Uber driver & car requirements in Adelaide, SA

If you ever wondered how to become an Uber driver in Adelaide, 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 Adelaide, SA

To become an Uber driver in Adelaide, 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 SA driver's licence

You must have a full AU driver’s licence with at least 6 months of driving experience within the last two years. If it’s not a SA licence, you’ll need to convert it before signing up. Learn more about Uber licence requirements in Adelaide.

3. Provide supporting documents for your Uber application

To become an Uber driver in Adelaide, 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's Accreditation application

Get familiar with the application process and complete the form. This can take up to six weeks, so get in as early as you can.

Working with Children Check (WWCC)

The WWCC issued by the DSCI allows you to work with children, and it's mandatory for your Driver's Accreditation application. You can apply online.

Certificate of Fitness (medical assessment)

You’ll also need to get a medical assessment, also known as a Certificate of Fitness for heavy vehicle and commercial drivers. Book an appointment at your GP and complete this form. This can cost up to $200 depending on your GP.

Police check

In order to get your Driver's Accreditation, you'll also need to provide a National Criminal History Check. These are valid for three months and cost around $49. For more information on how to register yours, visit acic.gov.au

ABN and GST registration

For your Uber application, you also need to be GST registered and provide an Australian Business Number (ABN). 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.

After completing these steps, it will take Uber roughly 24 hours to verify your documents and an extra 3-5 days to activate your account.

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

Uber car requirements in Adelaide, SA

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

  • ANCAP 5-star rated

  • In excellent working condition

  • Able to pass a vehicle inspection

  • Registered and CTP-insured in SA

  • Have no more than eight seats

  • Have working windows and air conditioning

  • Free from cosmetic damage

  • Free from commercial branding

  • Are not taxis, ex-driving school, utes, government, 3-cylinder, branded or rebuilt vehicles.

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.

Car inspection

You must get a government accredited car inspection, provided by:

  • Rightway Automotive - call 08 8340 7233, $75 price

  • RAA - call 8202 4688, $97.80 price.

The car inspection is valid for one year.

Car insurance

You’ll need valid insurance in order to drive Uber in Adelaide and South Australia. Make sure your name, car make and registration, policy expiration date and type of cover are clearly visible on the document.

When getting your DA at the Accreditation and Licensing Centre, you must also ask for your car’s CTP insurance premium to be upgraded to ‘small public passenger vehicle’. You will need to show printouts of screenshots of your profile and vehicle pages from partners.uber.com or the app.

After upgrading your CTP insurance premium, you must return to where you had your car inspected to pick up a sticker to place on your windscreen as proof of the upgrade.

Where to drive for Uber in Adelaide?

You can drive wherever you feel like in Adelaide for Uber, but for constant ride demands and increased earnings, you should go around the busy areas — Hindley and Currie Street, Rundle Street, Adelaide Casino, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Glenelg, Norwood, North Adelaide, Burnside.

It's also helpful to plan working around rideshare demand peak hours:

  • Weekdays - 4 am - 9 am, 4 pm - 7 pm

  • Fridays and Saturdays - 4 pm - 4 am

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 for rideshare in Adelaide? Our Uber car subscription plans 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.

Check our available cars

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 earn tips and maintain your five-star driver rating.

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 Adelaide 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. Related posts: