Uber has requirements for both vehicles and those who drive them. Here’s what you need to know before deciding to drive for Uber.
Key Takeaways:
- You can drive part-time or full-time.
- You can drive for Uber if you don’t own a car by utilizing their agreements with rental companies for reduced rates.
- Uber has vehicle requirements that include age, model, and condition, and they do their own inspections.
- Those who want to drive for XL, Comfort, or Black must meet additional vehicle requirements.
- You must pass a background check, plus have a valid driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of insurance, and other documentation.
- You can cash out up to five times a day, so you never have to wait to get paid.
Working for a ride sharing company appeals to many. Maybe you’re someone who likes to drive and enjoys meeting new people, or you like the idea of working for yourself. Or, maybe you’re bootstrapping the startup company of your dreams and want the flexibility to work on what you really want to do during the day. Perhaps you’re looking for some side income.
Wondering what it takes to drive for Uber, the largest ride sharing company? Here’s everything you need to know to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
- You need to sign up to drive for Uber
It’s simple: Go to Uber’s Drive page, click “Sign up to drive,” and you’ll be taken to the right page. You’ll note at the top that you can select whether you have a car or need a car. If you need a car, Uber has partnered with rental car agencies to provide rental cars at a low rate.
- Uber has driver requirements
Uber has driver requirements to meet, documents that have to be provided, and you must pass a driver screening. This process includes the following:
- Minimum requirements to drive – You must meet the minimum age requirement to drive in your state, for example. You must also have at least one year’s experience as a licensed driver, and three years if you are under age 25. You must have a valid US driver’s license, and you may need to use an eligible 4-door vehicle, depending on your city.
- Documents you must provide – To drive for Uber, you must produce a valid US driver’s license, proof of residency, proof of insurance in your name if you plan to drive your own car, and a Social Security card. You also have to provide a digital driver profile photo that is forward-facing, centered, includes your full face and top of your shoulders, and no sunglasses. The photo must be of only you, well-lit, and in focus, and you can’t use your driver’s license photo or other printed photo.
- You’ll go through a driver screening – As part of the signup process, you’ll complete an online screening that will review your driving record as well as your criminal history. It’s a multi-step process that can flag a number of issues such as driving violations, impaired driving, and violent crime.
Uber also builds in ongoing checks that pull data to check for new offenses. Checks are run yearly to make sure driver’s still meet standards, and customers can submit reports that are reviewed by a support team. If you violate any community guidelines. you could face loss of access to your Uber accounts.
- Uber has specific vehicle requirements
Vehicle requirements can vary by city, and there is no central online list. Uber has a list of minimal requirements, however, which includes:
- Your vehicle can be no older than 15 years.
- It must have four doors.
- It must be in good condition with no cosmetic damage.
- There can be no commercial branding.
- It can’t have a salvage title.
- It can’t be a van, box truck or similar vehicle.
Your vehicle also must pass a vehicle safety inspection that checks that headlights, taillights, other exterior lights, the horn, seat adjustments, and doors all work as they are supposed to. Tires and their tread depth are checked as well. This inspection is over and above any state-or-city-required inspection, and can be done at an Uber Greenlight Hub or at an inspection center in your city.
It’s important to note that Uber offers different kinds of services, so additional requirements apply to drive for Uber XL, Uber Comfort, or Uber Black services:
- Uber XL offers rides for larger groups, and vehicles must be 2002 model or newer with four doors, have seats and seatbelts for the driver and six passengers, and have no cosmetic damage, missing pieces, commercial branding, or paint jobs that look like a taxi. They also cannot be rental or salvage vehicles, or be large passenger vans or commercial trucks.
- Uber Comfort is for people who want to be in new, spacious cars. Eligible drivers have to complete at least 100 trips, keep a minimum rating of 4.85, and drive an eligible model vehicle. These include brands like Acura, Alfa Romeo, Audi, and Bentley, among others.
- Uber Black drivers have luxury vehicles and are top rated. Only specific vehicles in certain colors are eligible, and must be six years old or newer. The exterior must be black with an interior in black leather or vegan leather. Drivers must maintain a 4.85 rating or above, based on the most recent 500 rated trips. They must also be professionals with commercial insurance and all required permits for their area.
- Getting paid depends on your preferences
Finally, the important part! Here’s what to know about getting paid when you drive for Uber:
- You can cash out with Instant Pay up to five times each day.
- You can send your pay to a debit card.
- If you use your own debit card, there’s a fee of $0.50 per cashout.
- If you use an Uber debit card from GoBank, there is no cashout fee or monthly fee.
You can work full-time or part-time when you drive for Uber, depending on how often you want to be on the road. It’s up to you how often you check in on the app and accept rides in your area.
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