5 Tips For Rideshare Driver New Zealand
If you deliver for Uber Eats in New Zealand, you are self-employed.
Revenue (IRD) about your Uber Eats income and pay your own tax.
1. Get Your Documents Ready
In New Zealand, you cannot just start driving. You need special permits from the government (NZTA).
- P Endorsement: This is a special part of your driver’s license that allows you to carry passengers. You must have had a full NZ license for at least 2 years to get this.
- ID Card: Once you get your P Endorsement, you will get an ID card. You must display this in your car where passengers can see it.
- COF (Certificate of Fitness): This is like a WOF (Warrant of Fitness) but for commercial cars. You must get your car checked more often to make sure it is very safe.
- SPSL Label: You need a “Small Passenger Service License” label on your windshield. If you drive for Uber, they can help you get this.
2. Best Times to Drive
To make the most money, you should drive when many people need a ride. These are called “Peak Times.”
- Monday to Friday: * 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM: People going to work.
– 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: People going home.
- Friday and Saturday Nights:
– 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM: This is usually the busiest time. People are going to dinner or bars.
- Special Events: Look at websites like Eventfinda to see when there are concerts or sports games in your city.
- Bad Weather: When it rains in NZ, more people want a ride instead of walking!
3. Keep Your Ratings High
Your “Rating” is the score passengers give you. If your score is too low, you might not be allowed to drive anymore.
- Clean Your Car: Vacuum the inside every day. Keep the outside looking nice. A clean car usually means a 5-star rating.
- Be Professional: You don’t have to talk a lot. Just say “Hello,” confirm their name, and ask if they are comfortable.
- Safe Driving: Do not speed or brake too hard. Passengers want to feel safe, not scared.
- Navigation: Use an app like Google Maps or Waze. Do not try to guess the way.
4. Manage Your Money and Taxes
As a rideshare driver, you are “Self-Employed.” This means you must manage your own taxes.
- The GST Rule: Since 2024, apps like Uber collect GST for you. If you are not GST-registered, you get a special 8.5% credit back to help with your costs.
- Track Your Expenses: Keep receipts for everything! You can pay less tax by claiming costs like:
– Petrol and Road User Charges (RUC).
– Car insurance and repairs.
– Mobile phone data.
– Car cleaning supplies.
- Save for Tax: It is smart to put 20% of your earnings into a separate bank account so you have money to pay Inland Revenue (IRD) at the end of the year.
5. Stay Safe and Legal
- Logbooks: By law, you must track your hours. You can use an app like Logmate. You cannot work more than 13 hours in one day, and you must take a 10-hour break after your shift.
- Dashcam: Buy a good dashcam that records the inside and outside of the car. This protects you if there is an accident or a difficult passenger.
- Cargo Net: If you have a hatchback or station wagon, the COF inspector might ask for a cargo net in the boot to stop luggage from hitting passengers.
