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Driver and car requirements for all Uber types
There's very different earning potential for each of the Uber car types, and this is directly tied to the vehicle requirements for each. Here, we'll list the basic driver requirements for all Uber types, followed by a breakdown of each tier.
Minimum driver requirements for all Uber types
To become an Uber driver in Sydney, it's a minimum requirement that all applicants must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have access to an Uber-approved vehicle
- Hold a full NSW driver's licence: No Provisional (P) or Learners (L) licences are permitted
- Have held a full driver's licence in any state or territory for at least 12 months
- Hold comprehensive or third party property insurance for the vehicle you'll be driving, and consider specialised rideshare insurance for extra protection. Your name, vehicle make and registration, policy expiration and type of cover must be visible on the document.
- Hold a Private Hire Vehicle Authority issued by the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS). Uber helps all new drivers apply for their Driver Authority Card as part of the sign-up process.
- Complete a free vehicle inspection at a registered Uber inspection site
- Pass a background check
Driver document checklist
Got these documents handy? Apply online to become an Uber driver now.
- A valid, full NSW driver's licence
- Your passport or birth certificate
- Proof of vehicle insurance in NSW
Minimum vehicle requirements for each Uber type
Your vehicle must meet the following requirements to be considered for use with any Uber service. It's important to note that if your vehicle does not pass the minimum specifications for UberX, it will likely not pass for other Uber types.
All cars being driven for Uber in Sydney must:
- Be in excellent working condition with no cosmetic damage
- Have at least 4 doors
- Have no more than 8 seats, including the driver's seat
- Pass a vehicle inspection
- Have current registration and CTP insurance in NSW
- Have working windows and air conditioning
- Feature no commercial branding
| 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 NSW | No former taxis, government-branded or rebuilt vehicles or pre-2009 Ford Falcons | Check here |
| UberSELECT | 10 years old or less (from current year) | 4-door | 4 passengers | Registered and CTP insured in NSW | Minimum 4.6 rating; Completed at least 50 trips; Drive an eligible vehicle | Check here |
| UberXL | 10 years old or less (from current year) | 4-door SUV or passenger van | Up to 6 passengers | Registered and CTP insured in NSW | Additional passenger capacity | Check here |
| UberASSIST | 10 years old or less (from current year) | 4-door, easy access | 4-7 passengers | Registered and CTP insured in NSW | Accommodate folding wheelchairs, walkers, collapsible scooters, and other assistive devices; Complete a free training course with the Australian Network on Disability | Check here |
| UberBLACK | 6 years old or less (from current year) | 4-door luxury | Seat 4 passengers | Commercial vehicle insurance + hire car registration plates | Drive an eligible vehicle | Check here |
| UberLUX | 6 years old or less (from current year) | 4-door luxury | Seat 4 passengers | Commercial vehicle insurance + hire car registration plates | Drive an eligible vehicle | Check here |
| UberSUV | 6 years old or less (from current year) | Luxury SUV or van | Seat 6-7 passengers | Commercial vehicle insurance + hire car registration plates | Drive an eligible vehicle | Check here |
| UberEATS (car) | 1990 model or newer | Any | Any | Registered and CTP insured in NSW | Right to work in Australia and access to Medicare or private health insurance | Any |
