Uber driver & car requirements in Brisbane, QLD

If you ever wondered how to become an Uber driver in Brisbane, Queensland, and the Gold Coast, we have the answers. Below are the driver requirements that you need to meet. If you need any help with your application, Splend is here for you.

Uber driver requirements in Brisbane, QLD

To become an Uber driver in Queensland, you have to meet the following requirements:

1. Be at least 20 years old

If you're under 20 years old, you can't become a driving partner for Uber, no matter how long your driving experience is or if you meet all the other criteria.

2. Have a full QLD driver's licence

You must have a full AU driver’s licence with at least 12 months of driving experience. If it’s not a QLD licence, you’ll need to convert it before signing up.

Learn more about Uber licence requirements in Brisbane

3. Provide supporting documents for your Uber application

To become an Uber driver in Brisbane, Queensland, and the Gold Coast, you must have a smartphone that’s compatible with the Uber Driver app (iPhone 4s or newer, or any Android device released since 2013), and get the following paperwork ready:

  • Create an ABN: Visit the Australian Business Register website and apply as a sole trader, and register for GST.

  • Driver's Authorisation: To drive Uber in Brisbane, Queensland, and the Gold Coast, you'll need a Driver's Authorisation (DA) from the DoT (Department of Transport and Main Roads). Here's how you can obtain yours:

  • Apply for a DA online: If you're applying for the first time, choose “Driver Authorisation New Application” (form F2978)

    • Print the form and fill it in (you'll need a copy for your medical assessment)

    • Find the nearest Transport and motoring service centre and submit your application to the DoT

    • Collect your interim Driver's Authorisation and submit it to Uber

    • The DoT will mail you your Driver Authorisation Card within a couple of weeks of your application being approved.

  • Medical assessment: The next step is to book and complete a Commercial Standards Medical Assessment at your local GP, at a partnering medical centre. Don't forget to bring your DA form that you've filled in earlier.

  • Driver safety certification: In Queensland, you need to take a driving safety course before you can start to work legally as a rideshare driver. You can complete the driver safety education course online, using your Uber account.

Understand Uber car requirements in Brisbane, QLD

The most important thing you need to drive for Uber is an eligible car. All Uber cars in Queensland must meet the following requirements:

  • ANCAP 5-star rated

  • Excellent working condition

  • No more than 8 seats, including the driver's seat

  • No cosmetic damage

  • No commercial branding

  • Registered and CTP-insured in Queensland

  • Have working windows and air conditioning

  • Able to pass a vehicle inspection

  • Are not taxis, ex-taxis, government, ex-driving school, branded or rebuilt vehicles.

Driving an electric car? Discover how to charge your electric car using the EV chargers in Brisbane.

Uber car types

For each Uber service there are specific requirements your car has to meet.

Uber typeModel yearVehicle typeSeatingOther requirements
UberX15 years old or less4-door4-7 passengersANCAP 5-star rated, In excellent working condition, with no cosmetic damage, Have working windows and air conditioning
UberXL15 years old or less4-door SUV or large passenger vans6-7 passengers
Uber Comfort7 years old or lessMid sized vehicle4 passengers Extra legroom for passengers, Minimum 500 trips completed, Driver rating of 4.85 or above. Effective 9 November 2024: The vehicle must be on the list of eligible vehicle models
Uber Premier7 years old or less4-door high-end vehicles4 passengers Extra legroom for passengers, Minimum 20 trips completed, Driver rating of 4.6 or above. Effective 9 November 2024: The vehicle must be on the list of eligible vehicle models
Uber Comfort ElectricManufactured within last 7 yearsSpecific Electric Makes and Models only4 passengersMeet all other UberX vehicle requirements, 4.85 minimum rating, Have completed over 100 trips
Uber Max15 years old or lessRear sliding doors and at least 3 rows of seatingComfortably seat at least 7 passengers (plus driver)Plenty of luggage space without having to put the seats down
Uber GreenHybrid or Electric Vehicles Effective 9 November 2024 - Fully electric vehicles onlyMeet all other Uber X requirements

Check the list of eligible vehicles for each Uber type of service in Brisbane.

Car insurance

All vehicles driving with Uber must be covered by compulsory third party (CTP) insurance, and have at least third-party property damage insurance. To drive with UberX, you also need to be listed on the car’s property damage insurance policy, even if you are not the vehicle owner or main policyholder.

Car inspection

To be eligible for Uber, all vehicles must have a current Certificate of Inspection (COI) or be eligible for an exemption. You'll need to book an appointment at a certified inspection centre and take your car in for a check-up. To be eligible for an exemption, the vehicle must have been registered for less than 12 months.

Booked Hire Service Licence

The TMR also requires Uber drivers to hold a current Booked Hire Service licence for every vehicle they choose to drive on the Uber app. To apply, the vehicle must have a current Certificate of Inspection (COI).  

Where to drive for Uber in Brisbane?

You can drive wherever you feel like in Queensland, but for constant ride demands and increased earnings, you should go around Brisbane traffic hotspots —  CBD, Paddington (the Caxton St end in particular), West End, South Bank, Tenerife, Newstead, Spring Hill, Tenerife, Bowen Hills. It's also helpful to plan working around rideshare demand peak hours:

  • Monday to Friday - 4 am - 9 am

  • Friday and Saturday - 7 pm - 5 am

  • Saturday and Sunday - all day.

How to drive for Uber if I don't have a car?

Most drivers turn down the idea of rideshare driving because their car doesn't meet the Uber requirements or don't have a car at all. That's where car subscription providers, like Splend, step in. It has become very popular for rideshare drivers to get on a car subscription plan rather than buying a car for Uber. The key benefits of Uber car subscriptions include the all-inclusive, flexible contract with no deposit or credit check, as well as additional benefits, depending on the supplier. You can choose between our packages, Flexi Try and Flexi Own, depending on the flexibility you're looking for.

Check our available cars

How can Splend help me become an Uber driver?

Splend is more than a car subscription provider. We provide you with the complete service. This includes helping with your Uber application process as well as ongoing training and support, ensuring you become a successful Uber driver. Here’s how we can help you:

1. The keys to your career on the road

At Splend we can set you up with a new-model, 5-star ANCAP-rated car that also provides maximum comfort for you as well as your riders, making it easier for you to be a good Uber driver.

2. Car insurance

All Splend cars come with comprehensive car cover and rideshare insurance, so you're covered if you ever have an accident. We also provide 24/7 roadside assistance.

3. Car inspection

All Splend cars have been inspected by Uber, and ready for you to jump behind the wheel and start earning an income.

4. Uber application and other paperwork

At Splend, your Customer Specialist will help you set up your business, and continue to be your point of contact whenever you have a question or need advice.

5. Customer benefits

Sign up to Splend's Flexi Try or Flexi own car subscription plans and you’ll enjoy customer benefits beyond the wheel, such as additional income through our referral program, goodies for your car, access to our local Brisbane Hub, and a range of exclusive community events where you can catch up with the latest ridesharing trends and learn new tips and tricks to be more efficient in your work.  

About Splend

Changing the way rideshare drivers own for good.

We support rideshare drivers with a new way to own – with lower purchase prices, better rates, lower servicing and insurance costs and ongoing driver support, all for one weekly payment, all in one place. It’s how car ownership for rideshare drivers should be. 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.

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