Uber driver & car requirements in Melbourne, VIC
If you ever wondered how to become an Uber driver in Melbourne, 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 Melbourne, VIC
To become an Uber driver in Melbourne, you have to meet the following requirements:
1. Be at least 21 years old
If you're under 21 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 an full VIC driver's licence
You must have held an Open licence in the past six months or more. If it’s not a VIC licence, you’ll need to convert it before signing up.
Learn more about Uber licence requirements in Melbourne.
3. Provide supporting documents for your Uber application
To become an Uber driver in Melbourne, you must also 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:
Uber Driver accreditation
In order to drive Uber in Melbourne, you need to have a Driver Accreditation from the CPVV (Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria). You can or apply for a Driver Accreditation online for a $74.40 fee. You'll need to complete a medical self-assessment of 10 questions and, based on your responses, you might need to visit a doctor for a complete medical check. Processing Driver accreditation applications usually takes up to three weeks on average.
Medical assessment
If you need to get a medical assessment – complete your Medical Self-Declaration Form and Driver Health Questionnaire and book an appointment at your GP.
ABN and GST registration
You need to be GST registered and provide an Australian Business Number (ABN) to become an Uber driver. You can register for GST via the Australian Tax Office website.
Driver safety education
To ensure every trip you will complete is safe and welcoming, you have the legal obligation to complete driver safety education before starting to use the Uber Driver app. This is provided by a third party EduMe and covers topics like avoiding discrimination or sexual harassment, assisting passengers with disabilities, vehicle maintenance and inspection, and general road safety.
4. Have proof of your right to work in Australia
As part of Uber’s sign-up process, you'll need to demonstrate the right to work in Australia (unless you hold an Australian Passport, Australian Birth Certificate, or Australian Citizenship Certificate). If you do not hold one of the above documents, a VEVO check will be conducted. You will need to provide one of the following documents in order for this check to be completed:
Immigration card
International passport
Refugee passport
Uber car requirements in Melbourne, VIC
The most important thing you need to drive for Uber is an eligible car. All Uber cars in Melbourne must meet the following requirements:
ANCAP 5-Star rated
In excellent working condition
No more than 8-seats, including the driver’s seat
Able to pass a vehicle inspection
Registered in Victoria
Covered by compulsory third party (CTP) insurance, and has at least third-party property damage insurance
Free from cosmetic damage
Free from commercial branding
Registered as a commercial passenger vehicle
Isn't an ex-taxi/taxi, ex-driving school, government, branded or rebuilt vehicle.
Check Splend's available Flexi Own cars in Melbourne.
Uber car types
For each Uber service there are specific requirements your car has to meet.
Uber type | Model year | Vehicle type | Seating | Other requirements |
UberX | 15 years old or less | 4-door | 4-7 passengers | ANCAP 5-star rated, In excellent working condition, with no cosmetic damage, Have working windows and air conditioning |
UberXL | 15 years old or less | 4-door SUV or large passenger vans | 6-7 passengers | |
Uber Comfort | 7 years old or less | Mid sized vehicle | 4 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 Premier | 7 years old or less | 4-door high-end vehicles | 4 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 Electric | Manufactured within last 7 years | Specific Electric Makes and Models only | 4 passengers | Meet all other UberX vehicle requirements, 4.85 minimum rating, Have completed over 100 trips |
Uber Max | 15 years old or less | Rear sliding doors and at least 3 rows of seating | Comfortably seat at least 7 passengers (plus driver) | Plenty of luggage space without having to put the seats down |
Uber Green | Hybrid or Electric Vehicles Effective 9 November 2024 - Fully electric vehicles only | Meet all other Uber X requirements |
Check the list of eligible vehicles for each Uber type of service in Melbourne.
Car inspection
For the safety of the drivers and passengers, your car must pass a vehicle inspection before you can start driving it for Uber. You can book an appointment with Redbook Inspect who provide a CPVV-approved inspection process at three locations (Tullamarine, Port Melbourne, Dandenong) or at any Licensed Vehicle Tester in Victoria to get the Roadworthy Certificate. See all the Licensed Vehicle Testers or book with Redbook Inspect. After passing the inspection, you must display a CPV sign or any sign to identify Uber on your car that you can order here.
Commercial Passenger Vehicle Registration
Once you got your driver accreditation and passed the vehicle inspection, the last step is applying to register the vehicle as a commercial passenger vehicle with CPVV. To apply, you need to provide your vehicle details, your Victorian driver accreditation number or a copy of your Australian driver's licence and passport and pay a $55.10 application fee. Register your vehicle here
Car insurance
You’ll need comprehensive or third-party property insurance in order to drive Uber in Melbourne, Victoria. Make sure your name, car make and registration, policy expiration date and type of cover are clearly visible on the document.
This is a lot of information to remember, so we've created a checklist for you. Save it to your phone to have all the steps and resources at hand. Download the checklist
Where to drive for Uber in Melbourne?
You can drive wherever you feel like, but for constant ride demands and increased earnings, you should go around Melbourne's traffic hotspots — CBD, St. Kilda, Hawthorn, Northcote. It's also helpful to plan working around rideshare demand peak hours:
Weekdays - 5 am - 9 am, 5 pm - 8 pm
Friday and Saturday - 5 pm and 5 am
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.
Looking to try a car rental in Melbourne? Our packages are all-inclusive, flexible, no deposit or credit check required, with customer benefits, and ongoing support throughout your subscription. You can choose between Flexi Try and Flexi own, depending on the flexibility you're looking for.
How can Splend help me become an Uber driver?
Splend provides you with the complete service, including helping you 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 rideshare damage and loss cover, 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 Melbourne 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.
The easy way to start Uber driving Get an Uber-ready car and Uber sign-up support with our Flexi and Flexi own plans Enquire now
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. Related posts: