A Guide To Uber Vehicle Inspections
Calling all Uber vehicle drivers! Did you know that to drive for Uber you actually need to pass an inspection and get a certificate?
Well, if you’re new to uber that might come as a bit of a shock. But anyone who’s been driving Uber for a few years would know that you need to maintain and keep your vehicle safe for your yearly Uber inspection.
Of course, no matter how experienced you are sometimes things can always become confusing or change in the future. Therefore, we have created an awesome guide on Uber inspections to help drivers understand what is required, when and what happens if you fail.
Now, for anyone who is ready for an Uber inspection now, feel free to book online with our fully qualified Uber inspectors here. We can come to you the same day and provide a genuine service.
These inspections are very similar to roadworthy inspections but don’t confuse them as they are different. You can learn more about roadworthy inspections here.
Well, let’s get straight into this, here’s everything you need to know about an Uber inspection.
Table of Contents
What Is An Uber Vehicle Inspection?
The Uber Vehicle Inspection is a requirement for Uber drivers to legally drive customers for Uber. In the inspection your vehicle will be checked to make sure it is in a good condition.
This is done both for the safety of the car’s occupants and for the safety of other road users. It is also done so that Uber can make sure customers have an enjoyable riding experience. Therefore, it’s best to ensure you are using a vehicle that is clean, fragrant and fairly new.
We carry out Uber Inspections and our examiners will thoroughly check your vehicle to ensure that it’s up to standards with Ubers requirements. You can learn how to maintain your car here.
One of Uber’s biggest priorities is making sure that customers have a safe and comfortable journey. If they do not it looks bad on the company and may prevent the customer using Uber again.
So, with this as the forefront of Uber, it should be easy for you to pass the inspection. Just make sure that you are remembering the policies and core values that Uber holds and representing them with your vehicle.
When Do You Need To Get An Uber Vehicle Inspection?
As an Uber driver, you are required to get an Uber Vehicle Inspection every 12 months. When you pass your inspection you will be given a COI (Certificate of Inspection). It will state on the certificate the date when your certificate will become invalid.
Uber actually has restrictions on this as well. To continue using their app, you will need to upload the requirement certifications or request that your inspector uploads the documents on your behalf.
Yes, we make it that easy 😁 We can upload your documents to Uber and get you back on the roads as soon as possible.
So remember, you will need to book your inspection every year. You will not be able to drive for Uber unless you have a valid certificate.
You Can Either Pass Or Fail Your Uber Inspection
In more simple terms, your Uber Vehicle Inspection will either result in a pass or a fail.
There is no grade or marks as such. If you fail your Uber Inspection you will need to take another test. In the event you fail, you will be told what you need to fix in order to pass your next test.
Don’t stress though, we’d say that the majority of inspections will end in a pass. This is because most Uber drivers take care of their vehicles and ensure that they are well maintained. It benefits you as the driver to get better reviews by ensuring your vehicle is clean and safe.
However, if you do let things slip this will result in a failure. You will be given some areas that you have failed on so you can then go and rectify the issues. Make sure that you get these problems fixed before booking in another inspection.
It’s similar to when you fail a roadworthy, you will get 14 days to rectify the issue. Make sure you try and fix the issues quickly to get yourself back on the road.
When you pass your Uber Vehicle Inspection you will be presented with your Certificate of Inspection. You will then be able to drive legally for Uber and use the driver app.
5 Most Common Areas That Uber Drivers Fail On
Ok, so we wanted to share with you the most common areas that we find Uber drivers fail their inspection on. This way, you can prepare yourself in advance for your inspection to ensure you get yourself a pass.
You can also find a list of common failure areas which Uber provides on their website as well. Although we have gone into a lot more details and covered some extra areas that will help you prepare.
Uber says that the majority of cars with four doors pass the inspection, provided they are less than 10 years old (this is a requirement, vehicles older than 10 years cannot drive for Uber).
However, some Uber Drivers inevitably do fail the inspection. Most of the time it happens because of just a few common reasons. Here are the 5 most common reasons that you may fail your inspection.
1. Tyres
Ensure that your tyres are safe and inflated to a strong 30-32psi. Also remember that you can only legally drive on Queensland road with a minimum tread depth of 1.5mm. Therefore, you will need to check your tread and replace your tyres if they are below the 1.5mm.
2. Age of the vehicle
As we mentioned before, you cannot drive a vehicle with Uber that is older than 10 years. Therefore, ensure you have a newer vehicle. Age means that it may be more likely to break down and put passengers at risk.
3. Brake Pads
You will need to make sure that your brake pads are not worn down. If they are worn, you need to replace them. Brakes are one of the most important areas to ensure your passengers safety. Therefore, your inspector will carry out a thorough examination on your brake pads.
4. Cleanliness
Because you will be driving around passengers, Uber expects a minimum level of cleanliness. This also applies to both the interior and exterior of your vehicle. They do not want you picking up passengers with dirty cars or broken parts. It’s important to ensure your vehicle is clean both inside and out.
5. Lights
Lights are another huge safety feature for when it comes to driving in the dark. They’re also used for indication and signals for other road users. This also applies to your brake lights which are important signals to other road users to slow down. Ensure your lights are all working before your inspection.
Other Reasons Uber Drivers Fail Their Test
- Their car is older than 10 years – Uber Drivers must be driving a vehicle that is less than 10 years old. This is a broad measure to ensure comfort and safety for the passenger.
- Their car does not have capacity for 4 riders – Cars driven for Uber must have at least 4 passenger seats (these are seats excluding the driver). Uber’s most popular service is UberX, which can seat up to 4 people.
