A double disc refers to a vehicle displaying two licence discs: the ordinary motor vehicle licence disc and a second disc associated with its authorised use for public transport. In e-hailing, drivers commonly use the term to mean a vehicle that is fully licensed to carry fare-paying passengers.
The substance behind the term is the operating licence. A vehicle carrying passengers for reward requires an operating licence issued by the provincial regulatory entity, and this is separate from the ordinary vehicle licence every car must have.
Driver or Vehicle Requirements at a Glance
A vehicle described as double disc should have the following in place.
- A current motor vehicle licence, which every vehicle on the road requires
- A valid operating licence authorising the carriage of fare-paying passengers
- A valid roadworthy certificate
- Insurance covering carrying fare-paying passengers
- A driver holding a professional driving permit for passengers
Licence and Eligibility Requirements
The operating licence attaches to the vehicle and to the service it is authorised to provide, not to the driver. The professional driving permit attaches to the driver. Both are needed and neither substitutes for the other.
Operating licences are issued by the provincial regulatory entity and specify the type of service. Operating outside what the licence authorises is an offence even where the licence itself is valid.
Vehicle, Inspection and Safety Requirements
Vehicles used to carry passengers for reward must hold a valid roadworthy certificate, and roadworthy testing is required more frequently for public transport vehicles than for ordinary private cars.
Insurance is the element most often neglected. Ordinary private cover generally excludes carrying fare-paying passengers, so confirm in writing with your insurer that the policy matches the vehicle authorised use.
Documents, PrDP or Supporting Evidence
Expect to supply the following.
- The vehicle registration certificate
- The current motor vehicle licence
- The operating licence issued for the vehicle
- A valid roadworthy certificate
- Proof of insurance covering fare-paying passengers
- The driver professional driving permit
Registration or Application Process
Operating licence applications are made to the provincial regulatory entity and commonly take months. Buying a vehicle described as already having an operating licence does not automatically transfer it to you; confirm the transfer process with the regulatory entity.
Be cautious about arrangements offering the use of someone else operating licence. The licence is issued for a specified vehicle and service, and using it outside those terms exposes both parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a double disc?
Informally, a vehicle displaying both its ordinary motor vehicle licence disc and documentation of its authorisation to carry fare-paying passengers. The substance is the operating licence.
Do I need an operating licence for e-hailing?
Yes. It is a legal requirement for vehicles carrying fare-paying passengers, issued by the provincial regulatory entity.
Does the operating licence transfer with the vehicle?
Not automatically. Confirm the transfer process with the provincial regulatory entity before buying a vehicle on that basis.
Can I use someone else operating licence?
The licence is issued for a specified vehicle and service. Using it outside those terms exposes both parties.
Confirm operating licence requirements and transfer procedures with your provincial regulatory entity, and confirm insurance cover in writing with your insurer. See PDP requirements, rideshare driver requirements and browse all driving and transport requirements.