There are different types of Uber driving, each of which has different driver and car requirements. You can earn more as one of the more selective Uber drivers, but might need to work your way up to it, and may need a different type of vehicle.
But no matter what kind of Uber driving you do in Adelaide and South Australia, there are also basic driver and vehicle requirements to meet first.
Be driving a vehicle insured for property damage liability. This means having either comprehensive car insurance or third party property car insurance. Your name, vehicle make and registration, policy expiration and type of cover must be visible on the document. Note that UberBLACK vehicles in particular must be commercially insured.
Pass a driving history check.
Complete a vehicle inspection at a registered Uber inspection site. You will receive details on how to reserve an inspection time when you reach this application stage.
Driver document checklist
Got these documents handy? Apply online to become an Uber driver now.
A valid, full SA driver's licence
Your passport or birth certificate
Proof of vehicle insurance
The vehicle requirements for each type of Uber driving
Before getting started, your car will need to meet some basic requirements. The vehicle requirements are stricter for certain types of Uber driving. It's important to make sure you meet these basic vehicle requirements before you start the application process.
In Adelaide, all Uber cars must:
Have at least 4 doors
Have no more than 8 seats, also counting the driver's
Have current registration and CTP insurance in SA
Have working windows and air conditioning whenever carrying passengers
Be free of commercial branding
If your car meets these requirements, and is generally in excellent working condition and free of cosmetic damage, your car will likely pass the vehicle inspection.
Uber type
Model year
Vehicle type
Seating
Insurance
Special requirements
Eligible models
UberX
10 years old or less (from current year)
4-door
4-7 passengers
Registered and CTP-insured in South Australia
No former taxis, government-branded or rebuilt vehicles
Accommodate folding wheelchairs, walkers, collapsible scooters, and other assistive devices; Complete a free training course with the Australian Network on Disability
Uber may amend this list of eligible vehicles at any time.
UberLUX eligible vehicles
Audi. A8 (D4/3rd gen)
Bentley. All
Cadillac. Escalade
BMW. 7-Series (F01/F02)
Jaguar. XF, XJ
Lexus. LS
Maserati. Ghibli, Quattroporte
Mercedes-Benz. S-Class (W221, W222)
Uber may amend this list of eligible vehicles at any time.
UberSUV eligible vehicles
Audi. Q7
BMW. X5
Cadillac. Escalade
Land Rover. Range Rover Sport
Mercedes-Benz. GL-Class, R-Class, V-Class
Tesla. Model X
How to drive for Uber if you don't have your own car yet.
You can rent a car
Uber needs drivers, and has partnered with rental providers to get affordable rental deals. Pay by the week to start earning even if you don't have your own car.
Rent an Uber car in Adelaide
Rent-to-own
If you'e looking for something to rent for keeps, a slightly higher weekly fee can help you rent-to-own a car of your choice, from a range of compact, hybrid, SUV and luxury car models.
You don't have to go through an Uber rental partner. If you prefer, you can go through a bank, credit union or unaffiliated car lender, as long as your vehicle can pass the basic requirements.
How to pass your Uber vehicle inspection in Adelaide
Before taking your first trip, all Uber vehicles need to pass an inspection. This must be carried out by Uber-approved providers. When you're at the right stage of your application, after your driving history has been assessed, Uber will help you arrange an appointment at an approved inspection centre.
The inspection normally takes about half an hour, after which the inspector will pass the results onto Uber. It's a good idea to make sure your vehicle meets the minimum Uber requirements, as well as South Australian standards, before you take it in for an inspection.
Redbook Inspect
3 William St, Mile End South SA 5031
How much do Uber drivers earn in Adelaide?
Your earnings depend on how many passengers you carry per hour, and what your expenses are.
Consider this example for an almost full-time Uber driver, assuming an average journey of 14-minutes over 4 kilometres, making 24 trips a day by driving 6 hours a day, 5 days a week. We've also put in a 10% reservation from every trip to cover fuel and other costs.
Uber type
Gross earnings per trip
Fees deducted per trip
Total earnings
UberX
$13.90
Uber fee (25%): $3.47 Fuel and other costs (10%): $1.40
$9.03 per trip $216.72 per day $1,083.60 per week
UberBlack
$35.60
Uber fee (25%): $8.90 Fuel and other costs (10%): $3.60
$23.10 per trip $554.40 per day $2,772 per week
UberSUV
$42.00
Uber fee (25%): $10.50 Fuel and other costs (10%): $4.20
$27.30 per trip $655.20 per day $3,276 per week
UberLUX
$52.00
Uber fee (25%): $13 Fuel and other costs (10%): $5.20
$33.80 per trip $811.20 per day $4,056 per week
The best places to drive for Uber in Adelaide
The best driving is when there are more passengers in less time, which generally means more money for Uber drivers.
