DiDi Driver Requirements and How to Sign Up Mate

If you’ve been thinking about jumping behind the wheel to earn some extra coin, driving with DiDi in Australia might just be your ticket. DiDi has quickly become one of the biggest rideshare players across the country, especially in major cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and the Gold Coast. With lower service fees compared to some competitors, plenty of drivers reckon they take home a bigger slice of the pie when they drive with DiDi.

But before you chuck your hat in the ring and start picking up riders, there are a few hoops you’ll need to jump through. Driving for DiDi isn’t as simple as just having a car and a licence — there are rules, checks, and paperwork to get sorted. Think of it like a roadworthy test, but for you and your car as a team.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about DiDi driver requirements in Australia. From the basics of who can sign up, what sort of car you’ll need, through to the actual step-by-step application process, you’ll have the full picture by the end. And don’t stress — while it might sound like a bit of a hassle at first, once you know what’s expected, getting on the road with DiDi is pretty straightforward.

So, grab yourself a cuppa, and let’s run through exactly what it takes to become a DiDi driver in Australia.

DiDi Driver Requirements

Before you can start earning with DiDi, you’ve got to tick a few boxes yourself. These aren’t just red tape for the sake of it — they’re in place to make sure drivers are safe, reliable, and legally good to go on Aussie roads. Here’s what you need to line up before even thinking about your car.

Minimum Age

You’ll need to be at least 21 years old to drive for DiDi in Australia. The company wants drivers who’ve had enough time behind the wheel to be confident and steady on the road. If you’ve only just got your full licence and turned 21, you’re good to go. But if you’re still on your P’s, you’ll have to sit tight until you’ve upgraded.

Australian Driver’s Licence

This one’s a no-brainer. To drive with DiDi, you must hold a valid full, unrestricted Australian driver’s licence. Learner’s permits and provisional licences won’t cut it. The whole idea is that you’re a seasoned driver, not someone still cutting their teeth.

Your licence must also be issued in the same state where you plan to drive. For example, if you want to drive in Victoria, you’ll need a Victorian licence. If you move interstate, you’ll have to update your details and re-submit to DiDi.

Legal Work Rights

Whether you’re an Aussie citizen, a permanent resident, or on a visa that allows you to work, you’ll need to show you’ve got the legal right to earn in Australia. DiDi checks this during sign-up, so don’t think you can pull a swifty here. If you’re on a temporary visa, make sure driving rideshare is allowed under your conditions — otherwise you might land yourself in strife.

Clean Background

Every driver has to pass a National Police Check before getting approved. This isn’t about giving you grief for a speeding fine you copped five years ago, but it is about making sure passengers feel safe hopping in your car. Serious offences like violence, theft, or anything dodgy with drugs are going to be red flags and could get your application knocked back.

Driver Accreditation (State-Based)

In some states, like Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia, you’ll also need official driver accreditation from your local transport authority. This is basically a government-issued green light saying you’re fit and proper to carry passengers for hire. It usually involves medical checks, driving history reviews, and sometimes extra paperwork.

ABN (Australian Business Number)

Because you’ll be driving as an independent contractor, not an employee, you’ll need an ABN. This is what lets you legally receive payments from DiDi and sort out your tax with the ATO. It’s free to get, and you can apply online in about ten minutes. Without it, your sign-up won’t get far.

Smartphone

Finally, you’ll need a decent smartphone with reliable mobile data. The DiDi Driver app is your bread and butter — it’s how you accept trips, navigate to riders, and track your earnings. If your phone’s constantly crashing or running out of juice, you’ll be stuck quicker than a roo on a highway at night. Make sure you’ve got a solid device and a good data plan.

Vehicle Requirements

Even if you’re the best driver in the world, you won’t get far with DiDi if your car doesn’t meet their standards. The vehicle you drive is just as important as your own record — it’s where riders spend their time, and DiDi wants them feeling safe, comfy, and not like they’ve just jumped into a clunker from the 80s.

Here’s the lowdown on what your car needs to tick off.

