How to Become a Regional Taxi Driver in Victoria with 491 Visa
Intro
Driving a taxi in regional Victoria is more than just a job — it offers steady income, true freedom and flexibility, and the chance to live in regional areas where drivers are in high demand. We’ll show you how to get your drivers accreditation, so you can get on the road quickly and how to maintain your accreditation to keep driving legally. You’ll also learn the difference between driving independently or as part of a network, why joining Crown Cabs can give you the best start.
What Does a Day in the Life of a Taxi Driver Look Like?
As taxi driver, you are your own boss, with the flexibility to set your own hours and work as much or as little as you like. As our long-term driver Shane says, it’s a chance to “escape the office life and be as free as a bird.”
The work is always varied; every day provides an opportunity to explore the state and meet new people from all walks of life. As our driver Chris notes, a key part of the enjoyment is "seeing the state and meeting new people every day."
Furthermore, the barrier to entry is low, as reputable networks often provide the vehicle, eliminating the need for a large initial investment while still offering excellent earning potential.
High Demand Regional Areas
The demand for professional taxi drivers in regional Victoria is growing rapidly. Crown Cabs has a high demand for drivers in the following key service areas:
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Mitchell Shire & Surrounds: Kilmore, Wallan, Broadford, Wandong.
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Hume & Macedon Ranges: Bulla, Riddells Creek, Gisborne, Woodend, Macedon, Mount Macedon.
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Key Regional Hubs: Colac, Lara, Mansfield, Mildura, Frankston.
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Whittlesea & Northern Suburbs: Whittlesea and surrounding towns.
These areas are also recognized on the 491 visa list of eligible regional areas, which can be cross-referenced at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/regional-migration/eligible-regional-areas.
If you live in or near any of these locations, there is a significant opportunity to build a successful career with a steady stream of work while on a 491 Visa.
How to Apply for Driver Accreditation
While the process is regulated to ensure passenger safety, it's a straightforward path to a rewarding career where you control your hours and your income. Here is the official process for becoming a taxi driver in Victoria, broken down into simple, easy-to-follow steps.
Before you begin, you need to meet a few core requirements.
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Hold a valid Victorian Driver Licence: You must have a full, non-probationary Victorian driver licence and have held a full Australian driver licence for at least 6 months.
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Have the Right to Work in Australia: You must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or hold a visa that gives you the right to work in Australia (like the 491 visa for regional work).
Application Checklist
Before you start your online application, make sure you have the following ready:
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Proof of Identity: Your Victorian driver licence and at least one other identity document (like a passport, birth certificate, or Medicare card).
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Completed Medical Form: The medical assessment form completed by your doctor. Get the "Medical Assessment" form from the Safe Transport Victoria website.
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Proof of Right to Work: Your Australian passport, birth certificate, or relevant visa information.
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Means of Payment: A credit or debit card to pay the application fee.
The Application Process
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Start Your Application: Go to the Safe Transport Victoria online portal to begin your application for "Driver Accreditation."
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Provide Your Documents: You will need to upload the documents from the checklist above.
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Consent to Background Checks: As part of the application, you will consent to a national police history check and a review of your driving history. Safe Transport Victoria will conduct these for you to ensure you are a suitable person to transport the public.
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Complete a medical assessment: To ensure you’re fit and well enough to provide CPV services, you must complete a medical self-assessment.
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Pay the Application Fee: There is a fee for the accreditation application.
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Wait for Approval: Once submitted, Safe Transport Victoria will process your application. If you meet all the criteria, you will be granted your Driver Accreditation.
Expert Tip: You can start your application anytime by visiting the Safe Transport Victoria online portal.
Maintaining Accreditation
Once you are accredited, you must meet certain ongoing requirements to maintain your professional status. These include:
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Zero Blood Alcohol/Drug Limit: You must have a blood alcohol concentration of zero and be free from drugs at all times when driving a commercial passenger vehicle.
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Display Your ID: You must display your driver accreditation ID card so it is clearly visible to passengers.
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Notify Safe Transport Victoria: You are required to inform Safe Transport Victoria within 10 days of any change to your address or medical condition.
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Cooperate with Officials: You must cooperate with authorised officers and provide any information or documentation they require.
Joining A Network Or Be Independent?
Once you have your Driver Accreditation, you're ready to get on the road. In regional Victoria, you have a few great options:
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Join a Network (Like Crown Cabs): This is the easiest and most popular way to start. A professional network can provide you with a fully equipped vehicle, a steady stream of bookings, and all the training and support you need.
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Use Your Own Vehicle and Be Independent: If you have a suitable, roadworthy vehicle, you can register it as a commercial passenger vehicle.
Why Join A Crown Cabs Network
More Than a Network. We're Your Partner on the Road.
Choosing to drive with a network is the smartest way to start your career. It removes the biggest challenges of being an independent driver and lets you focus on what you do best: driving. At Crown Cabs, we believe your success is our success.
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Be Your Own Boss, Not on Your Own: You get the flexibility to choose your own hours, combined with the security of a 24/7 support team.
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No Car? No Problem: The biggest hurdle for new drivers is the cost of a vehicle. We can provide a fully equipped and maintained taxi, so you can start earning from day one.
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A Steady Stream of Work: We do the marketing for you. With our popular booking app, 24/7 dispatch centre, and corporate accounts, we provide a consistent supply of fares.
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A Team That Has Your Back: As a family-owned business with over 30 years of experience, we know our drivers by name. Our support team, including experienced operators like Shoaib and James, is always just a phone call away.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
This guide shows you the steps to get accredited, but the next step in your career is up to you. If you're ready to join a supportive network that provides the vehicle, the work, and the backing you need to succeed, we'd love to talk.
Visit our official "Drive with Crown Cabs" page to learn more and register your interest for a no-obligation chat.
Learn More & Apply Now at crowncabs.com.au/drive-with-crown-cabs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Your earnings depend on the hours you choose to work, but there is a high earning potential each week. At Crown Cabs, we offer weekly payments, so you get access to your money faster.
No. This is one of the biggest benefits of joining a network like Crown Cabs. We can provide a fully equipped and maintained taxi, which removes the major start-up cost and hassle for you.
The medical assessment is based on the national "Assessing Fitness to Drive" standards. Your doctor will evaluate several factors to ensure you can safely operate a commercial vehicle, including your vision, any long-term medical conditions (like diabetes or epilepsy), and your general physical and mental health.
When driving independently, the major costs are the vehicle itself, insurance, and maintenance. However, when you drive a vehicle provided by Crown Cabs, we have flexible options. For example, we can provide a fully maintained taxi, complete with all necessary equipment (e.g., safety camera, EFTPOS terminal), and cover running costs such as fuel. Alternatively, you can cover the running costs yourself. We are fully transparent about all options during our no-obligation chat.
Yes. All professional taxi drivers in Australia are required to have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST, regardless of how much they earn.