Want to Get Paid to Drive People Around? Here’s What You Need to Know in NZ & Australia (Legally!)

Well, before you slap a “chauffeur for hire” sticker on the door and start collecting fares, let’s talk about what you legally need to get started in New Zealand and Australia. Because, as fun as it sounds, you’ll need more than a full tank and a Spotify playlist.

Just a cheeky heads-up ( disclaimer) While we love bringing people together, we’re just the directory not the licensing police or the insurance fairy. It’s 100% up to each listed operator to ensure they hold the correct licenses, permits, and insurance to legally and safely offer passenger transport services. It’s entirely up to you how you choose to operate your passenger transport service. But let’s be clear: It’s your responsibility to ensure you have the correct licenses, permits, and insurance in place. We don’t play gatekeeper or check if you’re legal or not (that’s your job), but we highly recommend ticking all the right boxes before you start charging for rides. Better safe than sorry and fines aren’t nearly as fun as fares!,

New Zealand: The Land of Lamb, Lord of the Rings, and Licensing

Small Passenger Service Licence (SPSL)

If you’re carrying people for money in a car, SUV, or minibus (12 seats or fewer), this is non-negotiable. Whether you’re driving for Uber, running your own shuttle, or chauffeuring tourists around Hobbiton, you’ll need this licence from NZTA.

Translation: No SPSL = No pay.

Passenger (P) Endorsement

You need one of these on your driver licence. It says, “Yes, this person has been vetted, is medically fit, and probably won’t scare the passengers.”

To get it, you’ll need:

• A full NZ driver licence (held for at least 2 years)
• A police check (yep, they check your past)
• A medical check (because passengers don’t love fainting drivers)

Vehicle Requirements

• Your car must pass a Certificate of Fitness (CoF) – it’s like a WoF, but stricter and a bit judgier.
• You’ll need proper insurance that covers commercial passenger work (standard car insurance won’t cut it).

And yep, logbooks are a thing, not glamorous, but required

In Australia, it’s a bit of a “choose your own adventure”

Each state has its own rules. Let’s break it down:

New South Wales (NSW):

You’ll need a Passenger Transport Licence Code (PTLC) on your driver’s licence. It’s kind of your golden ticket to legally ferry passengers.

Also required:

• Be medically fit
• Hold an unrestricted licence (not a learner or provisional)
• Minimum $5 million in vehicle insurance (yep, millions , because people are expensive)

Fun fact: if you’re driving for rideshare or private hire, you still need the PTLC. Even if it’s just Uncle Barry from the airport.

Western Australia (WA):

Get your vehicle a Passenger Transport Vehicle (PTV) Authorisation.

This involves:

• Registration? ✔️
• Roadworthiness? ✔️
• Motor injury insurance? ✔️
• Government paperwork? Oh, definitely ✔️

This one applies whether you’re running a limo service, a wine tour, or carting hens’ parties around Margaret River.

Queensland:

Drivers need Driver Authorisation (DA), which says you’re safe, sober, and suitable for the job.

And yes, that includes:

• Police checks
• Zero alcohol tolerance (yes, even for the toast at the wedding gig)
• Vehicle safety compliance

Insurance: Don’t Skip It! Regular car insurance won’t protect you if you’re driving for money. You’ll need commercial passenger vehicle insurance, whether you’re chauffeuring a bridal party or doing late-night pickups after a festival.

In short:
🎯 If you’re paid to drive people, you need to be properly covered.

If something goes wrong and you’re not insured correctly? You’ll be footing the bill — and trust us, it’s not just petrol money.

Final Word: Don’t Wing It, Write It

Always put your terms in writing especially for private bookings. A simple hire agreement or location agreement can save you from drama later. If you need a basic template to start with, just shout we’ve got your back.

So, Should You Go for It?

Absolutely! Driving people around can be a great side hustle or even a full-time gig. But do it right: get licensed, get insured, and drive safe. Then cue the playlist, grab a coffee, and hit the road like the professional you are.