- Their car failed a government vehicle inspection – If an Uber Driver’s car has failed a roadworthy or is not legal to drive on Australian roads, then it will automatically fail the Uber Vehicle Inspection.
- Issues with insurance paperwork – If your insurance does not have your full name on it, you will be given an automatic fail on your Vehicle Inspection.
- Visible damage to the car’s exterior – Uber requires all vehicles to be in good cosmetic condition. If your vehicle has visible dents or obvious damage, you will likely fail your inspection. Small scratches and other hardly noticeable cosmetic issues should not cause you a problem.
- Taxi branding – If your car was used before for another taxi service, and still has their branding, then you will fail your inspection. The best way to avoid this is to ensure your car looks like it did when it came out of the factory.
- Missing number/license plate – If your vehicle does not have a valid license plate, it will be rejected.
- The car has been in accidents – Cars that have been in multiple accidents will fail Uber Vehicle Inspections as they might suggest the driver is not careful enough.
- Missing or incomplete documents – If your vehicle is missing important documents, then it may fail the inspection.
- Improper functioning of vehicle features – Cars that do not have correctly functioning features will fail the inspection. Check that the car’s windows roll up and down correctly, the doors have no problem in opening and closing, the locks work, the lights work, the air conditioning works, window wipers work and do not leave lines on the windshield etc.
- Tyre treads are worn down – Tyres need to have a tread of at least 1.5mm in order to be deemed safe. Cars with treads less than 1.5mm will fail the Uber Vehicle Inspection.
- Seats function correctly – Front seats should be adjustable and all seatbelts should work as intended. Correctly clipping in to ensure passenger safety.
- Cracked mirrors – Your car should not have any cracks in its mirrors. This includes the side/wing mirrors.
- A broken car horn – The car horn on your vehicle needs to work correctly to ensure the safety of pedestrians and other road users.
Uber’s Minimum Requirements
Ok, so these are the very minimum requirements set in place by Uber. If you want to pass your inspection every year, you need to make sure you keep up to date with these requirements. Let’s take a look at all of them below.
From Uber’s website:
Vehicles must be:
- ANCAP 5-Star rated, or fall under Uber’s vehicle exemption policy
- In excellent working condition
- No older than the maximum age for the Uber vehicle option chosen
- A 4-door car or passenger van
- No more than 8-seats, including the driver’s seat
- Able to pass a vehicle inspection
- Registered and CTP-insured
- Free from cosmetic damage (e.g. scuff marks, scratches and indentations such as hail damage)
- Free from commercial branding (e.g. graphics or wraps greater than 20cm by 20cm)
Just remember, all vehicles driving with Uber must be covered by compulsory third party (CTP) insurance, and have at least third-party property damage insurance.
To drive with UberX, you also need to be listed on the car’s property damage insurance policy, even if you are not the vehicle owner or main policyholder.
Uber’s Vehicle Option Specific Requirements
These are Uber’s specific requirements for each of the vehicle options/services they offer customers. In order to drive for each vehicle option, you will need to meet the following:
Requirements for UberX vehicles:
ANCAP 5-Star rated, or fall under our vehicle exemption policy
Are in excellent working condition, with no cosmetic damage
Are registered and CTP-insured in Queensland
Are 10 years old or less
Have 4 doors
Seat 4-7 passengers plus the driver
Have working windows and air conditioning
Are able to pass a vehicle inspection
Are not taxis, ex-driving school, ex-taxis, government, branded or rebuilt (repairable write-off) vehicles
Requirements for UberXL vehicles:
ANCAP 5-Star rated, or fall under our vehicle exemption policy
Are in excellent working condition, with no cosmetic damage
Are registered and CTP-insured in Queensland
Are 10 years old or less
Are 4-door SUVs or large passenger vans
Seat 6-7 passengers plus the driver
Have working windows and air conditioning
Can pass a vehicle inspection
Are not taxis, ex-driving school, ex-taxis, government, branded or rebuilt vehicles
Uber states that some rental vehicles may be eligible to drive with UberXL.
Requirements for Uber Assist vehicles:
ANCAP 5-Star rated, or fall under our vehicle exemption policy
Are in excellent working condition, with no cosmetic damage
Are deemed easy to access for passengers
Are registered and CTP-insured in Queensland
Are 10 years old or less
Have 4 doors
Seat 4-7 passengers plus the driver
Have working windows and air conditioning
Are able to pass a vehicle inspection
Are not taxis, ex-driving school, ex-taxis, government, branded or rebuilt vehicles
Can accommodate folding wheelchairs, walkers, collapsible scooters, and other assistive devices
In addition, for driver-partners to be eligible for Assist, they must have:
A 4.7 minimum rating; and have completed over 100 trips
Requirements for Uber Premier vehicles:
Are ANCAP 5-Star rated, or fall under our vehicle exemption policy
Are in excellent working condition, with no cosmetic damage
Are registered and CTP-insured in NSW
Are 6 years old or less
Are 4-door luxury vehicles
Comfortably seat 4 passengers plus the driver
Have working windows and air conditioning
If part of a fleet: have commercial vehicle insurance
Uber state that in order for driver-partners to be eligible for Uber Premier, they must have
A 4.6 minimum rating; and have completed over 20 trips
Conclusion
Well, that should cover it all. Everything you need to know about getting your Uber inspection. Don’t forget, we use fully qualified Uber examiners who have been doing this for years.
If you need to get your vehicle examined or inspected ready for Uber, please feel free to book online in under 60 seconds or give us a call today.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to comment below and share your thoughts. We can help answer to the best of our ability.
If you are experienced in uber inspections, feel free to share your thoughts below. Maybe you find an area you always fail in and can share with others to help them prepare.
One Response
Hi do all dents and scratches need to be fixed before driving for uber
Regards steve