If you want to make some extra money by figuring out how to become an Uber driver then there are some things that you will need to do.
This guide will show you how to do so as quickly as possible.
Tell me more!
Uber, the popular ridesharing app is revolutionizing the method of booking taxis.
Not only is it making taxi travel cheaper and easier to book, but it makes it possible for anyone with a car to make some extra money.
Step 1 – Deciding to Become an UBER Driver
Before we start looking at the actual process of how to become an Uber driver, it’s important to decide whether or not it’s for you.
A driving job isn’t suitable for everyone.
The most important thing you will need to look at is the driver pay rates.
Most people will want to know…
How much do Uber drivers make?
The rate you earn will vary depending on workload and location.
Good news!
Depending on the number of hours you have available to drive, you could potentially earn quite a nice extra income.
If you like this idea then continue on to step 2 to check the requirements necessary for anyone interested in driving for Uber.
What is an UBER Driver?
Before you can decide if this is a good gig for you, you may have some questions.
Such as…
What exactly IS an Uber driver, and what does it mean?
Well, it’s actually fairly self-explanatory.
This can be a full-time or part-time gig in which you’d be driving passengers in a similar manner to that of a traditional taxi driver.
The entire transaction takes place through the app, which is a huge plus.
Less fuss and less hassle!
And passengers can still tip of course.
You would be able to accept a ride through the app when it pops up, then pick up your passenger(s) and take them to their destination.
Another option is to become a Lyft driver and earn tips from passengers that you cannot with Uber.
Benefits of Driving for UBER
Becoming an Uber driver has a lot of perks.
Of course, it’s not for everyone, but it can be a great full-time income or a part-time gig.
Here are a few of the many benefits:
- Flexible hours.
- Control over your pay (drive a lot one week & a little the next, it’s up to you).
- Opportunities for additional income (surge pricing, bonuses, etc.)
- Additional perks (driver rewards with fuel, phone plans, music, insurance, etc.)
- Clear expectations, always.
- Vehicle solutions for those without a car.
- Safety & security.
- Community support.
- Insurance coverage.
These are just a few of the many benefits of learning how to become an Uber driver.
It really is a great opportunity for many people.
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Pro Tip: If you’re considering driving full-time, we suggest also driving for Lyft. There are benefits to working with each of these rideshare platforms, and since the hours are in your control, having the opportunity to drive for both companies can allow you to take advantage of the exclusive perks for each. Plus, when one is slow, the other may not be. It’s a good way to maximize your income!
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Step 2 – Checking UBER Driver Requirements
Getting started is actually pretty easy, as long as you meet the requirements to drive for Uber.
The general requirements of becoming an Uber driver include a few safety criteria.
Here’s how to become an Uber driver with 9 simple conditions:
- The driver of the vehicle must be named on the insurance.
- Must be 21 or older.
- You need to have over 3 years of driving experience.
- Pass the background check requirements (7 years of history).
- Checks sex offender registry.
- Social security number check.
- Need to have a clean driving license (max 3 incidents in 3 years).
- No DUI charges or reckless driving charges.
*It’s worth noting that the terms and conditions can be changed at any time.
It’s worthwhile to check the latest requirements for yourself on their official website.
Also…
There’s no need to have special or additional insurance to be a rideshare driver.
As long as you have regular insurance in your own name then you will be fine.
More on that later.
As long as you satisfy these minimum requirements then you can continue on to the next step.
How to Be an UBER Driver
So you want to work for Uber.
How does it work?
Uber driving can be a pretty great opportunity for a lot of people.
First, once your application is accepted, they will provide you with a smartphone.
This will effectively be your work phone already complete with the company’s partner app.
Once you start accepting rides, they will pop up right through the app for you to accept when you’re available.
Also…
Just make sure to keep your account relatively active.
You can accept a minimum of one ride every 30 days to stay within the ‘active’ status.
Keep on reading for more information on how to work for Uber.
You may also be interested in driving for Lyft.
In this case, you will want to find out how much do Lyft drivers make?[divider]
Step 3 – The UBER Application
If you are lucky enough to meet the general requirements then you can start to apply for an account.
This is simply a matter of visiting www.uber.com and following the instructions.
It’s easy!
You need to enter basic information about yourself and your car.
The questions are quite simple and straightforward.
They will use the information you give them to perform the background checks that are necessary to keep passengers safe.
When applying you will also need to scan your driving license and upload this.
They also require photographs of your car to check that it is a suitable vehicle, and also that it’s in good condition.
Applying to Drive with UBER
So what does the application actually entail?
First of all, the application is free.
You start by providing a little information about yourself and your car within the framework of the application.
Next, you’ll need to provide copies of documents such as your driver’s license.
From there, it’s pretty simple.
Just wait for approval, download the app, and start driving![divider]
Step 4 – Getting Vehicle Checked
They take safety seriously and so before you can start earning money driving, you will need to get your vehicle checked.
The safety check will test the basic safety features of your vehicle including lights, seatbelts, and airbags.
Safety first!
