How to Become an Uber Driver: Your Step-By-Step Guide

The lifestyle and potential earnings of being self-employed appeals to many individuals, which is why the rideshare industry is so attractive to such a large number of people. If you find yourself intrigued by the prospect, you’re probably wondering exactly how to become an Uber driver. If so, you’re in the right place! This article outlines everything you need to know about joining the Uber fleet and the processes involved.

How to Know if Uber Is the Right Match for You

Uber may not be the best option for every driver in the industry, so it’s important that you know more about the company before you spend more time learning how to become an Uber driver. Take a closer look at Uber and what you can expect from your experience as a driver, below.

Potential Earnings of Uber Drivers

There are multiple factors that play into your potential earnings as a rideshare driver. One of these considerations is the way Uber determines their driver pay. The company sets base rates for every location based on the type of Uber product you’re offering. For each ride, you’ll earn the base fare for every booking plus a certain amount per minute and mile of the journey.

During extremely busy periods, Uber offers drivers increased earning power with surge pricing. Surge fares are enforced when ride requests in an area exceed that of available drivers, so Uber temporarily increases their rates and offers drivers the chance to multiply their earnings. They also offer weekly promotions and bonuses. These bonuses can add several hundred dollars to a driver’s paycheck.

On top of your area’s Uber driver rates, you also need to consider the average demand of riders. Big cities offer a near constant need for drivers, but the demand in smaller locations fluctuates based on time of day, the day of the week, and the local events that are happening. As a result, it’s more of a challenge for rideshare drivers to estimate their potential earnings.

Uber’s Driver Restrictions

While Uber isn’t available in every city and town, they do offer the largest coverage area of any rideshare company, spanning more than 600 cities around the world. The company has set standards in place for drivers, so you need to meet those requirements in order to work for the company. Plus, local municipalities can also place their restrictions on the service, which makes the hiring process more strenuous for drivers in those areas.

Uber Driver Alternatives

There are many rideshare companies in the industry, but Uber and Lyft are the two most common. Their eligibility requirements are similar, but if you don’t qualify for one, you can still be approved by the other. However, delivery services, like Uber Eats and Postmates, have fewer restrictions in place. If you don’t qualify for Uber or Lyft, that doesn’t mean you’re out of the running to become a delivery driver for Doordash or Instacart.

The Benefits of Becoming an Uber Driver

While they’re currently top-dog in the rideshare industry, Uber knows that they’re battling with other companies for the attention of both riders and drivers. Fortunately, this competition means that the rideshare service offers benefits to earn and maintain their drivers’ loyalty. Some of these Uber offers include:

• Rate transparency
• Scheduling freedom
• 24/7 support
• Driver rewards

Here’s a closer look at each of these benefits.

Earning Transparency

One of the top advantages of driving for Uber is their commitment to transparent pricing. They’re honest from the get-go about the base rates for each area, and they also allow drivers to see the estimated fare for each trip before accepting the ride. Such transparency helps reduce the unknown for drivers so that they can better budget their time and money.

Set Your Own Hours

As a driver for Uber, you also have the ability to set your own hours. You can work full time or use the service to complement your earnings from another job. This quality allows Uber drivers the freedom to set and reach their financial goals without being held back.

Around-the-Clock Support

Uber also provides total support to their drivers. Their online help center provides numerous resources at the click of a button. Uber drivers can also access a support representative directly through their app any time of the day or night. Having around-the-clock support ensures that you don’t have to worry about finding help for whatever issues may arise.

Rewards

Uber also provides their drivers with numerous perks. These benefits include discounts on vehicle maintenance and cell phone service as well as financial management tools and health insurance. Currently, other rideshare companies can’t match the reward programs offered by Uber.

Eligibility Requirements for Becoming an Uber Driver

Before you find out how to become an Uber driver, it’s important that you verify if you meet the company’s minimum standards. The basic Uber driver requirements are as follows:

• You need to be at least 21 years of age.
• All drivers should have at least a year of experience behind the wheel, but drivers under 23 need to have had their driver’s license for at least three years.
• Your vehicle can’t be more than 15 years old.
• All Uber vehicles need to have at least four doors and room for four passengers.
• Your vehicle must be fully insured, and you also need to be listed as a driver on the policy.
• You can’t have received more than three speeding tickets within the last year.
• Your criminal record must be free of violent crimes.

Uber will verify these requirements during the application process by running a complete background check. This task involves reviewing both your driving record and criminal history. To verify the safety and quality of your vehicle, they also require a full inspection before you begin working with their service.

How to Become an Uber Driver

Now that you know everything about the company and their requirements, you’re ready to learn how to become an Uber driver. Surprisingly, the process of getting into the driver’s seat under the Uber brand is fairly easy. In fact, it can be broken into three main phases:

• Application process
• Approval period
• Vehicle inspection

Here’s a more in-depth look at each phase:

The Uber Driver Application

The first step toward your new career as an Uber driver is tackling the application process. Here’s your step-by-step guide:

1. Sign Up With A Promo Code To Get A Guarantee Or Bonus

In order to get an Uber sign up bonus, you must sign up with a promo code. If you want to use ours, it’s i9tz1. Click the button below to get started with a promo code already filled in.

2. Enter Your Information

One the sign up screen, you’ll enter your personal information, including name, email, and phone number, and choose your account password.

3. Choose Your Vehicle And Service

Next, the system will ask you to select the type of Uber service you want to sign up for. You can choose from UberX, UberBlack, or Uber Delivery (also known as Uber Eats).

4. Consent To A Background Check

Now, it’s time to verify your identity, which requires that you provide your social security number. On the next page, the system will ask you to agree to a background check. They provide the agreement and disclosure for this process on the page, so if you approve, you’ll click the “Agree” button and move to the next step.

5. Provide Documentation

At this point, the system will prompt you to upload photos or scans of your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance card. This is the final step of the Uber application process, so once you hit “Submit,” there’s nothing left to do but wait.

Waiting for Your Uber Driver Approval

While applicants can finish the Uber driver application process within an hour, the approval process can take anywhere from a few days to upwards of four weeks. The background check is the most time-consuming aspect of the task, so if multiple applications come through at the same time, you’ll experience a longer wait. After you finally get your approval, there’s only one step left to become an Uber driver — the vehicle inspection.

Scheduling Your Uber Driver Vehicle Inspection

If the company decides you’re the right fit, you’ll need to schedule an inspection for your car or SUV. Uber partners with auto shops in many of the areas they service. Also, you can often get an inspection for free at an Uber Greenlight Hub. If that option isn’t available, you will have to pay out of pocket for an inspection. It costs around $20. Once your vehicle is approved, then you’re ready to hit the road and make some money.

Making the Most of Your Uber Driver Career

After becoming an Uber driver, it’s up to you to make the most out of your time on the road. Fortunately, we offer a long list of informative guides to ensure Uber drivers have everything they need to achieve success. From choosing the right mileage trackers to planning for retirement as an independent contractor, you can utilize this information to boost your earnings and become a top-rated Uber driver. Join today using an Uber sign up promo code to help you secure guaranteed earnings during your initial period behind the wheel.