DiDi Driver Requirements Australia — Complete 2026 Guide

Thinking about signing up as a DiDi driver in Australia? Before you go online and start accepting trips, there are specific requirements you need to meet — covering your personal eligibility, your vehicle, your documents, and state-specific licencing obligations.

This guide covers every DiDi driver requirement in Australia for 2026, with a specific focus on Victoria and Melbourne. Whether you are brand new to rideshare or switching from another platform, this is everything you need to know before you apply.

Who Can Drive for DiDi in Australia?

DiDi operates across multiple Australian cities including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast. While requirements are broadly consistent nationally, some state-specific rules apply — particularly in Victoria, which has its own Commercial Passenger Vehicle licensing framework.

Basic Personal Eligibility

To drive for DiDi in Australia you must:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Hold a valid Australian driver's licence that has been held for a minimum of 12 months
• Have the legal right to work in Australia — citizens, permanent residents, and eligible visa holders may apply
• Have no serious criminal history — DiDi conducts a national police check on all applicants
• Hold or be able to obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN) — DiDi drivers work as independent contractors, not employees
• Have an Australian bank account for weekly payment deposits

DiDi Vehicle Requirements Australia (2026)

Your vehicle is the most important factor in your DiDi application. It must meet DiDi's standards for age, condition, configuration, and registration.

Standard Vehicle Requirements (All States)

• 4-door vehicle — sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks, and people movers all qualify
• Minimum 4 passenger seats excluding the driver (5 seats total minimum)
• Model year 2010 or newer for standard DiDi tier — some cities and premium tiers may require newer models
• Fully functional air conditioning — front and rear where possible
• Roadworthy condition — no mechanical faults that could affect safety
• No significant cosmetic damage — no major dents, cracks, broken mirrors, or damaged upholstery
• Clean interior and exterior — DiDi expects vehicles to be presented to a professional standard at all times
• Valid registration in your state or territory

Vehicle Types Accepted by DiDi

DiDi Service Tiers and Vehicle Requirements

DiDi offers multiple service tiers in Australia. Your vehicle determines which tiers you can drive for.

DiDi Standard — Any approved 4-door vehicle, 2010 or newer, seating 4+ passengers.

DiDi Max — Larger vehicles with 6 or more passenger seats. People movers and large SUVs typically qualify. Ideal for drivers with a van or 7-seater.

DiDi Express — Available in select cities. Generally requires a newer model vehicle with higher condition standards.

Check the DiDi driver app during signup to confirm which tiers your specific vehicle qualifies for.

DiDi Driver Requirements by State

While DiDi's vehicle and personal requirements are largely consistent across Australia, licensing and accreditation requirements vary by state. Here is what you need to know for each major market.

Victoria (Melbourne)

Victoria has the most structured rideshare licensing framework in Australia. To drive for DiDi in Victoria you need:

Commercial Passenger Vehicle (CPV) Driver Accreditation This is a mandatory licence issued by the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning. It is separate from your standard driver's licence and specifically authorises you to carry passengers for hire or reward.

How to apply:

• Submit your application through the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning website
• Provide proof of identity, your driver's licence, and consent to a national criminal history check
• Pay the application fee (currently around $35 to $50 — confirm current fee at time of application)
• Processing typically takes 1 to 3 weeks

Hire and Reward Vehicle Authorisation Your vehicle must also be authorised for hire and reward use in Victoria. This is a separate registration category applied to your vehicle, not your person.

Comprehensive Insurance Victoria requires rideshare drivers to hold insurance that covers commercial passenger use. Confirm with your insurer that your policy covers rideshare activity — standard private vehicle insurance typically does not.

New South Wales (Sydney)

In NSW, rideshare drivers must:

• Hold a valid NSW driver's licence
• Pass a national criminal history check through DiDi's provider
• Ensure their vehicle meets DiDi's standard requirements
• NSW does not currently require a separate rideshare accreditation beyond DiDi's own screening process — however, regulatory requirements do change and you should verify current NSW rules at time of application

Queensland (Brisbane and Gold Coast)

Queensland requires rideshare drivers to:

• Hold a valid Queensland driver's licence
• Pass DiDi's background check
• Booked hire vehicle (BHV) driver authorisation may be required depending on current QLD Transport regulations — check the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads for current requirements

Western Australia (Perth)

In Western Australia:

• A Passenger Transport Driver Authorisation is required for rideshare drivers
• This is issued by the Department of Transport WA
• Processing times and fees apply — check the WA Department of Transport website for current details

South Australia (Adelaide)

South Australia requires:

• A valid SA driver's licence
• Completion of DiDi's background check
• Passenger transport authorisation from the Department for Infrastructure and Transport SA may apply — verify current requirements before applying

Documents Required to Sign Up as a DiDi Driver

When you apply through the DiDi driver app, you will need to upload clear photos or scans of the following documents. Having these ready before you start speeds up your approval significantly.

Personal Documents

• Front and back of your Australian driver's licence
• Proof of your right to work in Australia (if not a citizen or permanent resident)
• Your ABN confirmation — you can register for an ABN free at abr.gov.au

Vehicle Documents

• Current vehicle registration certificate
• Comprehensive insurance certificate of currency — confirming rideshare cover
• Roadworthy certificate if your vehicle is older or has recently been inspected

Victoria-Specific Documents

• CPV driver accreditation certificate
• Hire and reward vehicle authorisation documentation

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

• Any relevant visa documentation confirming work rights
• Medicare card or passport for identity verification purposes

The DiDi Application Process — Step by Step

Once you have confirmed you meet all requirements and gathered your documents, here is how the signup process works.

