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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 B.C., likely by late next year.

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It also said all ride-hailing and taxi drivers will be required to have a Class 4 restricted licence instead of the standard Class 5 licence that most B.C. drivers have, and undergo mandatory 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.

“It’s got stricter limits on it and I think that anybody who’s getting in as a passenger wants to know the driver is as safe as possible,” Trevena said.

In addition to allowing a person to drive for a ride-hailing service, a Class 4 restricted licence allows a person to drive taxis and limousines carrying up to 10 people, special vehicles for transporting people with disabilities, ambulances and any vehicle in Class 5.