Whether you’re looking for a little extra money or a full-time career, becoming an Uber driver could be the right option. You get to choose when and where you work, which makes it ideal for fitting around your life and other commitments.
But aside from a suitable vehicle, what else do you need to become an Uber driver? It’s a question we hear a lot, so we thought we’d put this handy guide together.
Here’s what you need to know.
How to sign up as an Uber driver
- Head to uber.com and sign up using your email address, then download the Uber app on your phone.
- Apply for a private hire licence from your local council (check to see if your local area accepts Uber drivers first).
- Once you’re approved, take out a private hire taxi insurance policy so you can legally carry passengers in exchange for money.
- Upload your proof of ID and necessary documents to the Uber app.
- Complete the virtual onboarding course.
- Activate your account and start making money.
Check whether you meet the Uber requirements
Before you can start driving for Uber, you’ll need to make sure you’re eligible. Here are the basic requirements you’ll need to meet:
- You’re at least 21 years old.
- You hold a valid UK driver's licence. If you have an EU driver's licence, you'll need to convert it to a UK driver's licence before onboarding.
- You have an approved private hire licence from your local council.
- You’re covered by a private hire taxi insurance policy (also known as hire and reward insurance).
- Your vehicle meets Uber's standards in the UK.
You’ll find the full list of requirements on the Uber website.
What happens after you sign up to Uber?
Once you've signed up to drive for Uber, you'll need to upload a few documents to verify your identity and eligibility. These include a valid UK driver's licence, your private hire licence, a bank statement, and a driver profile photo.
You'll also need to complete the Edume Course, a virtual onboarding course that familiarises you with the Uber app and its features.
Aside from making sure your vehicle meets all the requirements, you’ll also need to provide proof of ownership, private hire insurance, and that your vehicle has passed its MOT.
If you don’t own a car (or your car isn’t eligible), Uber does offer other vehicle solutions for drivers.
Once you've completed all the steps and activated your account, you’re ready to start making money as an Uber driver.
How to build a good Uber driver rating
So you’ve signed up to Uber and started your first shift as a driver. Nice one!
Next, it’s important to start building a good driver rating so you can get more passengers, more fares, and (hopefully) better tips. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Keep your car clean
No one likes to ride in a dirty car, so make sure to clean your vehicle regularly, inside and out. First impressions count.
Make each journey a nice experience
Greet your passengers and ask if they need help with their luggage. Keep the noise and temperature in your vehicle comfortable and drive safely and considerately.
Offer in-car extras
Small gestures like offering hand sanitizer, tissues, and charging cables can make a huge difference to your passengers.
Pick the best route
Try to find the shortest, fastest and most fuel-efficient route to get your passengers to their destination quickly. Let your passengers know why you're taking a certain route to make them feel like they're in good hands.
Keep your phone updated
Make sure to download the latest version of the Uber app and keep your phone in good working order. Consider using a phone mount to make it easier to see your destination and follow map directions.
You’ll find more tips like these in our full guide to improve your Uber rating.
Frequently asked questions
Curious to find out more about working as an Uber driver? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive.
What kind of car do I need to drive for Uber?
Uber accepts different types of vehicles for each of its services (Uber and UberEats, etc.), but there are specific requirements for each one. Generally, your car should be a 4-door vehicle that’s no more than 10-15 years old.
Do I need special insurance to drive for Uber?
As a driver for Uber in the UK, you’re legally required to have private hire taxi insurance. It’s known as hire and reward (H&R) insurance, and it’s different from your regular car insurance (known as SD&P).
It provides drivers with extra cover for transporting passengers in exchange for money, as well as public liability cover in case somebody tries to sue you following an accident.
You can find out everything you need to know about this in our guide to what insurance you need to drive for Uber.
How much money can I make as an Uber driver?
Your earnings as an Uber driver can vary based on a number of factors, such as where you live, what time of day you work, and how many hours you work. Uber drivers are paid a fare for each ride, minus Uber's service fee (which is currently 25%).
Is it safe to drive for Uber?
Driving for Uber is a relatively safe way to earn money, especially now that the company has introduced measures to protect drivers and riders. These include in-app emergency assistance, GPS tracking, and 24/7 customer support. Uber also carries out background checks on all drivers to make sure they have a clean driving record and no criminal history.
Can I drive for Uber part-time?
Yes, you can drive for Uber part-time. You have the flexibility to set your own schedule and work as little or as much as you want, which makes driving for Uber a popular choice, especially for people who want to fit their work around family and social commitments.
Do I need to own my own car to drive for Uber?
No, owning a car or minicab isn’t a requirement to drive for Uber. They offer rental programs and partnerships with car leasing companies. So even if you don’t have a vehicle, you can still earn a living as an Uber driver.
What if I have a problem with a passenger or ride?
If you encounter any problems while on the road, Uber's support team is available to help. You can contact them through the app and they’ll help to get you back on track.