Step 1 — Download the DiDi Driver App

Available free on iOS and Android. Search for DiDi Driver in your app store — make sure you download the driver app, not the passenger app.

Step 2 — Create Your Driver Account

Enter your personal details, contact information, and vehicle details. Select the city you plan to drive in.

Step 3 — Upload Your Documents

Follow the in-app prompts to photograph and upload each required document. Ensure images are clear, well-lit, and unobstructed. Blurry or cropped documents are the most common cause of application delays.

Step 4 — Complete the Background Check

DiDi uses a third-party provider to conduct a national criminal history check. You will receive an email with a link to complete this check separately. Results typically take 3 to 7 business days.

Step 5 — Vehicle Inspection (If Required)

Depending on your vehicle's age and condition, DiDi may require an in-person vehicle inspection. This is conducted at approved inspection locations. Check the app during your application to confirm whether this applies to you.

Step 6 — Account Approval

Once all documents are verified and your background check clears, DiDi will activate your driver account. You will receive a notification in the app and via email.

Step 7 — Go Online and Start Driving

Open the DiDi driver app, toggle online, and start accepting trips. Most new drivers receive their first trip within minutes of going online during a peak period.

Typical total time from application to first trip: 1 to 2 weeks, largely depending on how quickly your background check clears and whether a vehicle inspection is required.

How Much Can You Earn as a DiDi Driver in Australia?

Requirements are one thing — earnings are what most drivers actually want to know about. Here is a realistic picture for 2026.

DiDi's Commission Rate

DiDi charges approximately 16 to 20% commission per trip in Australia — lower than Uber's standard rate of around 25 to 27.5%. This means for every fare, you keep a larger proportion as a DiDi driver.

Estimated Weekly Earnings (Melbourne)

These are gross figures before fuel, vehicle costs, and tax obligations. As an independent contractor, set aside 20 to 25% of earnings for tax and keep records of all work-related expenses for deduction purposes.

Maximising Your DiDi Earnings

• Drive during peak windows — weekday lunch, weeknight dinner, and Friday and Saturday evenings
• Run DiDi alongside Uber simultaneously to fill idle gaps between trips
• Take advantage of DiDi's weekly bonus structures — trip targets with bonus payments appear regularly in the driver app
• Position yourself in high-demand areas and boost zones during peak periods

Can You Use a Rental Car to Drive for DiDi?

Yes — you can use a rental car to drive for DiDi in Australia, provided the vehicle meets DiDi's requirements and your rental agreement explicitly permits commercial or rideshare use.

This is an important point. Standard rental agreements typically exclude commercial use. If you plan to drive DiDi with a rental vehicle, confirm in writing with your rental provider before accepting any trips.

At Baraka Car Rentals in Tarneit, Melbourne, we offer vehicles that are available for DiDi and Uber rideshare use under our rental agreements. With flexible weekly terms and no long-term commitment, renting is the fastest way to get started as a DiDi driver without the upfront cost of purchasing a vehicle.

Call 0461 555 511, email admin@barakacarrental.com.au, or visit barakacarrental.com.au to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does DiDi approval take in Australia?

Most applicants are approved within 1 to 2 weeks. The background check is usually the longest part of the process, taking 3 to 7 business days. Having all your documents ready before you apply significantly speeds things up.

Do I need an ABN to drive for DiDi?

Yes. DiDi drivers work as independent contractors in Australia, which means you need an Australian Business Number. Registering for an ABN is free and can be done online at abr.gov.au in under 15 minutes.

Can I drive for DiDi and Uber at the same time?

Yes — and most experienced Melbourne drivers do exactly this. Running both apps simultaneously means you receive trips from whichever platform is busiest at any given moment, reducing idle time and increasing your effective hourly earnings.

Does DiDi require a vehicle inspection?

It depends on your vehicle. DiDi may require an in-person inspection for older vehicles or in specific markets. The app will advise you during the signup process whether an inspection is required for your vehicle.

Is DiDi available across all of Melbourne?

DiDi operates across metropolitan Melbourne including the CBD, inner suburbs, and outer growth areas including Tarneit, Hoppers Crossing, Werribee, and Point Cook. Coverage continues to expand as DiDi grows its rider base in Australia.

Final Word

Meeting DiDi's driver requirements in Australia in 2026 is straightforward for most eligible applicants. The key steps are confirming your personal eligibility, ensuring your vehicle qualifies, obtaining any state-specific accreditation (particularly Victoria's CPV requirement), and having your documents ready before you apply.

Once approved, DiDi's lower commission rate makes it a genuinely attractive platform — particularly when run alongside Uber to maximise trip frequency and weekly income.

If you need a rental vehicle that meets DiDi's requirements and is approved for rideshare use, Baraka Car Rentals in Tarneit is ready to help. Flexible weekly rentals, no long-term commitment, and full support for DiDi and Uber drivers across Melbourne.

Call 0461 555 511, email admin@barakacarrental.com.au, or visit barakacarrental.com.au.