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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 |
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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
Hi,
I would like to put my vehicle on rental, it’s a 2018 Honda Civic, meeting all the above vehicle requirements. Whom I need to contact and how I need to process further.
Please help me.
Thanks
Hi Rama,
You’ll need to contact Uber directly. Phone support is available for Uber driver-partners in Australia, from 7 am to 1:59 am Australian Eastern Time, 7 days a week, by calling 1300 091 272.
Hope this helps.
Hi, I have only been nsw for a couple of weeks and I was looking at doing uber.
I have a nsw during licence and also had a uk driving licence for over 30 year does this count for state or territory?
Thanks clare.
Hi Clare,
Thanks for your comment and I hope you are well.
As far as driver’s licence goes, to be able to drive Uber in NSW, you need to have:
– a full NSW driver’s licence: No Provisional (P) or Learners (L) licences are permitted.
– hold a full driver’s licence in any state or territory for at least 12 months.
Hope this helps and feel free to reach out to us again for further assistance.
Best,
Nikki
Hello,
Uber’s website states licence expiry must be 5 yrs or less – no 10 year licences are permitted. If a driver already has 10 year NSW license, is it possible to have changed to 5 year only? It’s a strange rule by Uber though, please comment if it’s still a requirement to have a license with less than 10 year expiry.
Thanks!
Hi Mansoor,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
I am not seeing any info on having a driving licence with an expiry of less than 5 years. The driver requirement is to hold a full NSW driver’s licence and you must have held a full driver’s licence in any state or territory for at least 12 months. You may contact Uber directly if you need further assistance on becoming an Uber driver.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
hi
I’ve held my license over 20 years, however, I had a speeding ticket almost 2 years ago and it was the only offence in 5 years, am i still qualify to drive Uber?
Hi Con,
Thanks for reaching out! As it says on our page – 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
If all these are met, you can qualify for an Uber driver – however, note that a background check happens – so it will be up to Uber if you’ll qualify.
Hope this helps!
Best,
Nikki
I have a 2016 Subaru XV and was wondering if I could become an Uber driver
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for reaching out to finder! As you can see on the information above, the requirements of Uber can be found on the part of the page that says “Minimum vehicle requirements for each Uber type.” Following that is a table that shows the type of Uber class you want to classify your car with when you register for Uber. Within the table, choose the uber type you want to register for and on the far right side that says ELIGIBLE MODELS, click “CHECK HERE.” You’ll be able to see a list that shows the cars accepted in that specific UBER TYPE. Hope this helps!
Best,
Nikki