How Do I Become an Uber Driver in Australia

Uber is a peer-to-peer service that connects riders and drivers who need a ride. Riders can book a car from their smartphone, and the driver will complete the trip, providing them with an e-toll invoice to be paid by credit card.

Riders are matched with drivers on the same local Uber network and pay a fare that is typically 20-35% cheaper than the cost of a regular taxi. Riders and drivers must have their car in good working order, with a minimum four-door car and an automatic transmission, though cars with manual transmission are also welcome.

Uber drivers can also be individuals looking for extra income as a side job. Uber drivers in Australia can be employed as contractors by an organisation that uses Uber technology.

It's doubtful that you will be accepted as a driver if you do not meet all driving and vehicle requirements. This article will look at what it takes to become an Uber driver in Australia. Read on!

Becoming An Uber Driver In Australia

Get a car that will meet Uber's requirements

Any car you own will do as long as it meets Uber's requirements. The car must be in good condition for a 2 to 4-year-old vehicle and must have four doors and automatic transmission, or manual transmission if you have the driver's licence to drive one.

In addition, the car should preferably have leather seats, power windows seats, air conditioning, a high safety rating (at least 5-star ANCAP), and no rust on the car's body.

Download the Uber driver app

The first step for you to become an Uber driver is to download the Uber Driver App. You can download the app on your Android or iPhone and inspect the car before you sign up as a driver. You also need to get an Uber partner kit with everything you need to become a driver.

Car inspections

The car inspection will determine whether your car is in good condition and meets all Uber's requirements. If your vehicle passes all criteria, the next step is becoming a partner.

Sign up as a partner

You need to create an account on the Uber driver app, fill in your details and get your car inspected for Uber. You will be asked to sign up if your vehicle passes the inspection. You can sign up as a partner with Uber drivers in Australia to earn extra income by driving others around in your car.

Get your paperwork in order

As a driver, you will have to provide a valid driver's licence and proof that you have insurance that meets the legal requirements of driving passengers in exchange for payment. You'll also need to provide links to social media profiles so people can get some background on you.

Drive with Uber

After the vehicle inspection and paperwork, you'll be ready to begin driving with Uber. Once you have passed your first trip, you will receive a welcome kit in your mail with various information and promotional material to help you as a new driver. You should also be alert in case of any emails from Uber, including information about how to get more trips and drive for longer.

Ways To Make Money With Uber Australia

Driving as an Uber driver

Uber drivers are the backbone of Uber and take people where they need to go. To get driving, you will have to pass your first Uber trip. After that, you'll find riders in your area who need a lift – make sure you take them to their destination successfully because if you don't, you'll lose your status as an Uber driver.

As a driver, you can collect up to 80% of the fare price – the other 20% goes into supporting Uber's operations. You also get a smartphone to use for navigation.

Drive as part-time or full-time job

If you have time on your hands during the day or evening, you can consider being an Uber driver on the side to make extra income while Uber driving to and from work, school, or elsewhere. You'll have to be sure you have time during the day to drive, cover all the paperwork, and be a responsible driver.

Drive for UberEats

Suppose you already drive for another ridesharing service such as UberX. In that case, you can also sign up to be a driver with UberEats, which helps customers eat healthier through an on-demand home or restaurant delivery. If you have experience in food delivery, it could be a lucrative source of extra income.

Drive with UberBLACK

If you drive a 4-door vehicle and have insurance to cover passengers, you can also sign up as an UberBLACK driver. This premium service costs more as the faster and more reliable service picks up passengers travelling outside the city centre within 20 minutes or less of requesting a ride. If you have the space, you can become an UberBLACK Australia driver.

Become an Uber promoter

You can also make more money by becoming an Uber promoter. Uber will provide you with a list of customers, and then you will be able to drive them to their destination, which can include picking up and dropping off people who need a ride but do not have an Uber account. You will collect a fee for this that you can use to pay for your expenses.

Refer others to become drivers

As a driver with Uber, you can refer others to become drivers. You can also earn extra income by referring people to work as delivery partners on Uber Eats. This can be an excellent way for you to make some additional money and help others earn a living simultaneously.

Tips And Tricks For Driving With Uber

Keep in mind Uber's requirements

As a ridesharing company, Uber has a high standard of service, and the drivers who meet all their criteria will be recommended for that status. If you have concerns about your vehicle, you should contact Uber to confirm that it meets all their requirements. 

Use navigation apps

Uber recommends using navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze on your smartphone or even a GPS device while driving to enable you to navigate the city quickly and save time when driving – saving fuel, too.

Take advantage of the Uber app

The Uber driver app is extremely useful and can help you do two things: monitor your driver trips and earnings, as well as find and book rides.

Encode important information

Uber recommends you include your first name, city, and phone number on all notes you write for the Uber App when a rider requests a ride. This is because passengers sometimes prefer addressing the drivers by their names.

Drive more often

Uber recommends driving more frequently to gain experience and build up your earnings with the company. You want to do this to take advantage of better rates when you request a promotion or higher status.

Don't let riders affect your driving time

It can affect your earnings if you have passengers who are late, don't pay what they owe you, and are rude, so it's best to keep this from happening. Just as Uber allows riders to flag drivers, a driver can work with the company's customer service team for assistance.

Update your information

You must keep your information updated with Uber because, as a driver, you may get asked for details about your vehicle or insurance. You should ensure that you include the correct information so that your car is registered accurately and you can drive more safely in the city.

Enjoy being a driver

Uber drivers must be committed to their job and be ready to work long hours if needed. When you provide regular rides, you get customers who pay at the end of each ride, which means you'll make money whenever passengers need a ride. You'll also have a flexible schedule since riders request rides when needed, and most drivers can work days, nights, or weekends depending on the time of day or week.

Use the right type of car

When you drive for Uber, you must ensure that your vehicle meets all the requirements to comply with its guidelines. As mentioned earlier, you must have a 4-door car with a four-passenger minimum and air conditioning. You should also not use your vehicle for other commercial purposes because it can affect your insurance or violate your car loan agreement.

Follow Uber's safety guidelines

Ensure you follow Uber's safety guidelines while driving so that there aren't any problems with your account being banned – and you don't hurt anybody. You must follow the rules regarding hard braking, speed, and also following too closely when driving.

Practise safe driving habits

A great way to prevent accidents is to practise safe driving habits. Safety is vital when it comes to driving, and Uber recommends that you always drive for people, not for yourself, because this takes away some of the risks if you crash.

Take an Uber driver training class

Uber provides driver training classes in various locations around the world, so drive with Uber to learn even more about driving while earning additional income simultaneously.

Build Your Driving Career With Uber

Working as a rideshare driver for Uber can be a very enjoyable experience if you know what you're getting into and have the right approach. Being an Uber driver sounds like a fun idea, especially when you are doing it when it's convenient for your schedule.

If you are in a city where Uber operates, this can be an excellent way of earning extra income by offering rides across town and picking up new passengers. Remember, your car needs to be in good working condition and meet all of Uber's requirements to begin driving with Uber.

If you want a vehicle solely for Uber purposes, buying from a trusted dealership that can help verify that everything is working well with your choice is essential.