Unrelated to Uber

So I have been volunteering at the shelter for children for the past 6 months or so just playing with kids and there was this one kid that started off being really violent to everyone. Yet within the 6 months that I spent with him, albeit it being only once a month, there started to be a transformation. His smile was wider, he was gentler and now he gets along with all the other children. Sometimes kids just need that attention and love and today, his foster mom just came up to be and gave me a hug and said "Thank you for being you."

While at the shelter, I also payed with this other little girl who was about maybe 4 or 5 years old. She started being really shy to everyone but soon she started asking me to push her on the swing and from there, every where she went she would grab on to my hands and pull me along. When her mother came to pick her up, her mother was really surprised and later told me that her daughter usually does not interact with any other male figures. She did not say why but I was the first male figure that she's seen her daughter be willing to warm up to and she said "You must be really special."

Sometimes it really doesn't take much to make someones day. Giving some of your time and giving some of your love doesn't cost anything. And I am grateful for their compliments as well.

Uber Driver's Nightmare

1 month into driving and I get every Uber Driver's Nightmare...... the rider puking all over your car. What luck.... I still completed the journey however with the car smelling like the dinner he just had before entering my car. After dropping them off, I basically had to lodge the report.

Uber provides a cleaning fee which is charged to the rider in the event that the rider creates a mess in the car. This is deducted from the rider's account.

What you need to do is to go to the Help function in the app, select trip review and then select request for cleaning fee. Uber will require you to submit photos of the mess which I will spare you readers of the details and a cleaning fee receipt if you have one.

I did not at that time, but I was more eager for the request for compensation to be lodged than to get my car cleaned just in case I don't get the money. The problem with this system is if the rider disputes the cleaning claim, Uber then does not pay you anything. So you're really at the mercy of the rider being a honest person.

Fortunately my rider accepted the responsibility and the next day $150.00 was credited into my account. Not alot of money considering that an interior detailing in Perth costs about $199.00. But at least there is the compensation and it was then up to me to bargain with the car detailing services on their pricing.

Driving Celebrities

Was just reading about this Uber driver in Hollywood who often picks up big celebrities along his way while driving his Uber Black. Thought to myself, nah, no chance in Perth. But guess what, while I didn't get to pick up any Hollywood celebrities, I managed to be the driver for a local footy sports broadcaster Basil Zempilas today! I must admit thought that this is the second footy person that I've driven within the week and I know nothing about footy....The first person was a footy journalist. Maybe it's time to learn something about the game.

ATO Obligations of an Uber Driver

Another regulatory/legal obligation that many Uber drivers fail to adhere to is the tax and GST obligations to the Australia Taxation Office ("ATO"). This is another area that the Uber company does not offer much assistance with.

Under the ATO, it does not matter whether you are a taxi driver or an Uber driver. As long as you are involved in the ride-sourcing business and use your car to transport passengers for a payment, you are considered to be providing taxi travel under GST law and will need to apply for an ABN, register for GST and charged GST on each ride-sourcing trip provided. You will also need to declare your income on your income tax return.

You are also required to lodged Business Activity Statements on a quarterly basis and not an annual basis if you are in the ride-sourcing business.

Although Uber is currently challenging this regulatory requirement, until the law is changed, it is still are requirement and remember, ignorance is no defence.

And unfortunately, the ATO does not charge its GST on the amount that you receive, but instead on the amount that Uber charges the passenger before Uber takes their fees out. So say for example if Uber charges $50.00 to the passenger and takes a fee of $12.50. You are only getting paid $37.50 from the ride and from that amount, you will need to pay thee 10% GST of $5. Your net earnings then will really only be $32.50.

And from that net earning, you still need to deduct expenses and income tax.

Makes you really wonder whether it is all that worthwhile driving Uber.

But in my mind set, having money in the pocket and being in the position to pay taxes is always better than not having the money and being drowned in debts.