UberX popular vehicles
- Ford. Falcon, Focus, Mondeo
- Holden. Captiva, Commodore, Cruze
- Honda. Accord, Civic, CR-V, Jazz
- Hyundai. Accent, Elantra, i30
- Kia. Cerato, Sportage
- Mazda. CX5, Mazda3
- Mitsubishi. Lancer, Outlander
- Nissan. Dualis, Pulsar, X-Trail
- Toyota. Aurion, Camry, Corolla, Kluger, Prius, Rav4, Yaris
- Volkswagen. Golf
UberSELECT eligible vehicles
- Alfa Romeo. 159, Giulietta (2012 or newer)
- Audi. A4, A5, A6, A7, A8 and respective Avant models, Q3, Q5, Q7, Q9, any RS or S Class
- BMW. 3-series and 5-series (includes Gran Turismo), 7-series, Alpina B7, X3, X5, X6, M3, M5
- Chrysler. 300
- Genesis. G80, G90
- Holden. Caprice, Grange, Statesman
- Hummer. H3
- Hyundai. Genesis
- Infiniti. FX, Q50, QX70 (2012 or newer)
- Jaguar. F-PACE, XE, XF, X-Type
- Jeep. Grand Cherokee
- Land Rover. Discovery, Freelander, Range Rover (includes Evoque and Sport)
- Lexus. ES, GS, GX, IS, LS, NX, RX
- Maserati. Quattroporte
- Mercedes-Benz. B-Class, C-Class (includes CL, CLA, CLK, CLS), E-Class (includes Wagon) G-Class (includes GL, GLA, GLC, GLE, GLS), M-Class (includes ML), R-Class, S-Class, V-Class, Viano
- Porsche. Cayenne, Macan, Panamera
- Skoda. Superb (2012 or newer)
- Subaru. Liberty (2015 or newer)
- Tesla. Model S, Model X
- Toyota. Kluger (2013 or newer), Prado (2012 or newer)
- Volkswagen. Passat, Touareg (2012 or newer)
- Volvo. S60, S80, XC60, XC70, XC90 (2012 or newer)
UberXL popular vehicles
- Dodge. Journey
- Fiat. Freemont
- Ford. Territory
- Holden. Captiva
- Honda. Odyssey
- Hyundai. Santa Fe, iMax
- Isuzu. MU-X
- Kia. Carnival, Sorento, Rondo
- Land Rover. Discovery
- LDV. G10
- Mazda. CX-9
- Mitsubishi. Outlander, Pajero
- Nissan. X-Trail, Pathfinder, Dualis, Patrol
- Toyota. Kluger, Prado, Tarago, Land Cruiser, Prius V
- Volkswagen. Multivan
UberASSIST popular vechicles
- Ford. Falcon, Focus, Mondeo
- Holden. Captiva, Commodore, Cruze
- Honda. Accord, Civic, CR-V, HR-V
- Hyundai. Accent, Elantra, i30, ix35, Sante Fe
- Kia. Cerato, Sportage
- Mazda. CX5, Mazda3
- Mitsubishi. Lancer
- Nissan. Dualis, Pulsar, X-Trail
- Toyota. Aurion, Camry, Corolla,Prius
- Volkswagen. Golf, Jetta, Passat
UberBLACK eligible vehicles
- Audi. A6, A8, Q7
- Bentley. All
- BMW. 5 Series, 7 Series, X5
- Cadillac. Escalade
- Chrysler. 300
- Holden. Caprice, Statesman
- Hyundai. Genesis (must be custom-fitted with the Genesis, not Hyundai, badge above the rear number plate)
- Jaguar. XF, XJ
- Land Rover. ES, GS, LS, RX
- Maserati. Ghibli, Quattroporte
- Mercedes-Benz. E-Class, GL-Class, ML-Class, R-Class, S-Class
- Porsche. Cayenne, Panamera
- Rolls Royce. All
- Tesla. Model S, Model X
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)
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
Need help accessing an Uber-approved vehicle? Check out the options available in Sydney.
Rent a car
Need a car quick? Rent a brand new, Uber-ready vehicle from as little as $175 a week with an Uber partner like Splend. This is a low-fee, flexible option to help you get on the road fast.
Rent-to-own
For a slightly higher fee each week, you can rent-to-own your own vehicle after just 4 years. Choose from compact, hybrid, SUV and luxury models.
Get a car loan
There are lots of tailored car finance options available through one of Uber's company partners or directly via a bank, credit union or standalone car lender.
Sydney Uber inspection centres
In Sydney, all drivers need to pass an annual vehicle inspection to drive with Uber.
- Vehicles models from 2012 – 2016 must pass an Uber inspection before becoming an active uberX driver.
- Vehicles models from 2008 – 2011 and 2017 do not need to pass an Uber inspection, as this already happens during the annual registration renewal process.
