Uber driver & car requirements in Sydney, NSW

If you ever wondered how to become an Uber driver in Sydney, we have the answers. Below are the driver requirements you need to meet. If you need any help with your application, Splend is here for you.

Uber driver requirements in Sydney, NSW

To become an Uber driver in Sydney, 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 a full NSW driver's licence

In order to become an Uber driver in Sydney, you must have a full AU driver's licence with at least 12 months of driving experience. If it's not a NSW licence, you'll need to convert it before signing up.

Learn more about Uber licence requirements in Sydney. 

3. Provide supporting documents for your Uber application

To become an Uber driver in Sydney, 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:

Driving record

To drive Uber in NSW, you'll need to submit proof of a good driving record. The driving record must be less than 30 days old when uploading it. The good news is that you can request your driving record online.

Background check

This one is also easy to obtain online and it's usually processed within 14 days. Just log in to your Uber account and go to t.uber.com/bgcapplicationaurides. You'll need these documents to request a background check:

• Passport/birth certificate

• Driver licence/student card

• Medicare/bank card

Passenger Transport licence code

Every Uber driver in NSW needs to have a PTLC. If you haven't already,  have this, you'll need to apply for one at your local Service NSW. Prepare copies of the documents we mentioned above, as well as your passport or birth certificate. Once you have all the documents, you can apply for a Passenger Transport licence code. The application costs $22 and usually takes three to seven business days to be processed.

Driver safety certification

In New South Wales, you need to take a driving safety course before you can you start to work legally as a rideshare driver. You can complete the driver safety education course online, using your Uber account.

ABN and GST registration

Last but not least, 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.

4. Have a proof of your right to work in Australia

In order to prove your right to work in Australia, you must provide an Australian Passport, Australian Birth Certificate or Australian Citizenship Certificate or obtain a VEVO check from the Department of Immigration's website.

Uber car requirements in Sydney, NSW

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

• ANCAP 5-star rated

• Excellent working condition

• No cosmetic damage

• No more than 8 seats, including the driver's seat

• Registered and CTP-insured in NSW

• Have working windows and air conditioning

• Able to pass a pink slip inspection

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

Check Splend's available Flexi Own cars in Sydney.

Uber car types

For each Uber service there are specific requirements your car has to meet.

Check the list of eligible vehicles for each Uber type of service in Sydney.

Car insurance

You'll need comprehensive or third-party property insurance in order to drive Uber in Sydney and New South Wales. Make sure your name, car make and registration, policy expiration date and type of cover are clearly visible on the document.

Car inspection

Renewing the NSW registration of a car that's more than five years old requires an inspection. If the car passes, it's suitable for Uber driving.

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 Sydney?

You can drive wherever you feel like in Sydney for Uber, but for constant ride demands and increased earnings, you should go around Sydney traffic hotspots — CBD, Sydney Airport, Eastern Suburbs, Northern Suburbs, Lower Northern Sydney, Newton, Enmore, The Rocks.

TIP: Before heading to Sydney Airport, check how pick-up and drop-off works and the Sydney Airport express pick-up you must pay.

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

• Weekdays - 5 am - 9 am, 5 pm - 8 pm

• Weekends - All day, mostly between 7 pm and 3 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.

If you're looking to try a car for Uber in Sydney, a good option, tailored for on-demand drivers' needs are Splend's Flexi Try package. It has become very popular for rideshare drivers to get on a car subscription plan rather than buying a car for Uber.

The key benefits of Splend's ownership packages include the all-inclusive, flexible contract with no deposit or credit check, as well as additional benefits, such as the annual up to 4 weeks payment holiday. You can choose between our Flexi Try and Flexi Own packages, depending on the flexibility you're looking for.

If you want to reduce your car running costs and increase your earnings, switching to an electric car is the best decision to make. Check our available electric cars and learn more about the EV charging stations in NSW.

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 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 Sydney 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:

• Uber driver requirements in Melbourne

• Uber driver requirements in Canberra

• Uber driver requirements in Perth

• Uber driver requirements in Brisbane

• Uber driver requirements in Adelaide