DiDi Car Requirements

When it comes to driving with DiDi in Australia, the most important thing you’ll need—besides your licence and a bit of patience during peak-hour traffic—is the right set of wheels. DiDi doesn’t just let any old banger on the platform; there are clear rules to make sure riders are safe and comfy, and that drivers don’t end up copping fines or hassles from state authorities.

Think of it like this: your car isn’t just a way to get from A to B, it’s your office, your business partner, and the thing that’ll either keep those five-star ratings rolling in—or have passengers whingeing about dodgy aircon and squeaky brakes. That’s why DiDi has car requirements that every driver must meet before they’re allowed to hit the road.

Now, here’s the catch: Australia’s a big country, and each state has its own set of rules. The basics are the same across the board—like having a four-door car that’s not too old—but the finer details can change depending on whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, or Canberra. Don’t stress, though. We’ll break everything down step by step so you know exactly what’s needed to get your car approved without mucking around.

By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have a clear picture of:

What types of cars DiDi accepts,What documents and inspections are required,
Why some cars get rejected, and
How to make sure yours gets the green light first go.

So, if you’re ready to turn your car into a money-maker and cruise the streets with DiDi, let’s dive straight into the nitty-gritty.

DiDi Services & Eligible Vehicles

Before you start stressing about rego papers and inspections, it’s worth knowing the different types of services DiDi runs across Australia. Each service has its own set of rules for what kind of car is allowed. Pick the wrong category, and you’ll end up wasting time (and maybe a bit of cash) trying to get approved with a car that simply doesn’t cut it.

Here’s the rundown:

DiDi Express

This is the bread-and-butter of DiDi. Most drivers in Australia sign up for Express because the requirements are the most flexible, and it’s where the bulk of the rides come from. If you’ve got a standard 4-door sedan, hatchback, wagon, or SUV, and your car isn’t too old, you’re good to go. Think Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, Hyundai i30—your everyday Aussie workhorses.

DiDi Max (sometimes called XL)

Got a seven-seater or something bigger? Then DiDi Max is right up your alley. This service is designed for group rides, airport transfers, or families needing extra space. Vehicles like the Kia Carnival, Honda Odyssey, or Toyota Tarago fit the bill. The key requirement here is that every seat has a working seatbelt—no dodgy setups with loose straps or missing buckles.

DiDi Premier (sometimes Luxe)

This is where DiDi gets a bit fancy. Premier (or Luxe, in some cities) is aimed at riders who want a flashier experience, whether it’s a business trip or a special night out. To qualify, your car has to be newer, high-end, and in excellent nick. Think BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus, or Tesla. The interior must be spotless—no scuffed leather, no rattles, no funky smells. Basically, the type of car where passengers go “ooh” when they hop in.

DiDi Delivery

Not fussed about carrying people? DiDi Delivery lets you earn by transporting packages instead. It’s handy if you’d rather not deal with chatty riders after a long day. Most passenger cars that meet Express requirements can be used here. You still need rego, insurance, and an inspection, but the standard for luxury or space isn’t as strict.

What’s important is matching your car to the right service. For example:

A 10-year-old Corolla? Perfect for Express.
A shiny new Tesla? That’s Premier material.
A people-mover like a Carnival? Straight into DiDi Max.

Getting this sorted upfront saves you the headache of applying for the wrong category and getting knocked back.

Whether you’re cruising in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or down in Hobart, DiDi has some core rules for all vehicles. Nail these, and you’re already halfway to getting approved. Miss one, and you might get knocked back faster than a kangaroo on the freeway.