Uber has partnered with a number of respected third-party vehicle inspection centres, including RedBook Inspect and NRMA MotorServe, to make accessing an approved inspection centre easier than ever.
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How much can I make as an Uber driver in Sydney?
How much you can earn as an Uber driver varies depending on a number of factors, including how many hours you work, which city you're driving in and your regular expenses like fuel and car maintenance.
Our previous calculation of Sydney Uber fares for riders was on the basis of an average 14-minute journey over 4 kilometres. The following table assumes you drive for similar conditions, work 6 hours a day, completing 24 trips per day, for 5 days of the week. We've also put in a 10% reservation from every trip to cover fuel and other costs – actual costs may be higher or lower.
Learn more about how much you could earn as an Uber driver in our comprehensive guide.
| 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 |
Uber driver income calculator
For a more tailored earnings estimate, enter your income and vehicle expenses into the calculator below.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this calculator, the results should be used as an indication only. It doesn't take into account your financial circumstances and is neither a quote or guarantee of your income as an Uber partner driver.
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Where to drive in Sydney
As an Uber driver with NSW-accreditation, you can drive 24/7 anywhere in NSW that Uber operates.
Sydney hotspots
These areas are popular among riders:
- Weekday mornings. Eastern Suburbs, CBD, North Sydney, the Airport
- Weekday evenings. CBD, Inner West, Lower North Shore
- Weekends. Eastern Suburbs, CBD, the Rocks, Inner West
- Events. Olympic Park, Moore Park, CBD
Peak trip times
There are certain times when Sydney Uber drivers are more in-demand, and being available during these busy periods could help you earn more.
- Weekday mornings 5am – 9am
- Weekday evenings 5pm – 8pm
- Friday and Saturday til late
- Sunday daytime
Sydney Airport (SYD) instructions for drivers
Routes to and from the domestic and international airports are popular. Make sure you read our comprehensive guide on picking up and dropping off Uber passengers at Sydney Airport.
Why take out rideshare insurance?
It just makes sense, really.
Want to keep your hard earned cash in your pocket? There are two main reasons why you should be considering rideshare insurance:
- Your regular car insurance policy won't cover you for ridesharing.
- If an insurer does decide to cover you for Uber driving, you'll only be protected if you work part-time. Essentially, you'll struggle to put food on the table.
But rideshare insurance fixes these problems.
Several insurers now offer a rideshare extension on their car insurance policies. Take out this cover and you'll still be covered if you drive your car as part of a ridesharing service. All that dosh will stay in your pocket.
Some insurers only offer a rideshare extension with their comprehensive car insurance policy, but others also offer it on third party fire and theft and third party property damage policies.
Want to learn more about getting protected?
Why should I speak to a broker about rideshare insurance?
- 100% free consultation with an expert, with no obligation to sign up
- Your regular car insurance policy won't cover you for ridesharing
- Many policies won't cover you if you work more than 20 hours. This means you can't work full time!
- Rideshare insurance gives you your choice of repairer and handle the claims process on your behalf
Download the Uber app
If you're already an Uber driver, then you probably know most of what's on this page and are just after a link to the app. Well, never fear:
Ask an Expert
Hello Uber,
For the driver requirement “must hold at least 1 yr full license”, does overseas license count? I only got my NSW full license this year 2018, but I have had 10 yrs driver license in the Philippine.
Thanks!
Hi Rupert,
Thanks for your message and for visiting finder – the leading comparison website & general information service built to give you advice in your buying decision needs. How are you doing today?
Please note that we’re a product comparison website and we do not represent any company we feature on our site. We provide general information on products to assist you in your buying decision process hence we cannot recommend product / service that is rightfully fit for you.
To answer your question, your overseas licence can be considered in the “1 year full license” requirement of Uber.
Hope this was helpful. Don’t hesitate to message us again if you have more questions.
Cheers,
Nikki
Hi,
I had a drink driving conviction in excess of 10 years ago. Am I eligible to drive for Uber ?Look forward to hearing from you.
Hi Paul,
Thanks for your inquiry
Uber checks your background for any DUIs that you had seven years prior to your application. If the DUI you had was 10 years ago, then this will not show up on their background check.