For more detailed information regarding your tax obligations, please discuss the matter with your tax agent or accountant. More information can also be found from the ATO website: https://www.ato.gov.au/


If you're interested in signing up as an Uber driver, here's the link:
Sign Up as an Uber Driver

Uber Driver Ratings

What first sounds like an awesome idea where riders and drivers mutually rate each other to ensure an enjoyable experience to everyone slowly becomes the Uber driver's nightmare.

I remember starting off as a 5 star Uber driver (everyone starts with a 5) and then started seeing my ratings fall despite trying to do everything right and knowing that if your ratings fall to 4.6, Uber starts reviewing your account and you may get a notification before they finally decide to deactivate your account.

The problem is that alot of passengers don't understand the Uber rating system. A good ride to them may seem to be a 3 - 4 star which in ordinary terms would mean above average. But in Uber driver's language, anything under a 5 is a fail.

Unfortunately, Uber's system is more skewed towards the riders as they are paying the money. So unless you're around the 4.5 - 4.6 range I'd say not to worry. It's impossible to please everybody. But there are steps to improve your rating. You really got to give the passenger the impression that you are more than just a pick up and drop off service, but a service that goes beyond that and since taking those steps, my chances of getting a 5 star has vastly improved.

Here are some of the changes I made:
- Greeting the passengers with a friendly "Hello" "Good Morning" Etc;
- Offering them mints;
- Offering them water;
- Asking if the air conditioning is alright or if they want it adjusted;
- Checking if they want music;
- Checking if they have any preferred route or if they prefer to just follow the navigation provided.

And I think one of the most important one is ensuring the cleanliness of the car both external and internal and ensuring that there is no odour before picking up the next client. It can be a pain but a dirty car is a sure way of getting less than 5.

I have also heard of drivers walking out to open doors for their riders, but I find that slightly impractical. But if you do, I'm sure it will improve your chances of getting the 5 star rating.

The Uber driver - Every taxi driver's nightmare

Was dropping off a passenger at the Perth Airport today when a taxi driver pulled up beside me and said, "you're an Uber driver aren't you?" And when I replied yes, he muttered something under his breath shook his head and gave me a death starte before driving away.....

Sure, Uber has presented competition to the entire taxi industry but taxi drivers have perks which Uber drivers don't such as being able to wait in the taxi lane. Rather than sulking about the introduction of competition and picking on Uber drivers, perhaps they should embrace the innovation in technology and implement some new programs into the taxi system to give themselves an advantage.

Besides, it has already been 5 years since Uber was first introduced to the world. It is about keeping up with the times and if anything, taxi drivers are always welcome to switch and become Uber drivers if they really think Uber is snatching all their jobs away.

If you're interested in signing up as an Uber driver, here's the link:
Sign Up as an Uber Driver

Saving a life as an uber driver

Picked up a passenger today and along the way, she commented on how comforting it was to hear someone who has the accent from her hometown. Then after that she started tearing and telling me that she had just overdosed on drugs from trying to take her life and needed to go to the hospital as she doesn't want to die. I rushed to the hospital hearing that. As I helped her out of the car, she asked for a hug and I gave her one and told her she should hurry in. I then went to park my car and went in to the hospital just to check on her and found her sitting on the chairs waiting in line. I asked if she told the nurse what she did and she did not. I ran up to the nurse window and told what I heard and just as the nurse called for her, she collapsed onto the ground. The nurses rushed out and took her in telling me that they will take over from there. I hope we made it in time.

If you have overdosed on drugs or pills, I would recommend calling an ambulance rather than an uber! I guess in this case, this passenger was more comfortable getting an uber instead.

I guess I have never thought about the importance of uber. I always thought it was just a means to earn money. But the little interactions you exchange with passengers during the short trips, sometimes can be life changing, and sometimes can save a life.

If you're feeling depressed or suicidal, please seek help before doing anything!

Here are some useful contacts for people in Perth:

For immediate assistance – ALL HOURS
Police / Fire / Ambulance – 000
Police / Fire / Ambulance (from mobile) – 112 

Lifeline 24/7 Crisis Line –  crisis support, suicide intervention and prevention, mental health support service – 13 11 14

Crisis Care (Family Helpline) – family domestic violence, homelessness, child welfare  – (08) 9223 1111 (metro) or 1800 199 008 (country).

