What you need to know about driving for Uber Premier in Australia

Since its inception, Uber has been diversifying its service offering across the world to ensure they cater for specific passenger preferences and to gain more clients for their rides.

Whether it accommodates wheelchair users, pets, a larger group of people, delivers food, or delivers a package, Uber services have a little something for everyone and it's based on the convenience of getting what you pay for at a swipe of a finger.

For Uber drivers, the range of services allow them to pick more than just one and make as much money as they can during their working hours. If you’re thinking of becoming an Uber driver, it’s important to know the facts and the potential earnings you may get, depending on the services you choose to drive for.

What is Uber Premier?

Uber has several ride types available for both drivers and passengers. They each cover different needs or preferences that passengers may have and usually have different fares. Available services vary by city, but here are the most common in Australia:

• UberX – the most popular option for riders, with affordable prices. Learn how to become an Uber driver in Australia

• UberXL – can seat between 6-7 passengers. The cars are generally SUVs or vans.

• Assist – designed for riders with disabilities or who need extra help moving around. Vehicles for this service can fit wheelchairs or other mobility aids.

• Uber Eats – food delivery service that uses not just cars, but also motorcycles, bikes or scooters.

• Uber Comfort – service designed for driver partners who have completed over 500 trips, maintained a rating of 4.85 or above and drive Uber Comfort cars no older than 7 years.

• Uber Pet – a pet-friendly option with a higher fare

• Uber Premier – premium service with luxury cars, previously known as Uber Black. Prices are almost twice as high as for Uber X.

You can drive for several services at the same time, if you meet all the requirements. Services like UberXL, Uber Comfort or Uber Premier have higher prices than the common UberX, which means you can gain more money by diversifying your rides.

Uber Premier is designed for those who want to enjoy a superior ride, in a luxury car or are looking to make a statement for business or a special occasion. It’s also the most expensive Uber service for passengers, who get what they pay for. Drivers are professional and dressed to impress. You can even personalize your trip, by requesting a more quiet ride, help with your bags or even a cooler temperature.

What are the requirements for Uber Premier?

To be eligible to drive for Uber Premier, the requirements are similar to other Uber services: you must be at least 21 (in most cities), pass a background screening, and have auto insurance up to the state minimum.

Additionally, your vehicle must qualify for this premium service. It must be:

• ANCAP 5-star rated

• in excellent working condition, with no cosmetic damage

• registered and insured in the state where you’re driving

• 6 years old or less

• 4-door luxury vehicle

• Able to comfortably fit 4 passengers, plus the driver

• Air-conditioned, with working windows.

To be an Uber Premier driver, apart from the general Uber requirements, you have to:

• Have a minimum rating of 4.6

• Have completed over 20 trips.

Where is Uber Premier available?

Uber Premier is currently available in NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, and SA. In some of these locations, it replaces Uber Black. The Uber Premier driver and car requirements differ between states, so make sure to check them before deciding on a car for Uber.

• Uber driver requirements in Sydney

• Uber driver requirements in Melbourne

• Uber driver requirements in Canberra

• Uber driver requirements in QLD

• Uber driver requirements in Adelaide

• Uber driver requirements in Perth

How much money can I make with Uber Premier?

It depends on various factors, like how much you drive and also where you drive. As a premium service on the expensive side, there may not be as many requests as for UberX, which has more affordable prices.

TIP: You can still take UberX rides when there are no Uber Premier requests.

On the other hand, the high fares for passengers mean a boost in earnings for drivers, even with fewer trips. Here’s an example price comparison between UberX and Uber Premier in Sydney, according to finder.com.au:

In terms of earnings, driving for Uber Premier is great for longer distance airport trips, for example. Not only do you get to go a longer distance, but some Australian cities have a designated ride-share pickup area where you can meet your passengers, to make it less of a hassle to park.

DID YOU KNOW? At Sydney Airport, you can take advantage of the kerbside pickups from the Limo Pickup area.

How can Splend help?

Whether you’re already an Uber driver or want to get started, consider looking into what Uber car rentals offer through their plans. At Splend, all the vehicles in our fleet are eligible for UberX. If you’re also interested in driving for Uber Premier, our fleet includes models like the Polestar 2 Standard Range, the Polestar 2 Long Range, or even the Tesla Model Y, which are soon to be added to Uber’s list of approved models.

TIP: Earn more with Uber Eats food delivery driving. Find out how to become an Uber Eats driver in Australia.

About Splend

We enable people to make money by driving for on-demand apps such as Uber.

We’re more than a car subscription provider. In addition to new-model cars and all the essentials to start earning money with Uber as quickly as possible, our customers enjoy driver training and dedicated support, as well as customer benefits such as partner discounts and exclusive events. For more information about Splend, make an appointment and drop by to your local Splend Hub, email us, or say hello on 1800 775 363.