Before You Hit "Accept"
Advice for New Share Drivers
If you are thinking about it or you have just signed up with Uber or a similar share ride app provider, this page is for you. Here are some important tips from the initiated so you will have a better idea of what to expect...
1. A really great idea is to pop over to uberpeople.net and have a look at what other share drivers say about their experiences on the road. There you will learn heaps of useful tips about the lurks and perks of share driving.
2. When you take the training video you might notice you are advised not to "go online" until you are ready to drive. Well frankly, it is a little more complicated than that.
By all means prepare yourself to drive but be aware that before the app will allow you to go online and take your first 'pax' it will ask you to accept the terms and conditions.
Please take the time to read the Terms and Conditions.
You are going to need some time to read and understand the 3 documents so before you tap "accept" give yourself plenty of space to read what it is you are signing first.
It is a legally binding contract that will directly effect your income so it is wise to know exactly what it is your partnership with your app provider constitutes. ;)
Resources for New Share Drivers
Tax Compliance Help*:
Vehicle Log Book Apps:
For iPhone:
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/vehiclelog/id448160105?ls=1&mt=8
For Android:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kerofrog.vehiclelogbook&hl=en
You'll need an ABN after August 1st 2015. Register for a Free ABN Here
Find Out How to Register for GST Here
Required for all share drivers intending to drive after August 1.
GST Invoicing
You will need to issues GST reciepts on request if the total fare is $82.50 and over. Buy an invoice book to keep in the car or download an invoicing app. You will need to show the GST included in the fare on the invoice.
Divide the total fare by 11 to find the included GST amount.
You will also need to show your ABN on the invoice.
Driver Safety By Amanda
Driving for UberX, I removed my personal valuables such as engagement ring, wore nothing loose around my neck like scarf, tie or necklace, did not carry my handbag but I got a new smaller wallet for driving that I could secure on my person. They don’t teach you that at induction.
'Uber TOO RISKY, Pay is STILL TERRIBLE so I'm OUT!' By NotXcited, from Melbourne, posted on uberpeople.net
I am a 45yo Australian male, self employed for over 20years (but lately not been going so well), a wife that works part time and 3 children aged between 11 & 15, living in outer eastern Melbourne. Prior was ADF.
I was attracted to Uber mainly by the flexibility so I could still carry on in my business when I got some much needed work. I am fortunate enough to have taken my very nice late model vehicle out on the road to do Uber.
Riders in almost every ride commented on my vehicle, adding similar comments in my reviews along with my service and personality etc. I had the occasional rude, obnoxious, vulgar or intoxicated rider however all in all I found riders to be very pleasant and it was my pleasure to get them safely and promptly to their desired destination.
I'd have to say that overall, Uber Riders are ok. In most instances they are tech savvy, professional, educated and intelligent people. Culturally mixed which is wonderful, generally chatty with a gender ratio of close to 50/50, aged mostly between 22 to 55. Most of whom I might add have a far greater disposable income than myself.
I like many of you, understood from my single face to face 15min meeting with Uber (Richmond, Melb.) was of the very firm belief that "should my vehicle, my riders, myself and other property and people would be well protected by Uber should my own insurer not come to the party". I also was of the understanding that UBER VALUED ITS UBER PARTNERS (drivers) with the potential to generate a good return for the driver being Uber's equal top priority to providing the rider a clean, safe, reliable and affordable service.
But how wrong was this Read more...
'Finish with Uber' By GermanGuy from Brisbane, posted on uberpeople.net
Hello,
last weekend were my last days for this pretentious company. I quit for the obvious reason after 2 long month.
I gave back my device in the Hendra office, and I tried to play cool. But as I waited and I saw that 5 people sat there and waited for their info session and this boyish Uber prick asked me why I stopped driving for them. I said to myself "at least give a warning to these poor bastards".
So I started ranting on Uber loudly. The Uber boys just looked down ashamed to their laptops. And the Uber girl came out of her office. Was really funny to see their faces. I also told them to get on this forum and dont take the Uber lies for granted. That they take advantage from desperate people including me.
My conclusion for Uber driving: Read more...
'Risks of being an Uber X driver in NSW' By Hostertully from Sydney, posted on Uberpeople.net
I'm a relatively new driver (1 month in).
Whats dawned on me over that time is that my Uber X activities are opening me up to a huge amount of risk.
2 main risks that I want squared away are:
* "Ridesharing" to be legally recognised. RMS in no uncertain terms deems Uber X to be illegal under the current laws. No doubt this will take some time for new laws to come in. Uber are playing a 'pugnacious' game out here, and a part of me commends them, as the current laws will not change without an agitator like Uber shaking the tree. Read more...
More good advice for new drivers on this forum at uberpeople.net
*Researched to the best of our abilities, the nature of the information on this page is general and cannot necessarily be applied to individual cases. You need to make sure log book apps and invoicng methods you chose comply with tax regulations. The authors background is in small business management. We do not claim to be tax experts. We urge you to seek private proffessional advice to gain a clear understanding of your individual financial circumstances and how the GST will effect you personally.