B.C.’s Class 4 licence requirement could deter ride-hailing
B.C.’s proposed licence requirement for ride-hailing drivers will be among the most restrictive in the country, and could deter people from driving for companies like Uber and Lyft.
On Monday, the provincial government introduced legislation to allow ride-hailing companies to operate in British Columbia, likely by late next year.
It also announced that all ride-hailing and taxi drivers would be required to have a Class 4 restricted licence instead of the standard Class 5 licence that most B.C. drivers have, and undergo criminal record checks.
Transportation Minister Claire Trevena said that the licensing requirement is a matter of safety, and anyone who is earning money by driving people around will have to make the investment in the licence.
“I think that anybody who’s getting in as a passenger wants to know the driver is as safe as possible,” Trevena said.
According to ICBC, a driver wanting a Class 4 must be age 19 or older, have a Class 5 licence or out-of-province equivalent, have a clean driving record, have no outstanding fines or debts to ICBC and must undergo a medical exam.
The commercial road test includes a pre-trip inspection test, and a higher score is required for both knowledge and road tests. The licence is renewed every five years, and the medical assessment must be repeated at regular intervals.
Michael van Hemmen, Uber’s general manager of cities for Western Canada, said he has no idea why the province decided to make a Class 4 licence a requirement for ride-hailing drivers, particularly when other provinces allow people to use their regular licences.
“Drivers, experienced, safe drivers have a hard time understanding why they would need to get a special driver’s licence to drive the same vehicle that they’re already driving, so it definitely becomes a barrier to a lot of people to participate,” he said.
But Alberta has similar licensing requirements. Under legislation passed two years ago, ride-hailing drivers must hold a Class 1, 2 or 4 licence, all of which are for professional drivers. In Quebec, a limousine licence is needed, along with a background check and completion of an online training session.
In Ontario, ride-hailing drivers are required to have only a standard driver’s licence. This is also the case in Manitoba.
Van Hemmen said that where licensing is more restrictive, ride hailing is limited to larger centres, and some groups of people are less likely or unable to participate, such as women or those who are deaf or hard of hearing.