Kids Helpline – Counselling service for young people between 5 and 25 years – 1800 551 800

Men’s Line – Service for men with relationship and family concerns – 1300 789 978

Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline  – (08) 9223 1188

Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline  – (08) 9223 1199 (1800 000 599)

Rural Link – Service for the rural communities of WA – 1800 720 101

The Samaritans – Support to the lonely, despairing and suicidal.

Samaritans Care Line – (08) 9381 5555 (metro)
Samaritans Care Line – 1800 198 313 (country)
Samaritans Youth Line – (08) 9388 2500

Alcohol & Drug Information Service (ADIS)  – (08) 9442 5000

Mental Health Emergency Response Line –  (08) 9224 8888

Parenting WA – Information, support and referral services to parents, carers, grandparents and families with children up to 18 years  –  (08) 6279 1200

Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC)  – (08) 9340 1828

Mental Health and Other Support Services

ARBOR – Free outreach counselling service for those bereaved by suicide or sudden death – (08) 9263 2150

Beyond Blue – Information on a wide variety of mental health problems for sufferers, carers and professionals – 1300 224 636

Child Protection Unit – Within Princess Margaret Rose Hospital. Ensures that children are protected whilst in hospital and on discharge.  Covers child abuse, injury, neglect and well being – (08) 9340 8646

Depression Help | Anxiety Advice – Anxiety Advice is a website offering advice to people with anxiety and or depression and their to their families, here you will find a wide variety of articles relating to depression, anxiety and other clinical disorders.

Fremantle Multicultural Centre – Crisis accommodation and settlement programs for refugees and migrants. It also operates a mental health referral program – (08) 9336 8282

Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds. The service is designed to make it easy as possible for a young person and their family to get the help they need for problems affecting their wellbeing. Find your nearest location

Ngala Family Resource Centre – Early parenting services, support and guidance for families and young children – (08) 9368 9368

QLife is a national LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Intersex) telephone (1800 184 527) and web chat counselling service that provides support, referrals and information to LGBTI individuals, parents, friends, family and professionals. QLife operates 365 days of the year from 3pm – midnight.

SANE – Information and helpline for people with mental health issues – 1800 187 263

Youth Focus – Working with young people, aged 12-18 yrs who show signs of depression, self-harm and suicide.  Also supports families – (08) 9266 4333

Department of Transport Regulatory Requirements

Although Uber sets certain requirements before they will be willing to allow your app to go online to receive passengers and earn money, the obligation to satisfy local regulations really falls on the driver.

You may get a pamphlet from Uber telling you the requirements but it is really up to you to follow up with the Department of Transport in ensuring that your vehicle has the necessary licence and insurance to operate as an Uber driver.

The local government is currently undergoing review and reforms to current licensing requirements in order to catch up with the changing technology with respect to the ride sharing system which the Department of Transport refers to as On-Demand Transport or Charter Vehicles.

As of July 2016, it is now a requirement that all licensed charter vehicles must pass a visual and mechanical inspection on application for the Charter Vehicle Licence and every twelve (12) months thereafter.

On top of your F-Extension License, you will now also need to have your vehicle licence registered as a Charter Vehicle Licence. You will also need to change your insurance class to one suitable for carrying passengers for hire or reward which is mostly likely the 3F class. This can easily be done online via the DOTDirect online account if you have one. If not, you can register for an account and they will send you information on the registration in post within 3 – 5 days – Register for DOTDirect.

Alternatively, if you prefer to do it manually, these are the forms required:

• Form OM1.1 – Application for Omnibus – Charter Vehicle Licence
• Form ODT5 – Statutory Declaration of Motor Injury Insurance Class

No doubt there will be more reforms coming and with that, more fees of course.
Ultimately, the government is seeking to pass a unifying On-demand Transport Act to regulate all On-Demand Transport services.

On top of the Department of Transport requirements, there are also requirements under the Australian Taxation Office. I will have to deal with that in another post.

More information regarding the Department of Transport’s requirements can be obtained from here: Department of Transport – Charter Vehicles.

