How to Become an Uber Driver in Melbourne: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Step-by-Step: How to Become an Uber Driver in Melbourne

Thinking about driving for Uber in Melbourne? Whether you want a flexible side hustle or a full-time income, rideshare driving is one of the most accessible ways to earn money on your own schedule. But before you can accept your first trip, there are several requirements you need to meet — from licences and accreditation to vehicle standards and tax registration.

This guide walks you through every step of the process so you can get on the road as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Step 1: Check Your Personal Eligibility

Before anything else, make sure you meet Uber's basic driver eligibility requirements for Melbourne (Victoria):

• Licence: Australian full licence required
• Right to work: You must have the right to work in Australia. If you don't hold an Australian passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate, Uber will conduct a VEVO check using your immigration card, international passport, or refugee passport

Step 2: Apply for Driver Accreditation (CPVV)

In Victoria, all rideshare drivers must hold a valid Driver Accreditation (DA) issued by Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria (CPVV). Both "hire car" and "taxi" accreditation types are accepted on the Uber platform.

How to Apply

• Apply online through the CPVV website
• The application fee is approximately $74.40
• Processing typically takes up to 3 weeks

Medical Self-Assessment

As part of the application, you'll complete a medical self-assessment of 10 questions. Depending on your answers, you may need to visit your GP for a full medical check. If required, complete the Medical Self-Declaration Form and Driver Health Questionnaire before your appointment.

Step 3: Complete Driver Safety Education

Before you can go online with the Uber Driver app, Victorian law requires you to complete a driver safety education course. This is provided by a third-party platform (EduMe) and covers:

• Avoiding discrimination and sexual harassment
• Assisting passengers with disabilities
• Vehicle maintenance and inspection basics
• General road safety

The course is completed online and is straightforward — it's a legal requirement, not a test you can fail.

Step 4: Register for an ABN and GST

As a rideshare driver in Australia, you're considered a sole trader and must have:

• ABN (Australian Business Number): Required to drive for Uber. You can apply for free through the ATO website
• GST registration: Mandatory for all rideshare drivers, regardless of income. You must register from your very first trip

Step 5: Ensure Your Vehicle Meets Uber's Requirements

Your vehicle is the most important part of your Uber setup. All cars used for Uber in Melbourne must meet these requirements:

General Vehicle Requirements

• ANCAP 5-Star safety rated
• In excellent working condition with no cosmetic damage
• No more than 8 seats (including the driver)
• Registered in Victoria
• Covered by CTP insurance and at least third-party property damage insurance
• Free from commercial branding
• Not an ex-taxi, ex-driving school, government, or rebuilt vehicle

Requirements by Uber Service Type

Service	Max Age	Passengers	Additional Requirements
UberX	15 years	4–7	4-door, ANCAP 5-star, working A/C & windows
UberXL	15 years	6–7	SUV or large passenger vehicle
Uber Comfort	7 years	4	500+ trips, 4.85+ rating, eligible model list
Uber Green	—	—	Fully electric vehicles only (from Nov 2024)

Don't have a car that qualifies? Rent an Uber-ready hybrid from Baraka — all our vehicles are ANCAP 5-star rated, registered as commercial passenger vehicles, and ready to drive from day one. Rentals start from $240/week with everything included.

Step 6: Get a Vehicle Inspection

Your car must pass a vehicle inspection before you can start driving. In Victoria, inspections are conducted through:

• RedBook Inspect — CPVV-approved inspections at Tullamarine, Port Melbourne, and Dandenong locations
• Licensed Vehicle Testers — Any VicRoads-approved tester can issue a Roadworthy Certificate

Vehicle inspections are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. You can view your inspection report in the Uber Driver app under Account → Waybill → Vehicle Inspection Report.

Step 7: Register Your Vehicle as a Commercial Passenger Vehicle

Once you have your Driver Accreditation and vehicle inspection, register your car as a commercial passenger vehicle (CPV) with CPVV:

• Apply through the CPVV vehicle registration portal
• You'll need your vehicle details, Victorian driver accreditation number, licence, and passport
• The application fee is approximately $55.10

If you rent from a vehicle solutions provider like Baraka, the CPV registration is handled for you.

Step 8: Get the Right Insurance

Insurance is critical — and commonly misunderstood. Here's what you need:

What Uber's Insurance Does and Doesn't Cover

Uber provides a contingent insurance policy, but it only acts as a backup. You must have your own policy first. Uber's policy covers injury or property damage to others — it does not cover you or your car.

Your Insurance Requirements

• Either comprehensive or third-party property insurance
• You must be the policyholder or listed as an authorised driver
• The car's registration number must be visible on the policy
• The policy must cover rideshare driving (standard personal policies usually don't)

Need hassle-free coverage? Baraka includes comprehensive rideshare insurance with every rental — no extra paperwork or hidden costs.

Step 9: Display Vehicle Identification

All drivers must display vehicle identification stickers whenever online and completing trips. Uber provides a removable sticker to be placed on the passenger side of your front windscreen. You can order these through the Uber sticker portal.

