How to become an Ola driver in Australia [Complete guide]
Since launching in India in 2010, Ola has taken the ridesharing market by storm. Along with other popular rideshare apps, it's becoming one of the largest platforms on the market. It operates in more than 250 cities across India, New Zealand, the UK, and Australia. If you're wondering if it's worth becoming an Ola driver in Australia, we have the answer to the most common questions.
Where is Ola available in Australia?
Currently, Ola is available in the following locations:
New South Wales - Sydney, Bathurst, Byron Bay, Central Coast, Coffs Harbour, Newcastle, Orange, Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Wollongong
Victoria - Melbourne, Ballarat, Bendigo, Horsham, Shepparton, Surf Coast, Warrnambool
Queensland - Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Bundaberg, Cairns, Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
South Australia - Adelaide
Western Australia - Perth, Bunbury, Busselton
Australian Capital Territory - Canberra
Northern Territory - Darwin
Tasmania - Hobart, Launceston
Why should I become an Ola driver in Australia?
Apart from the standard, each rideshare platform has its specific features. Some of Ola’s features for passengers include SOS alerts, lower peaks, and real-time location sharing. For drivers, benefits include:
Daily payments - you have your earnings in your bank account by the next working day
SOS button in the app for increased safety
Introductory commission rate – Ola retains only 7.5% of your fares for the first 30 days, as opposed to the standard 15% commission rate
24/7 support via Ola’s helpline
Free registration
Ola driver requirements in Australia
Same as with all rideshare platforms, you need to submit some personal documents to certify that you’re suitable to work as a rideshare driver:
Proof of identity – either of the following documents: - Australian Passport - Australian Birth Certificate - Australian Citizenship CertificateIf you present an international passport, Ola will conduct a VEVO check (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) to confirm your work rights in Australia.
Portrait identification photo
Bank account details
ABN (Australian Business Number) registered for GST
Depending on the state you'll be driving, you also need to prepare some additional documents, as shown in the table below.
State | Specific driver requirements |
NSW | Unrestricted NSW driver's licence for one year Passenger Transport licence code (PTLC) Current NSW driving record, issued within the last 30 days Police check with no disqualifying court outcomes and less than 3 months old |
VIC | Full VIC driver's licence for at least 6 months Driver accreditation issued by Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria (CPVV) IMMI Card & Travel Document (if not Australian citizen or permanent resident) |
QLD | Valid QLD driver's licence Driver authorisation (BHTX) or an Interim Transport Authority Complete a free compulsory training in anti-discrimination awareness |
WA | Driver's licence Passenger Transport Driver (PTD) Authorisation |
SA | Full SA driver's licence Driver accreditation with SP category Operator Accreditation for Rideshare IMMI Card & Travel Document (if not Australian citizen or permanent resident) |
Ola car requirements in Australia
To become an Ola driver you need a car that meets the following requirements:
2010 model or newer
Minimum 4 doors
Minimum 4 passenger seats for the Sedan category
Minimum 6 passenger seats for SUV category
Has a valid registration
Has motor vehicle insurance policy (comprehensive or third party property)
Vehicle inspection report or certificate of roadworthiness (no older than 12 months)
Additionally, depending on the state you'll be driving, your car also needs to meet some state specific requirements.
State | Specific car requirements |
NSW | No older than 10 years |
VIC | No older than 10 years Commercial Passenger Vehicle Registration, issued by Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria (CPVV) |
QLD | No older than 10 years Booked Hire Service Licence (BHSL) |
WA | No older than 150 years 3F Motor injury Insurance (MII) Passenger Transport Vehicle Authorisation (PTV) |
SA | No older than 8 years |
How to become an Ola driver in Australia?
Sign up online
In order to become an Ola driver in Australia, you need to sign up online by entering your personal details and agreeing to the terms and conditions. The next step is to upload the required documents. After you sign up, Ola’s team will review your information and email you about your application.
Provide your payment information
To finalise your application you need to provide your payment information so that Ola can wire your payments. Ola transfers the fares from the day to your bank account by the next day. You need to submit the following details:
Bank account information
ABN number
If you’re having trouble with your application, Ola has a dedicated support team. You can call their 24/7 driver phone support service on 03 8594 1941, or send an email to care.australia@olacabs.com
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.