Uber Car Requirements
You know what’s required of you as a driver, but what about your car?
There are a few requirements.
These are to ensure the safety and satisfaction of both drivers and passengers.
Vehicle requirements to become an Uber driver:
- Your car must have at least 4 doors.
- The car must be 2006 or newer (varies by city).
- Must have in-state car insurance.
- In-state plates are required.
- Must have current registration.
- You must pass the vehicle requirements inspection.
- No taxis or salvaged vehicles.
They carry out their own safety check for free in certain cities and areas.
However, you can also have the safety check carried out by any most qualified mechanics.
There is a checklist that they will need to work through and sign to pass on.
This will ensure that your car will be safe enough for passengers to catch a ride.
Does an UBER Driver Salary Include Insurance?
When driving with Uber, the company does extend some comprehensive insurance to its drivers.
Their insurance coverage includes:
- liability insurance
- uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage
- contingent comprehensive and collision insurance
If you’re interested in learning more about this coverage, you’re in luck.
Everything you’d want to know about Uber insurance can be found here.[divider]
Step 5 – Passing the Background Check
The background check isn’t instant and can take up to seven days to complete.
You will not be able to earn any money driving until you have passed all the background checks.
In some circumstances, this can take longer, but they will keep you informed by email if this is the case.
How long?
Typically, within 7 days you will receive an email telling you the outcome of the background checks.
In most cases, and if you have nothing to hide, the background checks will pass quite quickly.
After this period, you can start earning fares.
When you receive approval, they will send a welcome pack in the mail.
This includes an aux lead for your car, an Uber sticker for your windshield and a few bits of information.[divider]
Step 6 – Start Driving
Once you have completed all of the steps above you are ready to start driving and earning money.
Exciting!
There isn’t too much of a learning curve if you’re looking to be an excellent driver.
You can make good money just by being courteous and naturally yourself.
Drive safe, and be polite.
Download the UBER Driver App
Before your first ride…
You will need to download the app to your iPhone or Android smartphone.
How do I do that?
This can be done by visiting the app store on your phone and searching for Uber.
Once downloaded and installed you can then log in to your account.
If you see a warning message then you will need to make sure you have passed the background check first.
If you haven’t, just wait until you have.
When you are logged into the app you can then click the ‘Go Online’ button to show that you are available for hire.
Clicking on this button will display a map which shows you can start accepting passengers.
The app will alert you when there is a passenger to pick up, and also direct you using your phone’s navigation.[divider]
Step 7 – Building up a Good Reputation
After each trip, the app invites passengers to rate the experience they had with your lift.
The better the score, the easier you will find it to make money in the future.
So what can I do?
It’s important that you make sure your passengers are comfortable and get to their destination as quickly as possible.
It’s also important to keep your car tidy at all times to give passengers the very best experience.
The more positive reviews you receive, the busier you will get.
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Pro Tip: Little things can go a long way! We suggest having little things available to your passengers, such as a phone charger, tissue, and maybe even a little mini bottle of water.
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Step 8 – Getting Paid Driving for UBER
You do not need to request payment from each passenger when you pick them up.
Instead, passengers pay Uber directly through the app.
Uber will then pay drivers every week once you have met the thresholds.
They deposit earnings directly into your bank account.
How Much Do UBER Drivers Make?
Now you know what goes into how to drive for Uber.
One of the biggest factors, though…
How much does an Uber driver actually make?
Well, it varies.
It varies between cities, and also by how many hours you work.
You can drive super part-time, or you can drive all day or any amount in between.
So the short answer is that it’s all up to you!
How Does UBER Driver Pay Work?
Are you wondering…how do Uber drivers get paid?
It’s simple.
They pay weekly via direct deposit.
You set up your bank account information when you set up your driver account.
Everything from there is automatic!
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Pro Tip: You can get paid immediately when necessary by utilizing Uber’s Instant Pay, which cashes out your earnings on-demand. Check out more information about this program here.
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How to Become an UBER Driver Q&A
Questions?
You’re not the only one!
There is a lot that goes into learning how to become an Uber driver.
We’ve got some frequently asked questions below for those of you looking to learn more.
For further information, be sure to check out their official driver partner help portal.
What Does it Take to Be an Uber Driver?
Requirements include the fact that you must be 21 years or older (it depends on the city; some are 23). The applying driver needs to be on the vehicle’s insurance. They also require three years’ or more driving experience. The vehicle must pass Uber’s inspection as well.[divider]
What is an Uber Driver?
Uber, or Uber Technologies, Inc., is an online transportation company working multi-nationally. Their headquarters are located in San Francisco, California. The company operates the Uber mobile app, the likes of which allows customers to request a ride with their smartphones. This request is paired with drivers using their own cars.[divider]
How Much Money Can You Make with Uber?
On average, salaries are very good with Uber. It can vary, though.[divider]
What is the Uber App?
The Uber platform is a transportation network/taxi company based on their innovative smartphone app. They are headquartered in San Francisco, California, but they operate in hundreds of cities in many countries. They platform uses a smartphone application to pair ride requests with nearby drivers.