Is Your Car Ready? Four Tips to Consider Before Becoming an Uber Driver

If you are thinking about becoming an Uber driver, that can be a useful way to earn extra cash. However, you need to make sure that your car is up to the task. Here are some tips to help you:

1. Talk with Uber about their expectations for cars.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Uber requires its drivers to use a car that is less than nine years old. Additionally, local laws require drivers to obtain a driver authorisation from the Department of Transport and Main Roads. However, you should also speak with an Uber rep directly about any expectations the company may have for your vehicle.

2. Schedule car service.

Whether you've met the minimum Uber requirements or not, you should consider booking your car for service. You certainly don't want your brakes to fail, your misalignment to cause an accident, your transmission to stop working or any other issue to occur with your car. While that can be annoying when you are on your own, it can be even worse if you have a passenger.

Not only do you have to deal with the potentially uncomfortable and embarrassing situation of waiting for a tow truck to arrive while you are with a passenger, but you also have to deal with the effect of bad reviews. That's not ideal when you are trying to make a name for yourself as an Uber driver.

3. Consider a ride share.

If you take your vehicle to be serviced and the mechanic tells you that it needs a lot of work, you may want to explore other options. For example, instead of driving their own cars, many Uber drivers are turning to rideshares. These drivers hire cars, and they cover the cost of the hire car with their Uber earnings. That can be a great way to save up for a car repair. Ultimately, then, you can get your car repaired and use it for your Uber career.

4. Remember to track car service expenses

When you work as an Uber driver, you are an independent contractor. For tax purposes, that means that you have to report your income but you can also write off business expenses. When you are working as a professional driver, that includes expenses for car service or repairs. Make sure to save your receipts so that you have them when it's time to lodge your tax return.


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