Step 10: Gather Your Documents and Complete Sign-Up

With all the above steps completed, gather these documents to finalise your Uber application:

• Australian full licence
• Australian passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate (or immigration documents for VEVO check)
• Proof of car insurance
• Driver profile photo (forward-facing, centred, well-lit, solo)
• Driver Accreditation certificate
• Vehicle inspection report
• CPV registration confirmation
• ABN and GST registration details

Submit everything through the Uber sign-up portal and wait for approval. Once activated, download the Uber Driver app and you're ready to accept trips.

Bonus: Tax and Financial Tips for New Uber Drivers

Starting as an Uber driver comes with tax obligations that many new drivers overlook. Here are the essentials:

Keep a Logbook from Day One

To claim tax deductions on fuel, insurance, and other car expenses, the ATO requires a 12-week compliant logbook. Start yours from your very first trip — you can't backdate it.

Understand the Victorian CPV Levy

The Victorian Government charges a $1.20 levy per trip ($1.32 including GST). This is added to the rider's fare automatically, so your net earnings aren't impacted. However, you do need to account for the GST component when lodging your BAS.

Set Aside Money for Tax

As a sole trader, tax isn't deducted from your earnings automatically. A good rule of thumb is to set aside 25–30% of your net earnings for income tax and GST. For a detailed breakdown of all Uber driver expenses, read our complete cost breakdown guide.

How Much Does It Cost to Start Driving Uber in Melbourne?

Item	Approximate Cost
Driver Accreditation (CPVV)	$74.40
CPV Vehicle Registration	$55.10
Vehicle Inspection (RedBook)	$50–$100
Medical Assessment (if required)	$50–$150
Phone Holder & Accessories	$30–$80
ABN & GST Registration	Free
Uber Sign-Up Fee	Free
Total (approx.)	$260–$460

If you don't already own an eligible car, renting from a specialist like Baraka eliminates the inspection, CPV registration, and insurance steps — saving you time and money. Our weekly rentals start from $240/week all-inclusive.

Where to Drive for Uber in Melbourne

Once you're approved, choosing the right areas to drive makes a huge difference to your earnings. High-demand zones include:

• Melbourne CBD: Consistent demand throughout the day — see our CBD guide
• Melbourne Airport: Premium fares, especially early morning and late night — read our airport strategy guide
• Western Suburbs: Growing demand in Tarneit, Werribee, Point Cook, and Hoppers Crossing

For a complete breakdown of peak times and hotspots, check our peak times schedule guide.

Don't Have a Car? Rent One from Baraka

Many new drivers are stopped from starting because they don't own a car that meets Uber's requirements. That's where Baraka Car Rentals comes in:

• Uber-ready vehicles: All cars are ANCAP 5-star rated, CPV registered, and inspection-complete
• Toyota hybrid fleet: Corolla, Camry, RAV4, and Kluger hybrids — the most fuel-efficient options for rideshare
• All-inclusive pricing: Insurance, maintenance, unlimited kilometres, and roadside assistance from $240/week
• No lock-in contracts: Flexible weekly rentals so you can try Uber risk-free
• Local support: Based in Tarneit, servicing all of Melbourne's western suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become an Uber driver in Melbourne?

The entire process typically takes 3–5 weeks, with the Driver Accreditation application being the longest step (up to 3 weeks). If you rent a pre-approved vehicle from Baraka, you can shave off significant time by skipping the inspection and CPV registration steps.

Can I drive Uber on a probationary licence in Victoria?

No. You must hold a Australian full licence. Learner and probationary licence holders are not eligible to drive for Uber or any rideshare platform in Victoria.

Do I need a special licence to drive Uber in Melbourne?

You need a CPVV Driver Accreditation in addition to your Australian full licence. This is specific to commercial passenger vehicle driving in Victoria and costs approximately $74.40.

Can international students drive Uber in Melbourne?

Yes, provided your visa allows you to work in Australia and you hold an Australian full licence. You'll need to convert your licence to a Victorian licence through VicRoads.

What happens if my car fails the Uber inspection?

You'll receive a report listing the issues. Fix them and rebook the inspection. Common failure reasons include worn tyres, cracked windscreens, or cosmetic damage. Renting from Baraka avoids this entirely — our vehicles are always inspection-ready.

Do I need rideshare-specific insurance?

Yes. Standard personal car insurance typically excludes commercial rideshare use. You need either a rideshare-specific policy or a comprehensive policy that explicitly covers rideshare driving. All Baraka rentals include rideshare insurance.

Contact Baraka Car Rentals

Ready to start your Uber driving journey? Get an Uber-ready car today:

• Phone: 0461 555 511
• WhatsApp: 0461 555 511
• Address: 16 Ishtar Street, Tarneit VIC 3029
• Hours: 8AM–10PM, 7 days
• Book online: Reserve your vehicle now