Age of the Vehicle

Generally, DiDi requires your car to be no older than 10–12 years, depending on the city or state you’re driving in. For example, in Melbourne and Sydney, most cars need to be 2012 or newer. Brisbane and Perth can have slightly different cut-offs, but the rule of thumb is: if your car looks like it’s seen better days, it probably won’t make the cut.

Vehicle Type

• Must be a 4-door car or SUV.
• Seats must accommodate at least 4 passengers plus the driver (so 5 in total).
• No utes, vans, or 2-door coupes allowed — DiDi wants practical rides, not sports cars or tradie wagons.

Condition of the Car

Your vehicle needs to be in roadworthy condition. That means:

• Working seatbelts for all passengers.
• Air conditioning that blows cold (you know how brutal Aussie summers can get).
• Windows and doors working properly.
• No major dents, scratches, or dodgy paint jobs.
• Clean interior — no rubbish, stains, or smells that make a rider want to bail.

Think of it this way: would you happily chuck your nan in the back seat for a ride? If not, it’s not up to DiDi standard.

Insurance

To hit the road, your car must have at least Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, which is legally required across Australia. But DiDi also expects you to hold comprehensive or third-party property damage insurance that specifically covers rideshare driving. Without this, you’re not covered if something goes pear-shaped.

Make sure your insurer knows you’re using the car for rideshare. If you try to sneak it past them and end up in a bingle, you could be left high and dry.

Registration (Rego)

Your car must be registered in the state you’re driving in. Simple as that. The rego must be current, and you’ll need to provide proof of it during sign-up. If your rego’s due for renewal, sort it out before applying — expired rego is one of the quickest ways to get knocked back.

Vehicle Inspection

Every DiDi driver’s car has to pass a vehicle inspection. This is like a health check for your car, making sure everything’s mechanically sound and safe for passengers.

• You’ll usually need a roadworthy certificate or an official inspection report from an authorised inspection centre.
• The inspection covers brakes, tyres, lights, seatbelts, suspension, and more.
• If something fails, you’ll need to fix it and come back for a re-check.

Most states require you to redo this inspection annually to stay active on the platform.

Special Requirements in Some States

Depending on where you’re driving, there may be extra hoops:

• Victoria (VIC): You’ll need to apply for a commercial passenger vehicle registration.
• Queensland (QLD): Rideshare vehicles must display a “Booked Hire” sign and have specific booked-hire insurance.
• NSW: Annual pink slip inspection for vehicles over five years old.

Always double-check with your state’s transport authority so you don’t get caught on the wrong side of the rules.

Required Documents for Sign-Up

When it comes to signing up with DiDi in Australia, paperwork is king. You can have the right car, the right attitude, and a killer playlist for your riders, but if your documents aren’t up to scratch, your application’s going nowhere fast. Here’s the full list of what you’ll need to line up before you hit that ‘submit’ button.

Australian Driver’s Licence

• You must provide a valid, full Australian driver’s licence from the state you plan to drive in.
• Both the front and back of the licence need to be uploaded.
• Learner and provisional (P) licences aren’t accepted.
• The licence must be in date — even if it’s expiring in a week, renew it first to avoid hassles.

Tip: Take the photo in good light, flat surface, and avoid glare. Blurry snaps or selfies with your licence won’t pass.

Proof of Vehicle Registration (Rego)

• You’ll need to show current registration papers for your car.
• The rego has to be from the same state where you’re planning to drive.
• If the car’s in someone else’s name (like a family member), you may need to provide an authorisation letter.

Proof of Insurance

• At minimum, your car must have CTP (Compulsory Third Party) insurance.
• On top of that, DiDi requires third-party property or comprehensive insurance that allows rideshare use.
• You’ll need to upload the certificate of insurance with your name and car details clearly visible.

Heads up: Some drivers try to slide by without declaring rideshare use to their insurer. Bad idea, mate — if you end up in a prang (accident), you could be left footing the bill.

Vehicle Inspection Report

• Before your application gets the green light, your car needs to pass a roadworthy or safety inspection.
• You’ll have to upload the inspection certificate showing your vehicle meets safety standards.
• These inspections cover brakes, tyres, lights, seatbelts, and general condition.

