New Uber Driver

Hello All

I'm starting up this blog to document my process of signing up to become an Uber driver / Partner in Sydney, Australia. I'll be more than happy to answer any questions if you are thinking of becoming a driver / partner. I've found it some what difficult to find answers that I've wanted in a centralised location and hope this will be the place to provide it for you. Unfortunately, Uber hasn't provided all the information required to meet regulatory and legislative requirements to be a ridesharing / ridesourcing operator. Obviously this page is a reflection of my personal experience and is a representation of the process I have undertaken. Regulatory and legislative requirements may change and it is your responsibility as a contractor to keep up to date with these requirements.

Firstly, if you want to become an Uber driver in NSW you will need to complete the following RMS requirements.

• You are required to hold a current Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) driver authority issued by Roads and Maritime Services if you wish to provide booked services
• You must register your vehicle for BUSINESS use

Before applying you must

• Hold a NSW driver licence that is not a learner licence, probationary licence, provisional licence, restricted licence, driver licence receipt or conditional licence (other than a conditional licence with the sole condition of wearing contact lenses while driving)
• Have held an Australian driver licence that is not a learner licence, probationary licence, provisional licence, restricted licence, driver licence receipt or conditional licence (other than a conditional licence with the sole condition of wearing contact lenses while driving) for a total of at least 12 months in the two years preceding the application date
• Applicants aged up to 60 years must complete a compulsory assessment of fitness levels by completing the Medical Assessment Form 1799. If a further medical referral is required, a medical specialist must complete a Medical Specialist Assessment Report Form to submit with the application
• Applicants aged 60 years or older must have a medical practitioner complete a Medical Assessment Public Passenger Vehicle Driver Form to submit with the application
• Provide an original National Criminal History Record Check (NCHRC) with the application. The NCHRC can be applied for online through an accredited CrimTrac agent. Application costs are listed on the relevant agents’ website.

To apply, you must

• Complete and sign an Application for an Authority to Drive Taxi-Cab or Private Hire Vehicle Form. The form is available on the Roads and Maritime website
• Attach two recent, identical, clear colour photos sized 65mm x 65mm, of your head and neck on a pale background without hat or sunglasses
• Attach your Medical Assessment Form
• Attach your original National Criminal History Record Check (NCHRC)
• Attach all documentation to the completed and signed form
• Post the completed application form, with all relevant documentation, with your credit card details or a cheque or money order for $45, payable to Roads and Maritime Services:

The above information and more is available on the following RMS factsheet: RideShare Driver factsheet

  

In conjunction with the above, rideharing / ridesourcing (Uber) drivers have an obligation to pay tax and therefore must apply for an ABN. More information can be found on the following link - Ride Sourcing and your tax obligations. As time goes on hopefully I can provide more information regarding the above but most of the information is on the ATO website.

So after getting through the above  you can finally get around to the good part. Applying with Uber to become a driver/partner. Uber Sydney - Get Started

If you meet the requirements you're good to hit the road. 

The Uber process is pretty streamlined and if you have all the required documents you should not have a problem. I uploaded all my documents on Uber prior to visiting the Uber Greenlight Hub in Concord which greatly reduced the amount of time I spent at the Hub (I highly recommend doing this). Whilst at the hub I had attend the mandatory Welcome Session and fill out a form for Uber to conduct a Police/Criminal History Check. It is also advisable to have your vehicle in good condition before heading in for an inspection at the Partner Centre (saw a guy in an Audi turned away for worn out tyres -don't be that guy).

I have yet to hit the road as I am yet to receive my Driver Authority Card (DAC). As soon as I complete my first ride I'll be sure to update this page.

Hope this helps guys as mentioned above, if you have any questions please feel free to comment and I will try and get back to you ASAP