Driving With Uber Eats In Australia: A Beginner's Guide

how do I drive uber eats australia

If you're looking to become an Uber Eats driver in Australia, there are a few things you need to know. Uber Eats is a food delivery platform that allows users to order food from their favourite restaurants and have it delivered directly to their doorsteps. To become a driver, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license. You'll also need to provide vehicle registration and insurance documents, and an Australian Business Number (ABN). There are also background and right-to-work checks to complete, which can take up to 14 business days to process. Once you've registered and been approved, you can start earning money by delivering food to customers across Australia.

Characteristics Values
Age 18 or older (20 in some states, 21 in New South Wales and Victoria)
Licence Full Australian driver's licence for at least 12 months (exceptions apply in certain states and territories)
Vehicle Car, scooter, motorbike, or bicycle
Right to work Australian citizenship, residency, or visa status that allows work
Background check Required
ABN Required
GST registration Required if annual turnover is $75,000 or more
Equipment Insulated delivery bags (optional but recommended)

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Uber Eats driver requirements

To become an Uber Eats driver in Australia, you must meet several requirements. Firstly, you need to be at least 18 years old, although the minimum age varies across different states, with 20 being the minimum in most places and 21 in New South Wales and Victoria. You must also hold a full driver's licence that has been valid in any Australian state or territory for a minimum of 12 months, although this duration may differ between states. If you have a provisional or probationary licence, you won't be eligible to drive for Uber Eats.

You will also need to provide various documents, including your driver's licence, vehicle registration documents, and vehicle insurance. If you are not an Australian citizen, you will need to provide proof of your residency or visa status, such as a Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) check. Additionally, you must be listed as an insured driver for the vehicle you plan to use, and the vehicle must meet Uber's requirements and pass a vehicle inspection.

It is also important to note that you will need to register for an Australian Business Number (ABN) and, depending on your circumstances, register for GST. Finally, Uber will perform a background check to ensure you are suitable to meet the requirements for registering an Uber Driver app account. This process can take up to 14 business days to complete.

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Background and right-to-work checks

To become an Uber Eats driver in Australia, you must undergo a rigorous background check. This includes a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) to ensure the safety of all users. The NCCHC is a nationally coordinated scheme that checks an applicant's criminal history in Australia and is a standard requirement for many jobs in Australia, especially those that work with the public and children.

The NCCHC can be conducted by an accredited agency such as CrimCheck, the only not-for-profit criminal check organisation in Australia, or the Australian National Character Check (ANCC). The ANCC provides NCCHCs to current or prospective Uber or Uber Eats drivers in Australia, with 70% of checks returned within 24 hours. However, approximately 30% of checks may take longer than 10 business days if they are referred to the police.

In addition to the criminal history check, Uber Eats will also verify your age and driving history. You will need to provide your Social Security number, driver's license, vehicle details, and proof of auto insurance. Your driver's license must be valid and current, and you must have at least one year of driving experience, or three years if you are under 25.

To ensure your right to work in Australia, you will also need to provide proof of residency or visa status. This can include an Australian Birth Certificate, Australian Passport, or Australian Citizenship Certificate.

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Vehicle requirements

To drive for Uber Eats in Australia, you must be 18 or older and have a driver's license, access to a vehicle, and a clean criminal record. You will need to meet all Uber Eats driver requirements and register to start earning money.

Uber Eats offers flexibility in the mode of transportation used for deliveries. You can use a car, motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle to deliver food orders. However, each city has its own specific vehicle requirements, and your vehicle must meet Uber's standards and pass a vehicle inspection. Here are the general vehicle requirements for Uber Eats in Australia:

  • Your vehicle must be in good working condition and well-maintained, without any significant cosmetic damage.
  • For car deliveries, your vehicle must be a 1990 model or newer. This requirement is expected to change in 2024, with newer models being mandated.
  • The vehicle must be covered by compulsory third-party (CTP) insurance and have at least third-party property damage insurance.
  • You must be listed as an insured driver for the vehicle. If you are not the main policyholder, you still need to be listed on the car's property damage insurance policy.
  • For bicycle deliveries, you must take a bicycle safety test. Your bicycle should be in good working condition, with functional brakes, properly inflated tires, and lights/reflectors for night-time deliveries.
  • Your vehicle should also display the necessary Uber Eats branding or stickers during deliveries.