Core Requirements Across Australia

Car Age Limit: Generally 10 years or newer, though some states like South Australia can cap at 8 years depending on category.
Four Doors Minimum: No 2-door coupes—passengers need easy access. Sedans, hatchbacks, wagons, and SUVs are fine.
Roadworthy Condition: Brakes, suspension, windscreen, lights—all must be in proper working order.
Functioning Aircon & Heating: Riders expect comfort in hot summers and chilly winters.
Seatbelts for Every Passenger: Each seat must have a working seatbelt.
No Taxi Branding or Gear: Ex-taxis need to be fully stripped and clean; no leftover decals or mounts.
Interior Cleanliness: A tidy cabin makes a better impression and can affect approval.
Current Rego & Insurance: Vehicle registration and at least compulsory third-party insurance must be valid.

Typical cars that fit these requirements: Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, Hyundai i30/Elantra, Toyota Camry, Kia Cerato, Honda Civic/Accord, SUVs like RAV4 or CX-5.

City-Specific Notes

Sydney (NSW)

Car Age: ≤10 years (older may pass if in excellent condition)
Inspection: Pink Slip required if car >5 yrs
Other: Four doors minimum, tidy interior, working aircon/heating

Melbourne (VIC)

Car Age: ≤10 years strictly enforced
Inspection: RWC (Roadworthy Certificate) mandatory
Other: VIC inspectors are picky—tyres, small dents, or cracked windscreen can fail you

Brisbane / Gold Coast (QLD)

Car Age: ≤10 years
Inspection: Safety Certificate required; ongoing checks may apply
Other: Four-door standard, aircon/heating essential

Perth (WA)

Car Age: ≤10 years
Special: ODBS Authorisation from WA Transport required
Inspection: Mandatory at approved centres

Adelaide (SA)

Car Age: 8–10 years depending on category
Inspection: Yearly vehicle inspection
Other: Four doors minimum, tidy interior

Canberra (ACT)

Car Age: ≤10 years
Inspection: Roadworthy check for older vehicles
Other: Four doors minimum, 4 passenger seats, clean cabin

Hobart / Launceston (TAS)

Car Age: ≤10 years
Inspection: Required depending on car age/condition
Other: Four doors minimum, tidy interior

While general rules are consistent nationwide, always double-check local requirements—VIC, QLD, and WA have extra steps like RWC, Safety Certificates, or ODBS Authorisation that can’t be skipped.

Required Vehicle Documents

Before you hit the road with DiDi, there’s a stack of paperwork you’ll need to line up. Aussie rules are pretty strict when it comes to rideshare, and if even one document is missing, your application will stall faster than a ute running out of petrol. The good news is once you know what’s needed, it’s pretty straightforward.

The Core Documents Every DiDi Driver Needs

No matter where you live—Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, or Hobart—these are the non-negotiables you’ll need to submit during sign-up:

Vehicle Registration (Rego) Certificate

Your car must be currently registered in the state or territory you’ll be driving in.
If the rego is in someone else’s name (like a family car), you’ll need an authorisation form from the owner.

Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Insurance

This is the mandatory insurance that covers injuries to people in case of an accident.
In most states it’s bundled with your rego, but in NSW you’ll know it as the Green Slip.

Vehicle Insurance Policy (Recommended)

While DiDi covers riders during trips, you’ll want your own protection for the car itself.
Comprehensive insurance is strongly recommended, though some drivers run with Third-Party Property.

Roadworthy / Safety Certificate

A document proving your car meets safety standards.
This isn’t always required upfront, but in stricter states like Victoria and Queensland, it’s mandatory.

Vehicle Authorisation (if not the owner)

If the car isn’t in your name, DiDi will ask for written consent from the owner.
They even provide a template to make it simple.

Keep these docs saved as clear photos or PDFs on your phone. The DiDi Driver app lets you upload them during the application process, but blurry or half-cut uploads are the fastest way to get delayed.