Most states require this to be renewed every 12 months.

National Police Check

• Every DiDi driver has to undergo a criminal background check.
• This is done through an approved provider (like National Crime Check or similar).
• You’ll need to provide ID and consent for the check.
• Minor traffic infringements usually aren’t a big deal, but anything serious — theft, violence, or drug offences — could see you knocked back.

Driver Accreditation (State Specific)

• Victoria: Commercial Passenger Vehicle Driver Accreditation from CPVV.
• Queensland: Booked Hire Service Licence + Driver Authorisation.
• South Australia: Passenger Transport Driver Accreditation.
• NSW: Passenger Transport Licence Code on your licence.

Without the proper accreditation, you can’t legally carry passengers for hire. DiDi won’t activate your account until you’ve sorted it.

ABN (Australian Business Number)

• You’ll need an ABN because you’re working as an independent contractor.
• It’s free and easy to apply online via the Australian Business Register website.
• Use your ABN during sign-up so DiDi can pay you correctly and so you’re all set for tax time.

Profile Photo

• DiDi requires a professional-style photo for your driver profile.
• Must be front-facing, plain background, no sunnies, no hats, and no mates in the picture.
• Think of it like a passport photo — but friendlier.

Bank Account Details

• Finally, you’ll need to provide your bank account details so DiDi can deposit your earnings.
• Make sure it’s your own account (not your mate’s), otherwise payments can get delayed.

How to Sign Up as a DiDi Driver in Australia

Alright, so you’ve got your documents ready, your car’s in tip-top shape, and you’re keen to get cracking. Here’s the blow-by-blow on how to actually sign up with DiDi.

Step 1: Download the DiDi Driver App

First things first, grab the DiDi Driver app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Don’t mix it up with the rider app — that’s for passengers. The driver app is where all the action happens.

Once you’ve installed it, open it up and choose “Sign Up”.

Step 2: Create Your Account

You’ll be asked to chuck in some basic details:

• Full name (as it appears on your licence).
• Email address.
• Mobile number (make sure it’s one you actually use).
• A password for your account.

You’ll get an SMS code to confirm your mobile number — whack that in to verify.

Step 3: Upload Your Documents

This is where you’ll need to have all your paperwork handy. Through the app, you’ll be asked to upload:

• Driver’s licence (front & back).
• Vehicle registration.
• Insurance certificate.
• Vehicle inspection report (roadworthy).
• ABN.
• Driver accreditation (if required in your state).
• National Police Check receipt or results.

Pro tip: Take clear photos in good light. Any glare, blur, or cropped edges will slow things down.

Step 4: Complete Your Police Check & Background Verification

If you haven’t already organised a National Police Check, you’ll be prompted to do it through one of DiDi’s approved providers. It’s all online, but you’ll need to show ID (like your licence or passport).

Some states also require a driver history check (your driving record from the local transport authority). The app will guide you through this depending on where you live.

Step 5: Vehicle Inspection

You’ll need to book a vehicle inspection with an authorised centre. Some states let you use existing roadworthy certificates, others want you to use specific inspection partners. The app usually gives you a list of approved centres nearby.

Once your car passes, you’ll get a digital certificate you can upload directly.

Step 6: Wait for Approval

Now comes the fun part — the waiting game. DiDi will review your documents, background checks, and inspection results. This can take anywhere from a couple of days to a week, depending on how busy they are and whether your paperwork’s spot on.

If you’ve uploaded something dodgy or out of date, expect delays or even a knock-back. Double-check everything before hitting submit.

Step 7: Activate Your Account

Once DiDi gives you the thumbs up, you’ll get a confirmation email and a notification in the app. From here, your account is active and you’re officially ready to start taking trips.

Step 8: Hit the Road

• Open the app, go Online, and wait for your first ping.
• When a request comes through, accept it, head to the pick-up, and you’re off.
• At the end of each trip, the fare (minus DiDi’s commission) goes straight into your account balance.
• Payouts are usually weekly, but you can also request instant cash-outs depending on your bank.

