Rideshare Guide: How to be an Ola Driver in Melbourne | finder.com.au
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Ola driver guide Melbourne

Looking to drive with Ola in Melbourne? Everything you need to know.

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If you're interested in becoming a rideshare driver, Ola is a relative newcomer to Australian roads, having launched in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth in January 2018. Now operating in a number of cities across Australia and counting over 40,0000 driver-partners, it may be a platform to consider if you want to sign up as a rideshare driver.

This guide will take you through what you need to know about Ola driving in Melbourne including commission rates, eligibility and vehicle requirements.

What is Ola?

Ola is a rideshare platform that currently operates in India and Australia. It launched in Australia in January 2018. It operates in much the same way as the original rideshare platform, Uber, but offers other benefits for drivers such as daily payment and an SOS feature for safety. It also offers other vehicle options in other cities, including rickshaws.

Where in Australia does Ola operate?

Ola currently operates in the following Australian cities:

Check if you're eligible to drive with Ola in Melbourne

LocationEligibilityRequired documents/information
Melbourne
  • Vehicle model 2010 or later
  • Compulsory third party insurance and minimum third party property damage insurance
  • Have had your full Australian or New Zealand driver's licence for at least 6 months
  • Insurance documents
  • If the car is a private car, a hire car certificate issued by the TSC
  • Current annual certificate of roadworthiness if vehicle manufactured before 2018
  • Your licence plus another form of ID
  • Driver accreditation certificate
  • Your bank account details and ABN

Some of the benefits of driving with Ola in Melbourne

  • Safety and support. Drivers can contact Ola 24/7 and also have access to an SOS button within the Ola app.
  • Daily payments. Whatever earnings you make with Ola you can expect to receive the following working day.
  • Commission rate. Ola offers an introductory commission rate of 7.5%. After 30 days this reverts to a 15% commission rate.
  • Free to sign up. There is no cost to register as an Ola driver.
  • Direction preference. Ola will send ride requests to you in the direction you want to travel.

Ola vs Uber vs Taxify: Melbourne

If you're unsure which ridesharing platform you want to sign up to, compare the features of each in the table below to see if Ola is right for you.

FeatureOlaUberTaxify
Vehicle restrictions
  • 2010 model or newer
  • Registered and insured
  • Compulsory third party insurance and minimum third party property damage insurance
  • If the car is a private car, a hire car certificate issued by the TSC
  • Current annual certificate of roadworthiness if vehicle manufactured before 2018
  • Be no older than 9 years
  • Have at least 4 doors and no more than 8 seats
  • Be in excellent condition
  • Be able to pass a RedBook Inspect vehicle inspection
  • Be registered as a commercial passenger vehicle
  • Have no commercial branding
  • Be registered in Victoria
  • 2008 model or newer
  • Have 4 doors and seat 4 to 7 passengers
  • Have working windows and air conditioning
  • Be in excellent condition
  • Not be a taxi, government, branded or rebuilt vehicle
  • Have a hire car licence
Driver eligibility
  • Must have held a full Australian or NZ licence for at least 6 months
  • Need a driver accreditation certificate
  • Have an ABN
  • If the car is a private car, a hire car certificate issued by the TSC
  • 21 years or older
  • Have held an unrestricted licence for at least 6 months
  • Be allowed to work in Australia
  • 21 years or older
  • Have an ABN and be registered for GST
  • Have held a full Australian or New Zealand licence for at least 6 months
  • Have a hire car licence or commercial passenger vehicle number issued by the CPVV
Ease of signupSign up for Ola onlineSign up online then have an in-person training and vehicle inspectionSign up online, in-person training is usually required
Available citiesSydney, Melbourne, Perth, Gold Coast, Canberra, Brisbane, AdelaideAvailable in every Australian state (launching Darwin August 2018)Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane
How you get paidDaily payment direct to your nominated bank accountWeekly payment direct to your nominated bank accountIn cash or a weekly payment direct to your nominated bank account
Commission ratesIntroductory rate for first 30 days: 7.5%

Ongoing rate: 15%

25%15%

How do you sign up as an Ola Melbourne driver?

The first step is to get your documents (outlined in the table above) ready. Once you have these, head to Ola's website to sign up. You'll then go through the following steps:

  • Sign in with your Google account and enter your personal details
  • Verify your mobile number
  • Provide some details about the vehicle you're planning to use to drive with Ola, such as whether or not you own it
  • Provide information and documents about yourself, such as your ID, and your vehicle, such as your insurance documents

Once you've submitted all of the required documents, your application will be reviewed by Ola. You will then be notified whether you have been accepted as a driver-partner.

Compare a range of rental options to drive with Ola in Melbourne

Data updated regularly
Name Product Price Per Week (from) Insurance Included? Membership Fee Excess Distance Cost
Splend Car Rentals
Splend Car Rentals
$269
Yes
$275 (26 week rental period)
$0.10 per km
Get access to fuel discounts, referral bonuses and member only benefits when you rent a rideshare car with Splend. Rent-to-Drive and Rent-to-Buy options available.
Go to site
More Info
DriveMyCar Uber Rentals
DriveMyCar Uber Rentals
$160
Yes
$0
$0.10 per km
Get insurance, maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance in the all-inclusive price. Discounts available for longer rental periods.
Go to site
More Info
Europcar Uber Rental
Europcar Uber Rental
$195
Yes
$0
$0.25 per km
Benefit from 24/7 roadside assistance, a wide range of vehicles and no signup fee to start driving with Uber. A minimum four-week rental period applies.
Go to site
More Info
Splend Rent-to-Own
Splend Rent-to-Own
$269
Yes
$275 (26 week rental period)
$0.10 per km
Rent a car and pay it off as you go with no lock-in contract, membership benefits and flexible rental options
Go to site
More Info
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