Sydney and Uber: Let’s Get Started

So you’ve just moved to Sydney and you want to become an Uber driver-partner, or maybe you’re a Sydney native and are looking to supplement your income stream with Uber. The good news is that Sydney is arguably the busiest city for Uber drivers to work in.

But before you jump in and turn on the ignition, there are a number of steps to take before you sink your teeth into the major metropolis that is Sydney.

Get licensed in NSW

Are you over twenty-one years of age? Good. Have you been driving for at least 12 months? Even better.

Do you have a NSW driver’s license? Ah.

If you’ve moved to Sydney from another state (or another country), chances are you’ve been getting by on your current driver’s licence. Unfortunately, this won’t cut it if you want to become an Uber driver-partner in Sydney.

You’ll need to update your existing licence to a New South Wales driver’s license.

Here’s what you have to do:

• Find a Service Centre. This locator will point you to the nearest one. 
• Fill out this application.
• Head to your nearest service centre, and bring these things with you:
  • Current interstate or overseas license
  • Some identification
  • Your completed application.

Get Insured

Before you can work as an Uber driver-partner in Sydney, you will need to be insured. Sydney Uber drivers are required at minimum to take out both Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance and Third-party Property (TPP) damage insurance.

This is for your protection and the protection of passengers and other drivers. But it’s highly recommended to take out an insurance policy that is custom-suited to the requirements of drivers who take fares.

Fortunately, all of Keyz’ Uber rental vehicles are covered by comprehensive insurance policies designed for Sydney’s Uber driver-partners.

Get authorised as a Sydney Uber driver-partner

In addition to being licensed to drive in New South Wales and insured for Sydney’s particular driving and rideshare environment, you also need to be authorised by the state government to take fares.

This means you will need to apply for a Passenger Transport License Code (PTLC), (formerly known as a Private Hire Vehicle Driver Authority), from the NSW Roads and Maritime Service (RMS).

There are two ways to do this:

1. From the source. Head to this state government web page and take careful note of all requirements.

1. 1. Fill out and submit this application.
2. Or you can let Uber assist you with the process. This web page includes all of the steps you will need to take.

Secure an Uber-ready car

But of course, you are going to need a car, and not just any car—a car that satisfies the prerequisites to make it Uber-ready.

Uber-eligible cars need to come from a specific list of make and model types, they need to be unblemished, be able to seat between four and six passengers, they need to be insured, and they need to have passed inspection at a Sydney Uber inspection centre.

The quickest and simplest way of attaining an Uber-ready car is to rent from a company that specifically deals in Uber car rentals.

Keyz provides new and existing Uber drivers with the means to rent a car for Uber in Sydney. 

Additionally, it supplies vehicle types to suit the various service types on offer from Uber in Sydney. Uber X drivers can choose from a variety of four-door hatchbacks, UberPool and UberXL drivers can choose from a range of people-movers, and UberPremium drivers can choose from a selection of luxury vehicles.

Renting a car from Keyz for Uber in Sydney also means it is insured and has been officially inspected by Uber.

Be toll-ready

In the course of your future Uber driving adventures, one of your passengers will give you a destination that requires the Sydney Harbour Bridge or the Harbour Tunnel.

Sooner or later, this will happen. To make sure you’re prepared, (and to avoid a fine), it’s highly recommended that you open a Linkt account. Linkt provides E-tag, tagless, and Sydney Pass options.

Get started

That’s the ‘admin’ out of the way. You’re licensed, insured, authorised, tagged, and you’ve rented your car for Uber Sydney driving.

Now you need to start researching. Sydney might be the busiest town for Uber driver-partners, but with that comes competition. Here are a couple of things to consider:

• Do some research into the busy periods in your immediate surrounding suburbs. Does your local area fluctuate between surge periods and quiet periods? Or is it nice and consistent through the week?
• Do some planning around the large-scale events coming up in Sydney. They happen at a steady clip, and can be a great ride source.

Need more info? Get in contact and get driving!