Uber Partner in Brisbane
There has been a lot of media attention, or column inches written, around the issue of the legality or otherwise of Uber’s Ride Sharing platform in Queensland since its inception back in approx April/May 2014.
I am not going to take sides here, even though I ride with and drive for Uber, this post is simply to highlight the facts around what it takes to become a Uber driver (or they prefer to call you a Uber Partner Driver) and the processes around applying and being approved – I will even briefly cover how Uber manages the current crop of Partner drivers to ensure ongoing compliance with their requirements and those of the State Government.
Ok so you want to drive for Uber in South East Queensland – the best way to start is to go to their dedicated Qld Partner web site and read up on the information there and also take the time to visit their Partner Support office in Fortitude Valley. There are various incentives being made available from time to time so it’s best to check that aspect out as well before you signup or better still get a existing Driver Partner to recommend you as you both will get a sign on bonus. Note this incentive can and does change from time to time.
Once you have done what Uber requires of you they will hand you a Queensland Dept of Transport Application for a Drivers Authority (DA) that you must fill out in full and take it to your Doctors were you will have to undergo a full medical examination. This medical examination and the DA fees you will have to pay for. The medical examination is not covered by Medicare.
Once you have your medical report and copies of the other official documents (basically the 100 point proof of ID documents – they are all listed on the DA application form) you take them to your nearest Dept of Transport retail office and submit them and pay their application fees. This DA application process does a full background check on your driving record, a background criminal history check, court records check etc before they give consideration to approve or decline your application.
This process takes approx 3-4 weeks although I got mine in just under 2 weeks. Once you get your DA approval letter and Card (it looks the same as your Qld drivers license except it’s blue in colour) you can then upload photos of them via the Uber Qld web site and/or take them to the Partner Centre in Fortitude Valley where the guys will check over them and ensure that everything is in order. Then they will txt you a link to download their latest Driver Partner App for your smart phone, however they will not activate your account just yet.
Also your car will need to be given a safety or roadworthy type check over by Uber Qld’s appointed inspection company and they will give you the details of those guys and how you book your car in. This inspection will only take 30-45 mins and you can wait with your car. After the inspection is completed the final report will be sent to Uber Qld directly as they pay for this aspect currently. Again if your car fails this check then your activation will be delayed until the issues are resolved and the car re-inspected.
Once all the above have been completed then you will be activated on the Uber Partner platform and away you go to start driving. There is some training in the use of the app available and they have a video of the processes you are to follow as a driver however if you are unsure then simply ask them as initially you may feel it’s a bit overwhelming but be assured it’s easy to pickup.
Note: Despite the media politics and the negative campaign from the Taxi Industry – it’s the Qld Dept of Transport that approves you as a person to qualify for a Driver Authority. This DA is required by Uber Qld before they consider you to become a Partner Driver. Here is their link – www.tmr.qld.gov.au