Many jobs require a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC); teachers and childcare workers, aged and healthcare workers, community services, government roles and more. The process is a standard way to screen roles that require working with the public, including gig economy work like Uber and Uber Eats.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know when getting a criminal background check for Uber, from how long it takes, whether you can work without it, and why you’ll need one for these roles.
What is a Criminal Background Check in Uber?
Also known as a criminal background check, NCCHC searches national police records for ‘disclosable outcomes’, allowing employers to assess a candidate’s suitability for a role such as driving or delivering for Uber and Uber Eats. Disclosable outcomes can include “court convictions (including penalties and sentences), charges, findings of guilt with no conviction and traffic offences.”
Some jobs will do their own background checks, but a criminal background check refers specifically to the checks listed above. Other types of checks include reference checks, civil checks and Working With Children check.
Can a Rideshare Company Ask You for a Background Check?
Yes, they can and generally do. Uber requires all its ‘partners’ (the name it gives to its riders and drivers) to undertake a criminal background check as part of its policy. Uber competitor Didi (another rideshare company) also requires background checks.
Despite these requirements, though, there are laws around background checks and how businesses can use the information they collect. As we mentioned in our guide, Australian law protects the privacy of anyone whose information is shared through a criminal history check, protects individuals from being discriminated against based on the check, and makes certain exceptions for criminal convictions to do with mental health issues, substance abuse and disabilities.
Why is a Criminal Background Check Necessary to Drive for Uber?
Uber conducts criminal background checks for the safety of its users. This is essentially the same reason that public healthcare workers, teachers, childcare workers and other public-facing roles are required to undertake the check. Businesses like Uber put users in potentially vulnerable positions, such as sharing a car ride alone with a driver, so it’s in the best interest of Uber (and a natural demand from users) that user safety is prioritised here.
Can I Drive for Uber With a Criminal Record?
The short answer is that, yes, you can still drive for Uber with a criminal record. However, this isn’t always the case. Some convictions (such as sexual assault and murder) may result in instant disqualification, but not every conviction is the same. Even if you have a criminal conviction, it’s worth remembering that employers are not allowed to discriminate against you on that basis; people with criminal histories still have the right to employment.
One other thing to keep in mind is that not all criminal convictions are relevant to employers. For instance, spent convictions (which are usually convictions recorded ten or more years ago) don’t have to be disclosed if certain criteria—such as good behaviour—is met.
How to Apply for a Criminal Background Check for Uber and Uber Eats
Thinking of working with Uber or Uber Eats and ready to apply for a criminal background check with Intercheck? Here’s how it works:
- Choose the Background Check: Choose from two different types of criminal background check for Uber Eats and Uber—standard or volunteer. Standard checks will be relevant for those seeking paid employment in a position with Uber or Uber Eats. Volunteer checks are for those looking to do unpaid work with charities etc. and are not likely to be relevant here.
- Submit Your Personal Information, ID and Photo: In order to run the check, you’ll need to provide information about yourself (including names/aliases, current and recent addresses and date of birth), plus an acceptable photo and identification document(s).
- Verify Your Email Address: The check is entirely digital, meaning you’ll need to have a verified email address for us to send your results.
- Collect Your Verifiable Digital Result: Results can come through in as little as a few minutes, although most are back to you within the day. In some cases, you may need to wait up to 10 days.
How Long Does an Uber and Uber Eats Criminal Background Check Take?
Each background check is unique and, as such, there’s no standard turnaround time. In most cases, though, your criminal check will be completed and digital results available within a day. In some cases, it may take as little as just a few minutes. In 95% of cases, results will come back within 10 days, although manual reviews by police jurisdictions or applications submitted without all relevant documentation may take longer (in some cases, up to 15 days).
What if a Criminal Background Check for Uber Expired?
As ACIC explains, criminal background checks don’t ‘expire’ exactly. They’re considered ‘point in time’ checks that are most relevant at the time of issue. Since the relevance of convictions changes over time (and new convictions may not have been recorded), your criminal background check for Uber is considered expired if it wasn’t completed recently.
How to Renew Criminal Background Check for Uber
If it’s been a while since your last criminal background check, you might need to renew it. To do so, all you’ll need to do is follow the same application steps as we listed above, or start the process now.
How Can InterCheck Help With Criminal Background Checks for Uber Drivers
If you’re hoping to join the gig economy with work for either Uber or Uber Eats, you’ll need a criminal history check. It makes sense, since businesses like Uber want to let the public know that they’re safe, and employing drivers and couriers who meet certain criteria is one way to do it. Fortunately, here at Intercheck we’ve made the process of getting a criminal background check simple and straightforward, so that anyone can request one with ease.
Ready to apply for a criminal background check for Uber Eats and Uber? Learn more about us and our services, get in touch, get all your questions answered or simply apply for a check today!