State-by-State Requirements

Each state has its own spin on the rules. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll specifically need depending on where you plan to drive:

New South Wales (Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong)

Current rego certificate
CTP Green Slip
Pink Slip (safety check) if the car is older than 5 years

Victoria (Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat)

Rego certificate
Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) – compulsory for all rideshare vehicles

Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast)

Rego certificate
Safety Certificate (like VIC’s RWC)
CTP is included with rego

Western Australia (Perth, Fremantle, Joondalup)

Rego certificate
CTP insurance (bundled with rego)
On-Demand Booking (ODB) Authorisation – a special WA rideshare licence
Vehicle inspection certificate

South Australia (Adelaide, Mount Barker)

Current rego
CTP included in rego
Vehicle inspection at an authorised centre
Cars usually must be 8 years or newer for rideshare

Australian Capital Territory (Canberra)

Rego certificate
CTP insurance (part of rego)
Vehicle inspection if required (depends on car age)

Tasmania (Hobart, Launceston)

Rego certificate
CTP included in rego
Vehicle inspection depending on age/condition of the car

Pro Tips for a Smooth Approval

Double-check expiry dates on rego and insurance before uploading.
Scan or snap documents in good light—avoid glare and cut-off edges.
If you’re driving a mate’s car, get the authorisation sorted early so you’re not stuck waiting.
VIC and QLD drivers: book your RWC/Safety Certificate as soon as you start the sign-up. These take the longest to arrange.

Vehicle Inspection Process (What Gets Checked & How It Works)

Once you’ve got your paperwork sorted, the next big step is the vehicle inspection. This isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it’s DiDi (and the government’s) way of making sure your car is safe, comfortable, and up to standard for carrying passengers. Think of it as giving your car a health check before it starts working full-time.

Where to Get Inspected

In most cities, inspections are done at authorised service centres (like RedBook, Roads and Maritime Services in NSW, or VicRoads approved testers in VIC).
DiDi usually provides a list of approved inspection partners in your area straight from the app.
Some states let you book online and rock up whenever you like, others may need appointments.

Don’t just show up with a dirty car. Inspectors notice first impressions. A clean car can make the process smoother.

What Gets Checked During a DiDi Vehicle Inspection

Here’s the standard checklist inspectors run through. It might vary a bit by state, but these are the core items:

Brakes and Brake Pads – Must stop cleanly, no squealing, no uneven pull.
Tyres – Minimum tread depth (usually 1.5mm), no bald spots, no cracks.
Lights and Indicators – Headlights, brake lights, high beam, and indicators all working.
Windows and Windscreen – No big cracks or chips that block vision.
Mirrors – Rear-view and both side mirrors intact and adjustable.
Seatbelts – Every seatbelt must work properly, retract smoothly, and click in safely.
Doors – Must open and close from both inside and outside.
Horn – Needs to work (yep, they’ll beep it).
Steering and Suspension – No excessive play in the steering wheel, suspension stable.
Exhaust System – No leaks, not excessively noisy.
Air Conditioning/Heating – Must blow cold in summer and hot in winter.
Interior Condition – Seats, flooring, and interior trim in good condition. No rips, exposed wires, or unsafe features.
Exterior Condition – No major dents, rust, or damage that looks unsafe.
Child Lock Functionality (if applicable) – For family safety, especially in SUVs.

How the Process Works

Book Inspection – through the DiDi Driver app or directly with an approved centre.
Show Up with Docs – Bring your rego, insurance, and ID.
Inspection Takes Around 30–45 Minutes – mechanics run through the checklist.
Pass → You get a certificate uploaded to DiDi.
Fail → You’ll get a report of what needs fixing, then you can repair and re-test.

Typical Cost of an Inspection

Usually around $40–$80 depending on the state and inspection centre.
Some promotions (especially when DiDi is trying to attract new drivers) may offer discounted or free inspections—keep an eye on announcements in the app.

Pro Tips to Pass First Go

Wash your car inside and out before inspection. First impressions matter.
Check your tyres—bald tyres are one of the most common reasons for failure.
Test all lights the night before—replace bulbs if needed.
Listen to your brakes—if they squeal, get them checked.
Fix minor cracks on windscreen—don’t wait for the inspector to point them out.

