Uber Driver Requirements in Perth (Western Australia)

Rideshare is nothing new in Perth, this kind of service has been lived in the city since 2014 marked by the arrival of Uber. In addition to the capital city, the ride-hail giant has recently opened new cities in Western Australia, Bunbury and Busselton.

Uber has been operating for more than 3 years without significant competition in Perth, before finally the Indian company Ola launches its ride-hail services in Western Australia.

However, the dominance of Uber still cannot be beaten in the state, especially now when their users can also order food via Uber Eats app which is connected with the main rideshare app.

Where is Uber Available in WA?

Unlike in some other countries such as NSW and QLD where the rideshare giant can be ordered in 10 cities or regions. In the state of Western Australia (WA), Uber ride-hail service is only available in Perth until mid-2018, followed by Bunbury and Busselton afterwards.

Uber is still opening its driver-partner registration due to good user growth in the state. You can register in one of the three cities available and can start driving around WA without the need to make changes to your account. So, when you get an Uber trip from Perth to Bunbury, after arriving at your destination you can still receive a ride request there.

Uber Registration Page

Personal Requirements

Whoever you are, as long as you are at least 21 years old, you have the opportunity to become an Uber driver in Western Australia if you have the following requirements.

1. Driver Licence
   Driver Licence is the main requirement and it is very important for you to be able to hit the road with Uber. It’s supposed to be a Full Western Australian Driver Licence that comes with F or T extension. This extension permits you to drive a vehicle carrying passengers for hire.

   You can apply for the F or T extension by downloading the application form and bringing it to the local Department of Transport licence centre or agent. But before applying for the extension, you must pass a medical assessment and criminal background check. Uber collaborated with JobFit and NCC (National Crime Check) to get it done.

2. Personal Identity
   You are required to provide proof of identity to be able to drive with Uber, it can be an Australian passport, birth certificate or citizenship certificate. If you don’t have one of these documents, you can use an Immicard, International Passport or Refugee Passport. With these documents, Uber will conduct a Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) check in order to look at your work rights in the country.

Vehicle Requirements

All vehicles produced less than 9 years ago can be used for driving with Uber. But there are some regulatory requirements that you must have.

1. Vehicle Insurance Policy
   Your vehicle must be covered with third-party property damage insurance. You also must be listed on the vehicle’s property damage insurance policy, even though you’re not the car owner.
2. 3F MII
   Besides holding at least a third-party property damage insurance, your vehicle also need to be upgraded to the 3F class of Motor Injury Insurance (MII). You can upgrade ith when you apply for PTV OD-C.
3. Vehicle Inspections
   To apply for PTV OD-C your vehicle must pass roadworthiness checks. You will be asked to book an annual vehicle inspection at the Authorized Inspection Station. Uber has collaborated with Redbook Inspect to offer it’s driver-partner fully accredited inspection.
4. PTV OD-C
   If you plan to use vehicles in the on-demand transport industry, you need to apply for a Passenger Transport Vehicle Authorisation with an On-demand Charter category (PTV OD-C). It is a Western Australian regulatory requirement for all rideshare vehicles, whether it’s Uber or other companies.

   Before applying online, make sure your car registration is valid and registration fees are paid, you have held an inspected report and upgraded your MII to 3F class.

5. 5-Star ANCAP Rating
   Starting in October 2019, Uber enforces new policies for new Uber driver registration. Vehicles that will be used in their rideshare platform must have a 5-star ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) rating. The main purpose is to improve the safety of drivers and passengers on the road while increasing public trust in Uber services.

Payment Information and Tax

Uber pay it’s driver-partner in Australia on a weekly basis through a direct deposit to an Australian bank account. To be able to receive it, make sure you have the following information.

1. Bank Account
   Almost all banks in Australia can be used to receive Uber’s direct deposit payment. The information you need to prepare is your BSB code bank and your bank account number. You can fill in information about payment after you are approved as a driver-partner.
2. ABN and GST
   As an independent contractor you still need to have an Australian Business Number (ABN) to introduce your ride booking business to government and community. Once you got your ABN, you can continue with GST (Goods and Services Tax) registration.

Where to Register?

You can start applying to become an Uber driver online even though there are some documents that you don’t have yet. You can register now and continue later after your documents are available.