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.
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
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