Common Reasons Vehicles Get Rejected

Even if your wheels look fine to you, DiDi inspectors can be picky. Here’s the usual stuff that gets cars knocked back across Australia:

Car’s Too Old

Most cities cap rideshare cars at 10 years (SA sometimes 8). If your ride’s pushing that limit, don’t be surprised if it’s a no-go.

Dodgy Tyres

Worn or bald tyres? Forget it. Inspectors are dead serious about tread depth—anything unsafe and you’ll fail straight away.

Shonky Brakes

Squeaky, soft, or leaking brakes are a big red flag. You don’t want riders feeling unsafe, and neither does DiDi.

Lights Not Working Properly

Headlights, brake lights, indicators—all must be tip-top. Even a dodgy blinker can get your car rejected.

Rough Bodywork

Major dents, rust patches, or cars with a dodgy past (think ex-taxis) are usually straight-up declined.

Ex-Taxi or Commercial Branding

Old taxi bits, stickers, or holes from removed meters? Inspectors won’t let it slide. Car’s gotta look like a legit private vehicle.

Expired or Missing Documents

Rego, CTP insurance, or vehicle insurance must be current. Lacking paperwork? That’s an instant fail.

Not Enough Doors or Seats

Two-door cars or rides that can’t comfortably seat at least 4 passengers? Sorry mate, no dice.

Basically, if you want to dodge the rejection, check your car top to toe before booking that inspection. A few small tweaks now saves you days of hassle later.

Tips to Get Your Vehicle Approved

Want your car to sail through the DiDi inspection first go? Here’s how the pros do it Down Under:

Give Your Car a Proper Service

Before inspection, check brakes, tyres, oil, and suspension. A quick service can save you from a fail.

Tyres Matter, Mate

Bald or worn tyres? Replace ‘em. Inspectors are picky about tread depth—don’t risk it.

Check All Your Lights

Headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazards—make sure they all work. Even a dodgy indicator can mean rejection.

Clean Inside and Out

First impressions count. A tidy cabin and freshly washed exterior can make a big difference.

Make Sure Docs Are Spot On

Rego, CTP, insurance—all must be current and ready to upload. Don’t leave anything to chance.

Minor Detailing Helps

A little polish on the dash, fresh air freshener, and tidy seats make your car feel top-notch for passengers.

Don’t Push the Limits

If your car’s really old, has dodgy bits, or mechanical issues, don’t try your luck. DiDi prefers rides that are clearly safe and comfortable.

Double-Check Everything Before Booking Inspection

Better to spend an extra hour prepping than to fail and wait weeks to rebook.

Wrap Up

Alright mate, here’s the lowdown on getting your car rideshare-ready with DiDi in Australia.

Know Your Services

Whether it’s DiDi Express, Max, Premier, or Delivery, each has vehicle expectations. Pick the service that suits your ride.

Check the Car Basics

Four doors, clean interior, working seatbelts, lights, and A/C—these are non-negotiables.

Sort Your Documents

Rego, CTP, and insurance need to be valid and easy to upload. Don’t leave anything to chance.

Pass the Inspection

Book at an approved centre, fix any issues, and get that certificate uploaded. It’s the golden ticket to hitting the road.

Mind Local Rules

Each state or city has its quirks—VIC loves RWCs, QLD wants Safety Certificates, WA requires ODB authorisation, and SA is picky about car age.

Avoid Common Rejections

Old cars, bald tyres, dodgy brakes, lights out, or ex-taxi vehicles are automatic fails. Check everything twice.

Prep Your Car Properly

Clean, detail, service, and double-check documents before inspection. Little effort now saves heaps of time later.

At the end of the day, having a car that’s safe, tidy, and legally compliant isn’t just about passing inspection—it’s about giving your passengers a solid ride experience, getting good ratings, and making the most out of your DiDi hustle.

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