Your Guide to Working as a Rideshare Driver in Australia

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Would you like to be a part of the most popular private transport service among Australians? Then read on to learn about prerequisites and determine if becoming a rideshare driver is right for you.

A decade ago, we often heard two safety precautions. One, never meet with strangers online. Two, don’t go into cars with unknown people. With ridesharing, not only do we forego both warnings, but doing so can be considered an additional form of income. Once a concept that no one could fathom, ridesharing now has a customer base of over 4.7 million in Uber alone.

Three years ago, only 7% of Australians used Uber over a three-month period. Now it’s approaching 23%, and demand is expected to grow in the following years. If you’re interested in being part of the most popular private transport service among Australians, read on to learn about prerequisites and determine if the job is right for you.

Check Your Eligibility for Being a Rideshare Driver

Your eligibility will vary depending on the rideshare company you plan to work for and the state you’ll be driving in. For standard driver requirements in Australia, you must:

Be at least 21 years old (with the exception of delivery apps such as UberEats, which require you to be at least 18).
Have a current full driver’s license from the state you’ll be driving in that you have held for 12 months in any state.
Have an Australian passport or birth certificate, or provide evidence of your visa that allows you to work in Australia.
Pass a background check and medical exam.
Have your driving history review.

Keep in mind that sign up requirements may vary from state to state. For instance, some regions will require you to have a commercial driver’s license.

Learn About Vehicle Requirements

It is recommended you get a few refresher driving lessons from LTrent. Then gather up the necessary documents and you’re on your way to apply to become a ridesharing driver.

Another step you have to pass is the vehicle requirements. Depending on the service you’re providing (food delivery, ridesharing, and so on), your vehicle will need to be examined for safety reasons. Make sure your car:

Isn’t older than 10 to 15 years. (This will depend on the company you apply for.)
Has no visible dents or missing parts.
Isn’t salvaged, reconstructed, or rebuilt.
Has no marks with commercial branding or taxi designs.
Isn’t a rental (unless approved or loaned by the ridesharing company).
Doesn’t have insurance under someone else’s name.

Even if your vehicle doesn’t meet the requirements, you may still be eligible for deliveries. Check with the ridesharing company you’re interested in for more details.

Find out If Your Insurance Will Cover You as a Rideshare Driver

Another detail many aspiring drivers often miss is the insurance (or lack thereof). Check your current insurance policy and see if it covers your rideshare driving. There’s a chance you’ll either need to upgrade or switch to a different insurer.

Ridesharing companies won’t provide you with comprehensive insurance. Instead, they offer contingent coverage, which can supplement your current policy. It may cover liability for bodily injury and property damage and a deductible for any physical damage done to your vehicle.

Manage Your Taxes

Now it’s time to talk about taxes. To receive a tax deduction for ridesharing expenses, you’ll need to use a 12-week, ATO-compliant logbook. In it, you can record odometer readings from the start and end of every trip.

Not only do you need to manage your taxes to be eligible for a deduction, but you also have to report your earnings, no matter how little you earn at any given time.

Are You Ready to Hit The Road?

There’s a lot to consider before becoming an Australian ridesharing or delivery driver. On top of passing all of the requirements and exams, you also have to calculate how much you can spare for additional costs such as oil and gas, maintenance, insurance, car depreciation, and more.

Think about your region and what surges you can expect from large events or hotspots. If you have the means and the time to commit, it may be an excellent opportunity for you to earn additional income on-the-go.