Do I need a taxi or commercial driver’s licence to carpool?

Genuine cost-sharing carpooling is legally distinguished from commercial passenger transportation in some provinces.

For example, Ontario excludes qualifying carpool vehicles where passengers do not pay more than the expenses of operating the vehicle from its intercommunity passenger-transportation rules. Québec law similarly recognizes carpooling where only transportation costs are shared and no remuneration is required.

Rules vary by province. If your driving activity goes beyond cost-sharing carpooling, commercial or ride-for-hire requirements may apply.