Please note that you may incur costs for the vehicle inspection and any equipment you decide to purchase, such as insulated delivery bags. Additionally, if you are a foreigner, you may need to get a certified translation for your driver's license.

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Costs and earnings

There are some costs you should be aware of when starting as an Uber Eats driver in Australia. While getting started with Uber Eats is generally free, you may need to pay for a vehicle inspection and any equipment you decide to purchase, such as insulated delivery bags. If you are a foreigner, you may also need to pay for a certified translation of your driver's licence.

You will need to have access to an eligible vehicle, such as a car, scooter, motorbike, or bicycle, to deliver with Uber Eats. If you don't have access to a vehicle that meets Uber's requirements, you can rent one from one of their rental partners.

Earnings as an Uber Eats driver in Australia can vary based on demand, location, and hours worked. Peak times like lunch (11 am-2 pm) and dinner (5 pm-9 pm) are usually more lucrative, as are weekends and public holidays.

It's important to note that as an independent contractor, you will need to register for an Australian Business Number (ABN) and, depending on your turnover, you may also need to register for Goods and Services Tax (GST). If your annual turnover from all your ABN activities is $75,000 or more, you are legally required to register for GST. If you don't register, you may face fines or legal action.

If you are already an Uber driver, you can increase your earnings by delivering with Uber Eats during peak hours. Uber Pro offers points for every trip, giving you access to discounts on fuel, area preferences, cash rewards, and priority support.

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Pros and cons

Pros

  • Flexible hours: Uber Eats drivers can set their own schedules and work at their own pace, allowing for a better work-life balance.
  • Being your own boss: You can enjoy the freedom and autonomy of being self-employed, making your own decisions, and having control over your work.
  • Earning potential during peak times: You can take advantage of higher demand during peak hours, such as lunch and dinner, weekends, and public holidays, to increase your earnings.
  • Easy to get started: Signing up as an Uber Eats driver is generally free and straightforward, with similar but more relaxed requirements compared to Uber driving.
  • No car ownership required: Uber Eats offers delivery options beyond cars, including scooters, motorcycles, and bicycles, so you can sign up even if you don't own a car.

Cons

  • Vehicle wear and tear: Using your vehicle for deliveries can lead to increased maintenance costs and faster depreciation.
  • Inconsistent earnings: Your income may vary due to factors such as demand, location, and hours worked, making it challenging to predict your earnings consistently.
  • Adverse weather conditions: Working as a delivery driver means you may have to brave unfavourable weather conditions, which can be uncomfortable and impact your earnings if you choose to stay off the road.
  • Additional costs: While not mandatory, investing in equipment like insulated delivery bags can improve customer satisfaction and enhance your reviews.
  • Background checks and right-to-work verification: These processes can take up to 14 business days to complete, delaying your ability to start earning money with Uber Eats.

Frequently asked questions

You must be at least 18 years old (20 in some states and 21 in New South Wales and Victoria) and have a full driver's license for at least 12 months. You also need to have access to an eligible vehicle, such as a car, scooter, motorbike, or bicycle.

You will need to provide a range of personal and vehicle documents to establish that you can legally work and drive in Australia. This includes a driver's license, vehicle registration documents, vehicle insurance, and an Australian Business Number (ABN). If you are not an Australian citizen, you will need to provide a Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) check.

First, download the Uber Driver app and create an account. Then, select the city you want to deliver in, the type of delivery, and the vehicle you will be using. After reading and accepting the terms and conditions, provide your legal consent related to your right to work, medical insurance, and driver's license validity. Finally, upload all the required documents.

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