According to Uber, these are the Adelaide hotspots.
In the CBD:
West End (Hindley and Currie Street)
East End (Rundle Street)
Adelaide Casino
Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Certain suburbs:
Glenelg
Norwood
North Adelaide
Burnside
The best times to drive
According to Uber, the peak hours, when more people are trying to catch an Uber, are:
Weekdays: 4am to 9am, and 4pm to 7pm
Fridays and Saturdays: 4pm to 4am
Uber app download
You can download the Uber app for iOS and Android here.
Andrew Munro was the global cryptocurrency editor at Finder. During his time he covered all aspects of cryptocurrency and the blockchain. Before he became cryptocurrency editor, he was a content writer for Finder covering various topics over his nearly 5 years in the role. Prior to joining Finder he was a web copywriter. Andrew has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New South Wales.
Renting a vehicle to drive with Uber gives you an easy way to get an eligible vehicle as well as have your insurance covered. Find out how it works and how to sign up today.
Hi Suzi,
Based on Uber’s list of eligible vehicles, it looks like that model is eligible for all categories. A full list is here: https://www.uber.com/global/en/eligible-vehicles/?city=adelaide
It’s worth noting, that list is for convenience only and the vehicle must comply with Uber’s requirements per the area and category. It may be worth getting in touch with Uber to confirm your eligibility.
Hope this helps!
Hi. Thanks, great page in here! Very informative indeed.
Would like to request if you can provide a list of approved/ eligible vehicles (e.g. Toyota – Corolla, Camry, etc; Kia – Cerato, etc….) here in Adelaide?
Thanks in advance!
If I buy a new Subaru wrx valued at 55k and I am an Australian citizen with an unrestricted license can I use it to drive for uber and if yes what class ?
Uber currently doesn’t have the Suburu car make listed under their approved list of eligible vehicles, but it may be worth contacting them to see what your options are if you wish to go ahead with this purchase.
I’m afraid that you may not drive for UberEats since their required driving licence is issued from Australia. You’ll need to hold a valid open Australian driver’s licence for the vehicle type you want to deliver with. The licence must clearly show:
-Your photo
-Your name
-Your address
-The licence expiry date
-The class as open (provisional licences are accepted if delivering only by scooter or motorbike)
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is a SUV BMW X3 2020 eligible and if so what category does it fall under.
thanks
Hi Suzi,
Based on Uber’s list of eligible vehicles, it looks like that model is eligible for all categories. A full list is here: https://www.uber.com/global/en/eligible-vehicles/?city=adelaide
It’s worth noting, that list is for convenience only and the vehicle must comply with Uber’s requirements per the area and category. It may be worth getting in touch with Uber to confirm your eligibility.
Hope this helps!
Hi. Thanks, great page in here! Very informative indeed.
Would like to request if you can provide a list of approved/ eligible vehicles (e.g. Toyota – Corolla, Camry, etc; Kia – Cerato, etc….) here in Adelaide?
Thanks in advance!
Hi JP,
Uber accepts all ANCAP 5-Star rated vehicles or vehicles that fall under its exemption policy. If your vehicle is below 5-stars exempted vehicle list.
Hope that helps,
Stephanie
If I buy a new Subaru wrx valued at 55k and I am an Australian citizen with an unrestricted license can I use it to drive for uber and if yes what class ?
Hi Michael,
Uber currently doesn’t have the Suburu car make listed under their approved list of eligible vehicles, but it may be worth contacting them to see what your options are if you wish to go ahead with this purchase.
Hope this helps!
Can I drive Uber with Indian driving license?
Hi Damu,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
If you’re driving Uber in Australia, NO. You must have held a full Australian driver’s licence for least 12 months.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I am holding an Indian License and also taken an international driving permit from India. Can I do ubereats on a scooter?
Hi Pulkit,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
I’m afraid that you may not drive for UberEats since their required driving licence is issued from Australia. You’ll need to hold a valid open Australian driver’s licence for the vehicle type you want to deliver with. The licence must clearly show:
-Your photo
-Your name
-Your address
-The licence expiry date
-The class as open (provisional licences are accepted if delivering only by scooter or motorbike)
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni