Canberra has become the world 's first capital city to legalise Uber and other ride - sharing services . Drivers must also complete a training accreditation course within six months of the laws being passed. Under the new legislation , to be announced later today , the Australian Capital Territory will regulate ride - sharing networks such as Ride and goCatch , and the legislation will come into effect late next month . Regulation will be introduced in two stages . The first will require drivers to be registered and accredited , and to undergo criminal checks , regular health checks , be drug - free , and have a zero blood alcohol level . Booking services will have to have a﻿ customer complaints process , and surge pricing will be required during emergencies . Under the second stage , ride - sharing drivers will ﻿ need vehicle insurance and compulsory third - party insurance for their vehicles .
Canberra has become the world 's first capital city to legalise Uber and other ride - sharing services . Under the new legislation , to be announced later today , the Australian Capital Territory will regulate ride - sharing networks such as Ride and goCatch , and the legislation will come into effect late next month . Regulation will be introduced in two stages . The first will require drivers to be registered and accredited , and to undergo criminal checks , regular health checks , be drug - free , and have a zero blood alcohol level . Booking services will have to have a﻿ customer complaints process , and surge pricing will be required during emergencies . Under the second stage , ride - sharing drivers will ﻿ need vehicle insurance and compulsory third - party insurance for their vehicles .