Hope this information helps
Cheers,
Arnold
What happened with the transit law?
About of use phone while we are driving?
Hi George,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
Drivers can only use a mobile phone while driving if it is secured in a commercially manufactured and designed mounting that is fixed to the vehicle and doesn’t obscure their view of the road. A ring alert flashes on screen of the mobile phone. The driver wears an earpiece and answers the phone via bluetooth, while keeping both hands on the steering wheel. Or, if a driver can operate it without touching any part of the phone, for example, by using bluetooth or voice activation.
Uber cars are required to have this kind of set up to assure their road safety. To know more about this, please check out this link.
I hope this helps.
Have a great day!
Cheers,
Jeni
Do you have to have an Australian Business Number and registered for GST ?
Hi Zowik,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Ride-sourcing services, through companies such as Uber, are providing ‘taxi travel’ under the GST law. The existing tax law applies and drivers are required to register for GST regardless of their turnover. Affected drivers must register for an Australian Business Number (ABN), GST, charge GST on the full fare, lodge activity statements and report the income in their tax returns.
Current drivers that don’t have an ABN and are not registered for GST can easily apply online at Australian Business Register.
You can read more information on the sharing economy and tax requirements for ride-sourcing, visit ATO website for ridesharing economy.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
I have NSW full driving license which is 5 months old. Am I eligible to be a uber driver?
Hi Rakesh,
Thanks for your question. As listed above, you need to have held have held a non-restricted licence (no P-platers) for at least 12 months plus meeting the other requirements in order to become an Uber driver. You might also find our definitive Uber guide on this page helpful.
Cheers,
Liezl
Hi, I am looking to utilise my commute to/from work for Uber driving (Northern Beaches to Sydney Airport). Is this possible to take just the two fares per day?
Hi Simon,
Thank you for reaching out to us. Please note that we are not affiliated with Uber or any company we feature on our site and so we can only offer you general advice.
Yes, it is upto you on how many rides that you will do per day. You can simply turn off and on your Uber driver app anytime.
You may contact Uber directly for further inquiries.
Kind regards,
Rench
Hi.. i am driving in nsw for 2 years with my overseas license. And i have a 2010 model car. Will i be eligible for driving uber? Please let me know. Thanks
Hi Ted,
Thanks for your question.
Kindly note that one of the eligibility criteria to apply as an UBER driver in NSW is for you to have a full NSW driver’s licence, not overseas license. Your car may qualify as there are UBER types that allow for models that are 10 years old or less.
Cheers,
Anndy
During the trip, who pays the road toll charges? Will it be added to the customer’s bill? Also, does the GST included in the Customer’s bill?
Hi Unix,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Yes, the road toll charges and GST are all added to the customer’s bill once they have booked an Uber driver.
Cheers,
Rench
Hi I have a 2011 model Mercedes Benz C220. I have a DUI charge from 1986 will this stop me from being an uber driver?
Steve
Hi Steve,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Uber, provides opportunities for everyone. Uber, will put you through interviews and will require you to pass the application process and pass the car evaluation. If you pass these tests then you will qualify as an Uber driver regardless of your previous records. Visit the nearest Uber HUB in your place to apply.
Hope this information helped.
Cheers,
Arnold
I have 2 cars, a Nissan X TRIAL 2002 AND a Mazda 3A04A 2006. They both get serviced regularly with the Nissan having a reconditioned engine and are both in great condition and comprehensively insured. No damage to either vehicle. Can I use these as a uber driver?
Hi David,
Thanks for your inquiry. Please note that we are not affiliated with Uber or any company we feature on our site and so we can only offer you general advice.
Unfortunately, the cars that you would like to use to drive an Uber should be 10 years old or less (from current year) or 6 years old or less for UberBLACK, UberLUX and UberSUV.
– Vehicles models from 2012 – 2016 must pass an Uber inspection before becoming an active uberX driver.
– Vehicles models from 2008 – 2011 and 2017 do not need to pass an Uber inspection, as this already happens during the annual registration renewal process.
Please contact Uber directly for further inquiries.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Rench