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

Last updated: April 2026 — This guide has been reviewed and updated with current platform data.

Your Complete Roadmap to Rideshare Success in Melbourne

Ready to start earning with 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 on your own schedule. Before you can accept your first trip, though, there are several requirements to meet — from your licence and accreditation to vehicle standards, insurance and tax registration. This guide walks you through every step in order.

Quick Start Checklist

• ✅ Australian full licence required
• ✅ Right to work in Australia
• ✅ CPVV Driver Accreditation (approx. $74.40)
• ✅ Driver safety education course completed
• ✅ ABN plus GST registration from your first trip
• ✅ Vehicle meeting Uber's requirements (ANCAP 5-star)
• ✅ Vehicle inspection and CPV registration
• ✅ Insurance that covers rideshare driving
• ✅ Typical time: 3–5 weeks end to end

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
• Driving record: A clean record, with background and police checks passed
• 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. Apply free through the ATO website or at abr.business.gov.au — most sole-trader applications take about 15 minutes and issue an ABN immediately
• 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
• 4 doors, with working air conditioning and windows
• 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 comprehensive rideshare insurance 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.

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, complete your profile and add your bank details — then you're ready to accept trips.

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.

Tax and Financial Tips for New Uber Drivers

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.

Your First Week on the Road

Start with off-peak hours while you learn the app and the city, aim for 30–50 trips, and protect your rating (4.80+ is a comfortable target). Many new drivers earn around $400–$600 in their first week part-time. Once you're comfortable, optimise your schedule using our peak times guide.

Where to Drive for Uber in Melbourne

• 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

Common Mistakes New Drivers Make

• Leaving the CPVV accreditation application until last — it's the longest step
• Assuming a personal comprehensive policy covers rideshare driving
• Skipping GST registration because earnings are low (it's required from trip one)
• Starting a logbook weeks after the first trip
• Buying a car before confirming it meets Uber's age, seating and ANCAP rules

Don't Have a Car? Rent One from Baraka

If you meet the Uber driver requirements but need an eligible vehicle, view Baraka's Uber car hire options in Melbourne:

• Uber-ready vehicles: 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: Collection at 16 Ishtar Street, Tarneit, serving all of Melbourne

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 an 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.

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.

Getting Started

Contact Baraka Car Rentals at 16 Ishtar Street, Tarneit. Phone: 0461 555 511. Same-day approval available. Or reserve your vehicle online.