Common Reasons Why Your Application Might Get Rejected

So, you’ve fired off your application, you’re pumped to start driving, and then… bam, you get an email saying your account wasn’t approved. Bit of a kick in the guts, hey? The good news is, most knock-backs happen for pretty simple reasons, and once you know them, you can avoid making the same mistakes.

Here are the most common trip hazards that stop drivers getting on the road with DiDi:

Outdated or Incorrect Licence

This one’s a classic. If your licence has expired, or you’ve uploaded the wrong class (like a P2 licence instead of a full one), DiDi will shut you down straight away. You need a current, unrestricted full licence from your state. No workarounds, no excuses.

Vehicle Too Old or Not Eligible

Rocking up with a 2005 Corolla might get you from A to B, but it won’t cut it for DiDi. Cars usually need to be 10–12 years old at most, and 2-door cars, vans, or utes aren’t accepted. If your car doesn’t fit the bill, you’ll have to upgrade or look at renting a rideshare-approved vehicle.

Failed Vehicle Inspection

If your car doesn’t pass the roadworthy inspection — whether it’s bald tyres, dodgy brakes, or a busted seatbelt — your application will stall until it’s fixed. Even things like a cracked windscreen or worn wipers can cause a fail. Inspectors aren’t mucking around, and DiDi won’t activate you until your car’s up to scratch.

Insurance Not Suitable

Trying to get by with just basic CTP insurance? Forget it. DiDi requires proof that your policy allows rideshare use. If your insurer doesn’t cover it, your application’s dead in the water. Plenty of Aussie insurers now offer rideshare-friendly policies, so make sure you’ve sorted one before applying.

Blurry or Dodgy Document Uploads

Sounds silly, but heaps of drivers get knocked back simply because they uploaded blurry photos of their documents, or worse, selfies holding their licence. DiDi’s system can’t verify what it can’t read. Keep it clean, keep it clear.

Police Check Issues

If your National Police Check comes back with serious offences — like violence, theft, or drug-related stuff — chances are you won’t be approved. Minor traffic offences aren’t usually a problem, but DiDi draws the line at anything that could put rider safety in doubt.

Missing Driver Accreditation (State-Based)

In states like VIC, QLD, and SA, you’ll need driver accreditation from the transport authority. If you skip this step or upload the wrong proof, DiDi won’t activate your account. It’s the law, and there’s no way around it.

Incorrect or Missing ABN

Without an ABN, DiDi legally can’t pay you. Some drivers try to wing it and hope the system will let them slide, but it won’t. Make sure your ABN is active and matches the details you’ve given DiDi.

Profile Photo Rejected

Yep, even your photo can trip you up. If you upload a pic with sunnies on, a cap pulled low, or your dog photobombing in the background, DiDi will kick it back. They want a clear, passport-style photo so riders know who to expect.

Tips to Get Approved Quickly

Nobody likes sitting around waiting for approval, especially when you’re itching to get on the road and start earning. While DiDi’s process is pretty straightforward, there are a few little hacks and good habits that can save you time, cut down on delays, and keep your application from ending up in the “too hard” basket.

Here are some top tips from drivers who’ve already been through the wringer:

Get All Your Docs Sorted First

Don’t half-arse it by trying to apply without the right paperwork. Line up your licence, rego, insurance, ABN, police check, and accreditation (if your state needs it) before you even touch the app. Having everything ready means you can breeze through the sign-up in one go.

Double-Check Expiry Dates

You’d be surprised how many drivers get rejected just because their rego was due last week or their insurance ran out yesterday. Check all your dates, renew anything close to expiring, and only upload current documents. Saves you a world of pain.

Take Proper Photos

No blurry snaps, no shadows, no cutting off the edges of your licence. Lay the doc flat, use natural light if you can, and take the photo dead-on. Pretend you’re a real estate agent showing off a unit — clean, clear, and sharp.

Use a Rideshare-Friendly Insurance Policy

If you’re not sure whether your insurer covers rideshare, call them up and ask. Plenty of Aussie insurers (like Allianz, NRMA, Budget Direct, etc.) now offer specific rideshare cover. Having the right policy avoids rejection and saves you from being in strife if you end up in a bingle.

