Turn your car into a money machine

If you love to drive, you’re already halfway to having more money in your pocket.

Tens of thousands of Aussies already earn using the Uber platforms. Ridesharing and food delivery are both accessible ways to make the spare cash you might need for everyday living or for saving for something special, like upgrading your ride.

Nearly eight in ten people who drive using the Uber app say they chose it for the flexibility. You can earn when you want, with no office and no boss. That means you can fit it in around your life — commitments, hobbies, or catching up with friends and family.

But what does it take to drive on the Uber app and how can you use the platform and your car to maximise your earnings in an uncomplicated way? Here are a few things you need to know about turning your car into a money machine.

To start driving using the Uber app, you’ll need a four-door car, in excellent working condition, with at least third-party property damage insurance and, of course, registration. Different states may have different requirements for rego and licensing. Given that vehicle requirements can change, you should check the website for the most current information.

Find out more about Uber vehicle requirements.

If you don’t have a vehicle, you could even consider renting one.

To meet ridesharing requirements in your city, there may be costs involved, such as paying for a rideshare licence and vehicle inspection. For more information on what you need to get started, visit the requirements page.

Of course, Uber also has minimum requirements for drivers. You’ll need a full, valid driver’s licence, and you’ll also need to lodge a background check.

Alternatively, you can earn money delivering on the Uber Eats app, using your car, motorbike, scooter or bicycle. You’ll still need to pass a background check and fulfil other requirements to get started.

If you are using your car to earn on the Uber app, you might consider a regular visit to the local car wash to keep your car fresh inside and out.

Other helpful tools include a phone holder to make navigating hands-free easier and safer and a phone charger, so you never run out of battery while driving. Some drivers also have safety screens, and you may decide to offer your riders complimentary face masks.

For delivering with Uber Eats, you’ll need an insulated delivery bag.

Okay, basics first. Start by signing up to drive or deliver via a form on the Uber website. You’ll also find a step-by-step guide to starting an account.

For delivering with Uber Eats, you should be able to start earning in around five business days, once you’ve provided all the required documents. For driving using the Uber app, the onboarding process takes approximately four weeks from sign-up.

Once you’re onboarded, you can log on and off whenever you want. Set your earnings target and then earn from the comfort of your car or on two wheels.

You’ll soon be meeting new people, getting out and about, and discovering your city as well as earning money.

You can find more info on how earnings are calculated on the delivery and rideshare websites. In addition, people have the option to tip in-app, and you keep 100 per cent of tips.

Unlike other opportunities in the gig economy, where you may have to wait to receive your payment, your earnings are deposited into your account every week and with Flex Pay, you can cash out your earnings once a day.

It’s worth chatting to your accountant about your circumstances to see if fuel, insurance, and vehicle maintenance can be tax-deductible. Uber has partnerships with third parties that offer discounts and special offers.

Of course, having your car regularly serviced, filling up the tank on the cheapest days and/or using fuel vouchers, keeping tyres inflated to the correct pressure and using GPS to find the quickest routes all pay dividends in keeping costs down and maximising returns for you.

Excited to start earning? Sign up to drive on the Uber App, or deliver for Uber Eats.