DoorDash driver and vehicle requirements in Canada

Curious about driving for DoorDash? We’ll explain the driver qualifications, vehicle requirements, the sign-up process, and how you can become a Top Dasher. We'll also provide a bit of comparison with Uber Eats so you can make a more informed choice.

DoorDash driver qualifications

To become a DoorDash driver, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

• Age: 18 years or older
• Must have a vehicle
• A clean driving record

Additionally, you need to provide the following documentation:

• A valid driver’s licence (full licence)
• Auto insurance
• Two pieces of government photo identification
• A social insurance number (SIN) if you’re an individual or a business number if you have a business/corporation
• GST/HST number (only required if you earn more than $30,000 within a year)

You'll also need to pass a background check which is currently done by Checkr.

Track business driving with ease

Trusted by millions of drivers

Automate your logbook Automate your logbook

Claim your deductions

Reclaim your time

Automatic mileage tracking and CRA-compliant reporting.

Get started for free Get started for free

DoorDash vehicle and electronics requirements

You’ll need a mode of transportation such as a car, scooter, bicycle, or motorcycle. Check your local market to verify the type of vehicle permitted.

You’ll also need a smartphone (iPhone or Android) with a data plan to use the DoorDash app to make deliveries.

Tip: newer phone models have more memory which means you’ll experience fewer crashes and restarts on the app.

Pros and cons of becoming a Dasher

Pros

• Fast and easy sign-up process. You can start working within a few days of applying if there's no waitlist. 
• You can create your own schedule and work as many hours as you like.
• Can be a great way to earn extra income, especially if it’s a side hustle or seasonal work.
• You’ll receive a Red Card for shop-and-pay orders and a hot thermal bag once you’ve completed your first delivery. 
• On top of the base pay, you can earn tips and potential bonuses.
• The rewards programs can improve the rates and types of order you get, as well as provide other perks and benefits (we'll cover the eligibility requirements below). 

Cons

• You will incur vehicle expenses (such as wear and tear of your vehicle, expenses for fuel and maintenance).
• The amount of work can be unreliable.
• Pay and tips can vary will vary each day, week and month.
• The tasks can be monotonous.
• As an independent contractor, you’re not eligible for health benefits.
• DoorDash doesn't help out much in terms of making tax season easy on you.
• Trying to juggle shop-and-pay orders with the Red Card while handling food deliveries may be challenging. 
• If you have an acceptance rate lower than 70%, it may negatively impact the number of orders you’ll receive. However, there may be exceptions based on market conditions.

An important note: As of September 3, 2024 new legislation will take effect where DoorDash drivers in BC will:

• Earn a minimum hourly wage of $20.88
• Receive coverage for job-related injuries through WorkSafeBC
• Have a 35- to 45-cent minimum per-kilometre allowance to help workers cover their vehicle expenses

The legislation will come into effect only in British Columbia. However, since B.C. is leading the way in setting minimum wage standards for gig drivers, this may extend to other provinces in the future.

Dasher Rewards program eligibility 

If you’re dedicated and put in the hours to achieve certain targets, you can reap some Dasher rewards. As these might be subject to change, we recommend you familiarize yourself with what DoorDash is currently offering. 

Generally, these are the most important factors that will determine whether you're eligible for perks or not: 

• Customer ratings
• Acceptance rate
• Completion rate
• Timely or ahead-of-time delivery
• Number of deliveries completed in a month
• At least 200-lifetime deliveries or tasks completed

As you start delivering, you can quickly assess how hard these conditions are for you to meet, and whether they genuinely impact your earnings. 

How does DoorDash compare to Uber Eats?

Here’s a brief overview of the two popular delivery platforms. While both companies are known for food deliveries, they’ve also expanded to delivering packages, groceries, and supplies.

Earning potential comparison

Key findings: Overall, Uber Eats drivers and Dashers have reported similar earnings on average. However, Dashers have experienced a wider earnings range, both high and low. So, Dashing in Canada seems to lead to higher earnings for hard working and experienced drivers, while some—typically newer Dashers—report earning less than Uber Eats drivers. See more comparisons in our article on self-reported earnings of gig drivers, including SkipTheDishes and Instacart.

DoorDash: You earn a base pay, plus tips. You can earn extra cash by completing challenges or during promotions such as Peak Pay times, where you can receive $1 to $2 extra per delivery.  Also, you may receive an extra tip from the customer after you’ve completed your delivery. 

Uber Eats: You can earn base pay, tips from customers, and receive a trip supplement (if an order takes longer than expected). Surge times and promotions allow you to earn extra money.

Vehicle requirements

DoorDash: More flexible as your vehicle can be a car, scooter, bicycle, or motorcycle. Each city has specific requirements.

Uber Eats: More restrictive since you must have a four-door vehicle. Each city has specific requirements.

Scheduling

DoorDash: You have to schedule your hours in advance (unless you have Dash Now Anytime), or you can work during peak hours. 

Uber Eats: No scheduling, just open the app and wait for an order to come through.

Delivery bags 

DoorDash: You’ll receive an Activation Kit that includes a Red Card for making shop-and-pay orders and a thermal bag. You have the option to purchase additional gear. 

Uber Eats: The company doesn’t provide any delivery bags. You can purchase them through their third-party supplier.

Delivery zones

DoorDash: If you’re outside of your designated zone, DoorDash will restrict orders until you return to your assigned zone, which can affect your earnings. 

Uber Eats: When you go online, you can see which orders are available in your area. You’re not restricted to a specific zone.

App navigation

DoorDash: The app provides step-by-step driving instructions when making deliveries. Customers can leave specific instructions for how to make the delivery. 

Uber Eats: You can use the built-in map or open it in Google Maps. Customers can provide delivery instructions, and you can choose to take a photo to provide proof of delivery.

Acceptance rates

DoorDash: The algorithm pushes offers to drivers with higher acceptance rates and ratings. However, even regular drivers may receive higher priority orders during peak times or certain market conditions if they are near restaurants.

Uber Eats: There’s no penalty for having low acceptance rates. This allows you to be selective about which orders to accept. 

How to sign up to become a Dasher

Here are the steps to register and what to expect:

Step 1: Apply to become a DoorDash driver online. You can also download the Dasher app from the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).

Step 2: Create an account and submit your documents. You’ll also be required to pass a background check. It should take less than 30 minutes to complete if you have your documents handy.

Step 3: Approval. This process may take a few days (as long as there's no waitlist in your area). 

Step 4: Start earning as a Dasher!