Don’t Rush the Police Check

The police check is usually quick, but sometimes it can take a few extra days if they need to verify your ID. Do it early so it doesn’t hold up your whole application.

Nail Your Profile Photo

Your photo is the first thing riders see when they book. DiDi won’t approve it if you’re wearing sunnies, a hat, or cropping in your mates. Keep it clean: look at the camera, plain background, smile a bit. Doesn’t need to be glamour shots, just professional enough that riders feel comfortable.

Keep an Eye on Your Email & App Notifications

DiDi often pings you if something’s missing or needs a re-upload. Don’t ghost them — check your emails and the app daily so you can fix issues straight away. The quicker you respond, the quicker you get approved.

Consider Using a Rideshare Rental if Your Car Doesn’t Qualify

If your current car’s too old or doesn’t meet requirements, you don’t have to give up. Plenty of companies in Aussie cities rent out DiDi-approved vehicles. It might cost you weekly, but it gets you earning while you figure out your long-term plan.

Be Honest in Your Application

If you try to sneak around with a dodgy doc or hide a condition that needs disclosure (like visa restrictions), DiDi will find out eventually and boot you off the platform. Better to be upfront and save yourself the headache.

DiDi Commission & Earnings in Australia

At the end of the day, every driver wants to know one thing — how much of the fare do I actually keep? That’s where DiDi has a bit of an edge over the competition in Australia.

How DiDi Commission Works

DiDi charges a flat 15% service fee on every trip. That’s across most Aussie cities, from Melbourne to Brisbane. It’s noticeably lower than Uber’s cut, which hovers around 25% give or take.

Every now and then, DiDi rolls out special promos for new drivers or in certain areas, slashing the commission even further — sometimes as low as 10%. That means more coin in your back pocket for doing the exact same trip.

Payout Schedule

• Weekly bank transfers: Your earnings get bundled up and sent straight to your nominated account, usually hitting by Tuesday or Wednesday.
• Instant cash-out: Depending on your bank, you might be able to cash out daily. Handy if you’ve got bills stacking up and can’t wait a week.

Earning Boosts

On top of the lower commission, DiDi throws in a few extras to help drivers top up their take-home pay:

• Peak-hour incentives: Drive during morning and arvo rush, and you’ll see bonus multipliers.
• Boost zones: Busy areas like the Sydney CBD, Southbank in Melbourne, or Fortitude Valley in Brisbane often light up with higher fares.
• Referral bonuses: Bring a mate onboard as a new DiDi driver and you can snag a decent cash bonus once they start driving.

Why Lower Commission Matters

The difference between 15% and 25% might not sound huge at first, but here’s the kicker: it adds up quick.

Say you complete a $30 fare:

• Uber’s 25% cut = you keep about $22.50.
• DiDi’s 15% cut = you keep about $25.50.

That’s $3 more per trip staying with you. Knock out 20 trips in a day and you’re already $60 better off. Do that consistently across weeks and months, and we’re talking thousands of dollars a year extra in your account — no extra hours, no extra petrol, just a better deal.

For plenty of Aussie drivers, that lower commission is the clincher. Less skim off the top means more freedom to cover fuel, rego, and still have some cash left over for a cheeky pub feed at the end of the week.

Wrapping It Up

Jumping on board as a DiDi driver in Australia isn’t rocket science, but you do need to tick all the right boxes. With the right licence, a roadworthy car, your background checks cleared, and the paperwork sorted, you’ll be good to go in no time.

The best part? DiDi’s lower commission compared to other rideshare platforms means more of your hard-earned stays in your pocket. Add in flexible hours, weekly (or even daily) payouts, and the chance to cash in during peak times, and it’s easy to see why plenty of Aussies reckon DiDi is worth a crack.

If you’ve been toying with the idea of hitting the road, now’s as good a time as any. Fire up the app, get your docs sorted, and before you know it you’ll be ferrying folks around, stacking fares, and pocketing that extra bit of coin every shift.

So there you have it, mate — the full rundown of what it takes to become a DiDi driver in Australia. Strap in, keep it safe, and enjoy the ride.