Last Updated on July 2, 2022
Do you love to drive cars and want to get paid while doing it? If so, Uber is a good option. Uber drivers earn more money per hour and have more flexibility than conventional taxi drivers. The best part is that there are no formal education and interview requirements to work and earn as an Uber driver in Australia.
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What Is The Uber Driving Service?
Uber is a technology platform offering a peer-to-peer ride-sharing service to drivers and riders. This ride-hailing transportation company was founded in 2009. Since then, it earned popularity for its taxi phone app, taxi cab, and food delivery.
The online ride-sharing company offers a flexible earning opportunity to rideshare drivers from any driving industry, such as truck, taxi, bus, catering, limo, and commercial drivers.
It is a fabulous alternative to part-time driver jobs, full-time driver jobs, temporary jobs, or seasonal employment. Uber drivers are independent and can set their flexible work schedules based on their other work commitments.
How Does The Uber Driving Service Work?
Uber works a little differently than the usual taxi service. An Uber driver has to sign up on the app and complete qualification requirements, background checks, and vehicle inspections to become a driver.
If you are an Uber passenger, you don’t require stopping a taxi and make payment in cash. You simply need to submit a trip request using the Uber application on your smartphone. The driving service arranges an Uber driver to meet your travel needs.
Your trip request is sent to Uber drivers close to you and alerts them on your location. The Uber driver who accepts the request will pick you up and take you to the destination.
The Uber app finds out the best navigational route for the driver and computes the distance and fare.
The payment is taken automatically from your preferred payment method and transferred to the driver of the passenger without grabbing your wallet.
Benefits To Becoming An Uber Driver
If you have been toying with the idea of becoming an Uber driver, then here are some of the best reasons to pursue this profession.
- Reliable work and payment
- Access 24/7 online support team on phone or in-app to solve your queries.
- You have the freedom to decide your driving hours and time (morning/evening).
- Work as little or as much as you wish. This makes it the ultimate flexible work.
- Earn as per your terms. You get paid for how much you drive. There is no unpaid overtime. Those who drive more are paid more.
- Earnings are released each week. You can withdraw them anytime.
- Opportunity to travel to new places and new people.
- The Uber app tracks you to keep you safe and connected to emergency authorities before, during, and after each trip.
- Set your flexible work hours.
- Read a book or listen to a podcast in your downtime.
- No make-up and uniform required
- Get discounts on fuel and other Uber rewards.
- Anyone with any background can easily become an Uber driver even at an age of ’40s.
Types Of Uber Services In Australia
The first step to start your journey as an Uber driver is to understand the various Uber services and vehicle categories.
- Mid-Tier Service: This is ideal for beginners Uber drivers. The service is intended for regular commutation. Due to a reasonable fee, it has the maximum number of customers. The most recommended mid-tier service is UberX. Chevrolet Cruz, Toyota Prius, Honda Accord, Mazda6, and Honda Civic are ideal vehicles to use for this service.
- Luxury Service: This is a high-fare service intended for a few customers who look for a luxurious riding experience. You must have a high-end car to deliver this premium service to customers. These services include UberBlack, UberSUV, and UberXL. If you live in a posh neighborhood, you would probably earn more than an average driver.
- Hybrid Service: The service enables the driver to accept ride requests from multiple categories. This is a smarter way to reduce idle time and increase revenue.
What Are Uber Driver Requirements In Australia?
You must fulfill certain requirements to drive with Uber. These qualification requirements vary by city as per the local laws and regulations.
- You must be at least 21 years of age
- Australian citizenship
- Your Birth Certificate or Passport
- A valid full Driver’s License in any Australian territory or state
- Must have the Vehicle Insurance Certificate for the vehicle that you wish to drive
- Driver’s photograph that clearly shows the face (with no sunglasses) and top of shoulders
- Evidence of a good driving record
- National Police Check
- Pass Uber Health Assessment or the Commercial Standards Medical Check.
- You must have working rights in Australia
- An Australian Business Number to operate your driving business with Uber
- Smartphone with fast internet connection and a portable charger
An Uber Approved Car based on the state/territory guidelines. Some of the requirements include:
- High fuel efficiency
- Working windows and air conditioning
- Not older than 10 years
- No visible dents
- No salvaged, ex-taxi, rebuilt, or government vehicle
- No marked vans
- 4 doors
- Seating arrangement for 4 to 7 passengers and the driver
- 5-star ANCAP safety rating
- Registered in the state where you will drive
- CTP insurance
- No commercial branding and cosmetic damage
Those who don’t have access to an Uber-approved vehicle can rent one from any of Uber’s rental partners. Buying a new car is a good decision to obtain better fuel efficiency, mileage, and lesser breakdowns.
