Want to Become an Uber Driver? Here’s All You Need to Know

When compared to other delivery drivers and taxi drivers, Uber drivers are paid a large amount of money. Some Uber drivers are paid nearly as much as junior engineers, making it a very effective way of earning money, in an industry that’s booming right now. You have the option to drive for Uber Eats, which is a food delivery service, or you can work directly with Uber, which is a taxi service.

Whatever area of Uber you choose to work in, you’re in good hands. This article will tell you a little more about working with Uber, including how you can get started.

Minimum Requirements

Becoming an Uber driver isn’t especially difficult. While there are some minimum Uber driver requirements, they aren’t particularly strict or hard to satisfy. As long as you are over the age of 23 and have a clean license, then there’s nothing stopping you from working for Uber. If you are under the age of 23, then you will need to have at least one year’s worth of experience working as a licensed driver. The reason for this is that younger drivers are considerably more likely to be involved in accidents. Uber does not want underqualified or inexperienced drivers working for them, especially if they are working as private hire drivers, because this puts the lives of those getting lifts at risk. If Uber were to hire underqualified drivers, then they wouldn’t be able to maintain their reputation and wouldn’t be most people’s first choice when it comes to ordering food or phoning for a taxi.

Driver Requirements

If you meet the minimum requirements, then you will also need a four-door vehicle and a late model vehicle (as in one that’s under ten years old). You need a four-door vehicle so that passengers can comfortably get in and out of your car when you are picking them up and dropping them off. You can of course invest in a much larger vehicle, which is perfect if you want to work as an XL Uber driver. XL Uber drivers earn a lot more than ordinary drivers do. The reason for this is that there are several categories of Uber drivers. The larger and more prestige the vehicle, the higher the charge is to customers. XL vehicles mean that you are able to take people to the airport, pick them up from nightclubs, and ferry large groups of people around. The reason that you need a late model vehicle is that newer vehicles are less likely to break down. It is worth mentioning, that if you intend on working for Uber Eats, then you might not need a four-door vehicle; it depends upon the country or state that you live in. You also need to be a good driver and know your state’s traffic laws. If you aren’t a good driver, you won’t last very long.

Relevant Paperwork

Once you are satisfied that you meet all of the minimum and driver’s requirements, then you can go ahead and apply. In order to apply, you will need to have all of the relevant paperwork prepared. This paperwork includes a valid U.S. driver’s license (or a driver’s license issued by the country that you live in); proof of residency in the city, state, or province that you intend on working in; proof of car registration and auto insurance and driver’s profile photo, which should be passport-sized. You need a photo because, on Uber’s application, every driver has their own profile and photo. This is so that people know who is picking them up and so that they can recognize them, and so that they can complain about them and be sure that they are complaining about the right person if need be.

Online Application

The online application process is relatively straightforward. You simply need to apply on Uber’s website. You must ensure that all of the information that you submit is up to date and accurate. If you submit any false information, then you could be banned from the hiring process. You will also need to have a clean criminal record, although cases are judged on an individual basis. If you do have any previous convictions, then it’s important to bring them up at the very beginning of the hiring process. If you try to hide convictions, they will eventually be discovered and this could result in you, as already mentioned, being banned.

Vehicle Inspection

Once you have made your application, the next step is to attend an interview and a vehicle inspection. The inspection will be performed by a mechanic or somebody with mechanical experience. The inspection will cover every aspect of your vehicle. They take place so that Uber can determine whether or not your vehicle’s safe for use as a private hire or courier vehicle. If they decide that it isn’t you will have to restart the hiring process, when you have made the relevant fixes, or when you have acquired a new vehicle. If you want the best chance at getting hired and don’t want to be turned down, then it’s best to get your car serviced before attending. This will give you the opportunity to resolve any problems before Uber notices them. The interview will be carried out by one of Uber’s representatives. It can take place in person or over the phone. Because of COVID-19, most interviews are being conducted either over the phone or through Zoom.

Area of Work

Finally, you need to be confident about where you want to work. As already mentioned, Uber has several categories of private hire drivers, and an option to work as a food courier. It is much more lucrative to work as a private hire driver, in an XL or luxury car. If you cannot afford either of these vehicles, you can still earn a lot of money driving an ordinary taxi. There is a lot more work for these kinds of vehicles, it’s just that the fairs are much lower. On a side note, you should consider installing cameras in your vehicle. It’s not uncommon for Uber drivers to be insulted or abused by passengers. Having cameras will help with prosecution if this does take place.

If you want to become an Uber driver, then you need to satisfy all of Uber’s requirements, and then go ahead with its online application process. Becoming an Uber driver is quite easy, as long as you are prepared and are a competent driver. Make sure that you are honest about yourself during the hiring process. Telling lies or making embellishments can result in you being ejected and banned.