After the CMTVDE: How to Start Working in TVDE

Got your TVDE Driver Certificate (CMTVDE)? Congratulations — but the certificate alone won't put you on the road. It proves you're qualified to drive; now you still need to gather the vehicle documents and meet the legal requirements to accept your first ride.

The path ahead depends on one decision: are you going to work with your own car or drive a fleet partner's vehicle? The requirements differ significantly between the two. In this guide we lay out the full checklist for each path, so you don't waste time — or get fined in your very first week.

I have my CMTVDE. Now what?

The CMTVDE is only one of the three pieces the law requires to work legally in TVDE. The other two are a compliant vehicle and a link to a licensed operator / fleet partner.

The question that defines your next steps is simple: whose car is it?

Scenario 1: Working with your own car

If you already have (or are going to buy) a car that meets the platforms' requirements, you're the one handling all the vehicle paperwork. This is the path with the most autonomy — and the most responsibility. Use the checklist below and work through each item in order. Each point links to the article that explains that step in detail.

Vehicle documents

• TVDE-specific insurance — a standard car insurance policy isn't enough. You need a policy that covers passenger transport activity, with its green card (carta verde) and the particular conditions document identifying TVDE use. Learn how to get the right TVDE insurance.
• Valid IPO for TVDE — the mandatory periodic inspection has its own rules for passenger transport vehicles (different frequency and category than a private car). How to do the IPO for TVDE.
• Copy of the DUA or DAV — the vehicle registration document (Documento Único Automóvel, or the customs declaration DAV for imported cars) must be copied in full, all pages and both sides. What the DUA/DAV is and how to get it.

Driver documents

• Criminal record certificate for TVDE — not the generic criminal record; it must be the one issued for the purpose of passenger transport. How to request the criminal record for TVDE.
• CMTVDE — the certificate you've already earned. Keep it accessible at all times, physical or digital.
• ID document — a valid Citizen Card or Residence Permit.

To actually start working

• TVDE badge (dí­stico) — the plate/sticker that displays the fleet partner's licence number and must be visible in the vehicle. Where to place and how to get the TVDE badge.
• Working hours control record — you're required to keep a record of driving and rest periods. How to keep a working hours record in TVDE.
• Driver work accident insurance — a professional policy that protects the driver, separate from the vehicle insurance. The professional insurance every TVDE driver needs.
• Fleet partner (TVDE operator) — if you don't have your own company, you need to join a licensed operator that links your car to the platforms. This is the entity that provides the licence number on your badge. How to choose your TVDE operator.

Don't have a car yet, or does yours not meet the platforms' age limit? You can buy a vehicle already prepared for TVDE instead of relying on a fleet. See the used cars available for TVDE.

Scenario 2: Driving a fleet partner's car

If you don't want to (or can't yet) use your own car, the alternative is to drive a vehicle provided by a fleet partner, usually on a weekly rental or revenue-share basis. The big advantage: all the vehicle paperwork is the fleet's responsibility.

In this scenario, the partner handles:

In other words, on the vehicle side you have nothing to do — the car arrives ready to work. Your part comes down to the driver documents: the CMTVDE, the criminal record certificate for TVDE and your ID document. You should also confirm who covers the work accident insurance, because not every fleet includes it.

This path is ideal for anyone who wants to start quickly, with a low upfront investment and without worrying about the car's bureaucracy. The trade-off is margin: part of your earnings goes to the fleet.

Which of the two paths is best for you?

There's no single answer — it depends on the capital you have available and how much you plan to drive.

• Your own car pays off for those who drive many hours and want to maximise earnings per ride over the long term, accepting responsibility for the paperwork and fixed costs.
• A fleet car makes sense for anyone testing the activity, with little upfront investment, or who'd rather not deal with insurance, IPO and maintenance.

Whichever you choose, the common step is the same: connecting to a licensed fleet partner. That's what turns your CMTVDE into real rides.

Don't wait to start

Every week you're not working after earning your CMTVDE is money left on the table. If you know exactly which documents to gather, activation can happen in just a few days.

At Arterian we help drivers in both scenarios — with their own car or a fleet car — gather the paperwork and get on the road without hassle. Get in touch and we'll show you the fastest way to start.

Got your CMTVDE and want to start this week? Message us on WhatsApp or by email and we'll walk through the next steps with you.