Uber Driver Registration In Australia
How To Become An Uber Driver In Australia
If you meet eligibility conditions and plan to drive for Uber, then here is an ultimate checklist before you can sign up as an Uber driver.
Step 1: Start Sign Up Procedure
Begin by downloading Uber Driver App on your smartphone. Here are the links to do the same:
Alternatively, you can visit the Uber website, create a new account and complete the below steps to Sign-up with Uber.
The process is easy and takes only 5 minutes to complete. You will have to answer simple questions related to you and your vehicle. Choose your preferred driving location and the type of vehicle you will drive during the process.
Go through the terms and conditions. Give your legal consent to the company to collect your information related to working rights, driver’s license validity, and medical insurance.
Step 2: Upload The Required Documents
After a successful sign-up, the next important step is to upload the necessary supporting documents.
- Identity proof documents such as Passport/ Birth certificate/ Australian Citizenship Certificate
- Vehicle Registration document that mentions the vehicle identification number, vehicle’s year and model, vehicle plate number, and certificate expiration date
- Vehicle Insurance certificate that clearly states the start and expiry date of insurance
- Valid Driver’s Licence from the state where you will drive
- Driver profile photo
- An Australian Business Number. You can apply here for an ABN. (when operating the business as an independent contractor)
In absence of working rights verification documents such as an Australian Birth Certificate, Australian Passport, or Australian Citizenship Certificate, you must undertake a Visa Entitlement Verification Online check.
Step 3: Apply For A Background Check
Next, pass a background check based on the location you wish to drive, and complete a vehicle examination. The process confirms that you are legally a fit and qualified person to work as an Uber driver. It takes around 2-week to complete the process.
You will obtain a rideshare license from the transport authority of your state when everything is reviewed. The entire process (from sign-up to background check and license application) can take between 1 week to 3 months, based on your local regulations.
Step 4: Undertake A Vehicle Inspection
A vehicle inspection is another essential requirement that you need to complete. The inspection criteria depend on the city’s requirements and the level of Uber service such as Uber XL, Uber Black, Uber Select, etc. Successful passing of the test confirms that the vehicle is roadworthy, suitable to drive passengers, and conforms to the city’s requirements.
During the process, your car is checked for safety and appearance issues. It takes around $38 to perform a vehicle inspection and obtain a certificate. The certificate has a validity of 12-months and requires renewal every year.
Step 5: Get Vehicle Insurance That Covers Uber
Having vehicle insurance is another requirement to become an Uber driver. You may need to upgrade your current insurance policy to cover Uber driving.
- The car insurance for uber drivers can be a 3rd party property insurance or a comprehensive insurance
- You must be the primary policyholder or legally listed as a driver on the policy
- Must mention the driver’s name, car’s registration number, the VIN, type of cover, and expiry date of the insurance policy.
Step 6: Complete Driving Safety Course
The final steps to working as an Uber rideshare driver includes completing the driver safety education course online via an Uber account and getting driver’s accreditation.
Step 7: Obtain Your Driver’s Accreditation
To work and earn as an Uber driver in Australia, you must hold a Driver’s Authorisation/ Driver Accreditation based on the state where you wish to work.
The process to obtain this authorization includes clearing an Uber Health Assessment test to demonstrate your fitness to drive paying passengers. Any local doctor can perform the assessment and provide you with the certificate.
Once you have done this, submit the Driver’s Authorisation application with the medical examination certificate and application fee at a local Department of Transport and Main Roads office. You will receive the answer to the outcome within one and three weeks.
How Much Do Uber Drivers Earn In Australia?
The average Uber Driver’s salary in Australia is $75,425 per year or an equivalent of $20.00 per hour.
How To Maximize Your Uber Earnings?
1.) Identify the quickest routes from source to destination. It will get you good tips, good ratings, and can save your time too.
2.) Predict the surge based on the following factors:
Hotspots in the city
Extreme weather conditions
Public transport disturbances
Major events
Targeting areas with frequent surges will help you make more money over time.
3.) Focus on getting more tips Uber Eats clients and UberX passengers usually offer good tips to drivers after each successful trip. The tip amount can be at least $3 to even $50.