More information on signing up with Uber can be obtained from here: Signing up with Uber

How much can you earn as an Uber Driver?

I think one of the main question in most people’s minds before starting as an Uber driver is how much can you really earn as an Uber driver in Perth?

It is difficult to say because Uber provides the flexibility such that you can really work as much or as little as you want to, and if you are driving during a period of high demand, there is a system called surge pricing where you can earn 1.5 to 3 times higher than the normal fare. I know in some cities the surge can go up to 5 times, but I have not seen that happen in Perth yet. Then there is also the period of low demand where you can be driving around and not get any passengers.

Uber Fees in Perth are as follows:

• Base Fare: $2.00
• Per Minute: $0.32
• Per Kilometre: $1.00
• Minimum Fare: $5.00

For drivers who sign up after 24 April 2016, Uber takes a 25% cut out of the total fare charged to the passenger and the remainder is yours to keep. (If you were signed up before 24 April 2016, the rate is 20%)

On the average, you can expect to earn approximately $20 – $25 per hour. But that is not taking into consideration your petrol costs, waiting time and time and costs incurred travelling to the pick up destination. So realistically after taking into consideration the costs, you can expect to earn approximately $15 – $20 per hour. Which still isn’t too bad especially if you are doing it as a side income, until the Australian Taxation Office takes it’s cut of it for GST and income taxes.

Sign Up as an Uber Driver 

Getting Started

Before you start driving, there are some minimum requirements that you must meet before Uber will add you onto their platform for you to start earning money as an Uber driver.

Driver requirements

• Be at least 21 years of age;
• Valid Western Australian Drivers Licence;
• F or T Extension to the Driver's Licence (Further details below)
• Have held a licence in any Australian state for at least 12 months
• Driving Record and Criminal History Check

F or T Extension

The T Extension usually applies to Taxi drivers and for most Uber drivers, it would be sufficient to obtain the F Extension.
To obtain the F Extension, you will require a background check and a medical assessment.

Uber can arrange a complimentary background check on your behalf which they will normally take 7 -15 days to complete and will send it to you by email.

For the medical assessment, Uber has price agreements with several Perth bases GPs and they can be accessed through Uber's page here: Uber Medicals
Alternatively, you can also visit your own GP and bring along the relevant Department of Transport Forms:

• Medical Assessment Certificate
• Patient Questionaire

Vehicle Requirements

• Be in excellent working conditions;
• Have 4 doors;
• Be able to transport 4 - 7 passengers;
• Be 9 years old or newer;
• Cannot be salvaged, reconstructed, rebuilt or an ex-taxi;
• Cannot have any cosmetic damage, missing pieces or commercial branding;
• Pass the free safety inspection;
• Proof of Comprehensive Insurance.

If you feel you meet all the requirements and you want to sign up immediately and go from there, you can sign up as a Uber Driver from the link below:

Sign Up as an Uber Driver

The beginning of this blog

I first signed up to be an Uber driver back in January 2016. Before that, I was an Uber rider for about a year just trying to get to know the system and I would highly recommended new drivers to take a Uber ride at least once just to get a feel and know what it is like.

After signing up to be a driver, and after several attempts in trying to get around the various regulatory requirements and trying to get information on how to start, my regular work got too busy and I finally gave up getting on board until November 2016.

Since starting as a driver, whenever I were to encounter problems, I basically had to scour the internet looking for answers as the Uber official page either does not have the answers or the answer provided is too general and not specific to Perth.

Many starting drivers, including myself, find that after signing up, apart from a few video tutorials, you are pretty much on your own in trying to figure out how to operate the uber system and pick up passengers. Although the offical Uber website does have a help page which is helpful in answering any fundamental questions regarding the general uber system, any city specific question would be met with the familiar recurring message that the “requirements may differ depending on what city you drive in.”

I also noticed that there was no sites specific to Perth and so I’ve started this blog to put Perth specific information which hopefully would help local drivers find their way around the system and make it a more enjoyable thing to do.

If you have not signed up as an uber driver and would like to sign up, you can sign up from the link here: Signing up for Uber Driver