Vehicles for Hire

Home | Bicycle Courier | Charter Bus, Van or Motor Coach (including a School Bus)
Driver Instruction Vehicle | Horse-drawn Carriage | Limousine | Pedicab | Taxicab
Tow Truck | U-Drive | Fees

Who Needs a Vehicles for Hire Licence?

If you wish to carry on business in the City of Vancouver and operate a vehicle used for the carrying, transportation or conveyance of persons or property for hire, you will need to obtain a vehicles for hire licence. Vehicles for Hire By-law No. 6066 (165kb) provides for the licensing and regulation of the owners and drivers of vehicles for hire in the City of Vancouver. Vehicles for hire include the following classifications:

• Bicycle courier;
• Charter bus, van or motor coach (including a school bus);
• Driver instruction vehicle;
• Horse-drawn carriage;
• Limousine;
• Pedicab;
• Taxicab;
• Tow truck; and
• U-Drive.

If you will be driving or operating a limousine, school shuttle van or taxicab, you will also need to obtain a chauffeur's permit. A chauffeur's permit is required to be held by a chauffeur pursuant to the Motor Vehicle Act and protects the safety and security of passengers of these companies. To obtain one, you must apply in person at the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) at 312 Main Street. You will be required to complete a police background check, the Justice Institute Taxihost Training program and must hold a Class 4 driver's licence.

If you wil be driving or operating a limousine, charter bus, charter van, motor coach, or taxicab, you will also need to obtain a licence from the Passenger Transportation Branch . A passenger transportation licence is issued under the Passenger Transportation Act and Passenger Transportation Regulation and is required for individuals and companies who operate commercial passenger vehicles in British Columbia.

For more information on vehicles for hire licensing, please contact the City of Vancouver's Vehicles for Hire Inspector at 604.873.7555 or the Assistant to the Vehicles for Hire Inspector at 604.873.7900.

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