

Note, we required your contact information so that the assigned By-law Enforcement Officer may contact you for further information. Your information is not public knowledge and cannot be accessed by the public.