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.

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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

• Available in 80+ cities across Canada.
• Fast and easy sign-up process. Can start working within a few days of applying.
• You can create your own schedule and work as many hours as you’d like.
• Can be a great way to earn extra income, especially if it’s a side hustle or seasonal work.
• You can earn a base pay, tips and potential bonuses.
• Experienced drivers from other gig-driving platforms or other types of drivers (such as taxi drivers and truck drivers) are encouraged to join DoorDash.

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.

Top Dasher requirements

If you’re dedicated and put in the hours to achieve certain targets, you can become a Top Dasher of the Month. Reaching this elite status allows you to earn rewards, including VIP agent support and access to Dash Anytime (which gives you access to restricted delivery regions and Dash Now Anytime, see scheduling below). 

To qualify for the next month, you’ll need to have completed the following requirements this month:

• Customer rating of at least 4.7
• Acceptance rate of at least 70%
• Completion rate of at least 95%
• 100 completed deliveries or tasks during the last month
• At least 200-lifetime deliveries or tasks completed

By scheduling time to fulfill deliveries, you’ll be able to work your way up to become a Top Dasher.

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. 

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 Boost promotions allow you to earn extra money.

Vehicle requirements comparison

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.

App experience

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 or Waze. Customers can provide delivery instructions, and you can choose to take a photo to provide proof of delivery.

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.

Step 4: Start earning as a Dasher!