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Uber vehicle requirements

Uber Car Requirements—Does Your Vehicle Meet the Requirements?

Uber Car Requirements 2019 – Does Your Vehicle Meet the Requirements?

Whether you want to work full- or part-time, becoming a rideshare driver offers plenty of opportunities to boost your income. Uber is the most popular choice for those entering the rideshare industry for the first time, but the company does have a variety of criteria that must be met. While your initial focus may be on qualifying as a driver, you’ll also need to utilize a vehicle that meets Uber’s car requirements. Below is everything you need to know about passing the rideshare company’s vehicle inspection process.

Uber Car Requirements: The Basics

The two most important focuses of the driver application process are Uber driver requirements and vehicle requirements. To drive for the rideshare company, you need to meet the criteria of both aspects. Here’s a closer look at each:

Basic Uber Driver Requirements

Before you can join the Uber fleet, you need to ensure that you qualify as a driver. The rideshare company has a few basic requirements that all applicants must meet:

  • Age: Must be at least 21
  • Experience: One year of driving experience for individuals over 23 or three years for anyone under 23
  • License: Must have a valid, up-to-date driver’s license
  • Background: No violent crime convictions

Uber completes a thorough background check to review each applicant’s criminal and driving history. Any more than three tickets within the last three years will cause the system to reject your application. Drivers must also be present on the vehicle’s insurance policy.

Basic Uber Vehicle Requirements

Once you’re sure you meet the basic driver criteria, you can turn your attention to Uber’s vehicle requirements. You’ll need to provide proof of registration, but you don’t have to be the owner of the car to drive it. Here are the basic checkpoints:

  • Age: Can’t be older than 15 years
  • Doors: Must have four doors
  • Seats: Fits at least four passengers with seatbelts
  • Insurance: Must meet the state’s liability insurance coverage requirement
  • Inspection: Must pass the company’s inspection checklist

The rideshare company doesn’t accept rebuilt vehicles or those with salvage titles. The car, SUV, or minivan must also be in excellent condition and free of any major cosmetic damage.

State & City Uber Requirements

Uber’s company-wide requirements aren’t the only criteria—you also need to meet the driver and vehicle requirements of local and state governments. Many municipalities have put their own laws in place that govern who can and can’t legally provide rideshare services in the area. For instance, a vehicle age restriction of 10 years is common in many cities, which is five years less than the company’s rule. As a result, it’s important that you verify your location’s unique requirements before applying to become an Uber driver.

A Breakdown of Uber Vehicle Requirements

There are a few different ride styles available with Uber. Each level is associated with stricter requirements as well as higher fare. If you qualify for one of the more luxury-focused categories, you can end up earning a substantial amount more per ride than the basic options. Here’s a closer look at each level and the associated requirements:

UberX

The most basic ride style is UberX, which offers a no-frills, comfortable, and safe journey. You’ll need to meet all the basic Uber car requirements listed above. If you qualify for UberX, you can also drive for UberPOOL. Some of the most common car examples include the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Toyota Camry.

Uber Car Requirements - UberX

Uber Comfort

Uber Comfort offers a newer mid-size vehicle with guaranteed legroom. You’ll need a car less than five years old, in good condition, with extra legroom. Check out our Uber Comfort guide for a list of vehicles that qualify.

UberXL

UberXL is a larger version of the UberX with a focus on affordability and convenience. To qualify for UberXL rides, your vehicle needs to accommodate the needs of at least six passengers (seven seats total). The higher occupancy level of UberXL means drivers make more per trip. The Ford Explorer and Dodge Caravan are two of the most popular vehicles in this category.

UberSELECT

UberSELECT is a step up in luxury from UberX. To meet the Uber car requirements for this option, the vehicle needs to fit four passengers, offer four-doors, and have a leather interior. It must also be under 10 years old. Lexus LX and Cadillac CTS are two common examples of UberSELECT vehicles. Check out our Uber Select driver guide for more information on Uber Select vehicles.

Uber Vehicle Requirements - Uber Select

UberSUV

UberSUVs offer the size capabilities of UberXL but with the luxury of a high-end appearance. While there are location variables, typically UberSUVs need to be five years old or newer, offer a black interior and exterior, and have a capacity for six riders. For this category, you’ll see quite a few luxury SUVs, like the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade. There are also higher driver restrictions, which usually require commercial driver registration and experience.

UberBLACK

UberBLACK is the rideshare version of a traditional black car service. This category features only high-end vehicles in excellent condition to create the luxurious atmosphere riders desire. While this ride option typically utilizes sedans of high-end brands, like Mercedes, SUVs also qualify. However, all vehicles must be newer than five years and offer black-on-black attributes (black interior and exterior). As with UberSUV, drivers must be registered for commercial driving services.

Uber Vehicle Requirements - Uber Black

UberLUX

UberLUX is the epitome of class and luxury, and it also pays the highest fares. The Uber vehicle requirements are incredibly strict for this style of ride, so it’s much harder to qualify. As with UberBLACK and UberSUV, all UberLUX vehicles must offer a black-on-black finish along with an excellent interior and exterior condition. Top-quality Audis, Porsches, and BMWs are common, but they must be under five years of age.

Uber Car Requirements - Uber Lux

 

Don’t Meet Uber’s Car Requirements? Here Are Your Options

If you don’t meet the minimum vehicle requirements, don’t give up your dream of driving just yet. There are two alternative options available: rent an Uber vehicle or opt for a delivery service.

Rent an Uber Vehicle

To accommodate the needs of more individuals, Uber has partnered with three companies to allow drivers to rent a vehicle for the purpose of rideshare. It’s a fairly new program, but it’s an excellent move because it opens up the market to more contractors. The three Uber car rental options available include:

  • Getaround: Designed for short-term rentals
  • Hertz: Offering weekly rentals
  • Fair: Affordable and flexible leases for Uber, and other rideshare and delivery services.

These partnerships make it easier for drivers to start making money, even if their current vehicle doesn’t meet the minimum Uber car requirements. Unfortunately, the services are only currently available in certain markets. If you live in a major metropolitan area, then it’s likely a solid choice. However, drivers in smaller cities or rural locations will have to wait until the service expands because Uber only accepts drivers with rentals from approved companies.

Delivery Driver Services

If you don’t want to rent a vehicle, you also have other on-the-road options outside of rideshare. UberEats is the company’s food delivery service, which has fewer restrictions on vehicles. For car delivery, they accept vehicles made after 1998, and it only has to have two doors. You can also make Uber deliveries with scooters and bikes.

There are also a plethora of other delivery options. Caviar and Doordash are top recommendations because of their popularity and wide customer base. Instacart is another up-and-coming service, but instead of restaurants, it focuses on grocery shopping and delivery. Each of these options is accompanied by their own requirements, but since passengers aren’t involved, most of the companies are more lenient on vehicle condition and age.

What to Expect at the Uber Vehicle Inspection

All Uber vehicles have to undergo a 19-point inspection before they’re given the all-clear. Once your application is approved, Uber will send you information outlining partnering auto shops in your area where you can schedule the service for free. Here’s what the technician looks for during the inspection:

  • Exterior lights – headlights, tail lights, brake lights
  • Brake pads and shoes
  • Windshield – general condition and wiper functionality
  • Functioning seatbelts
  • Doors – working condition and locks
  • Horn
  • Bumpers – presence and condition
  • Exhaust system
  • Tires – tread and signs of damage

Each inspection is only good for 12 months, so you’ll need to complete the task again in one year. If there aren’t any partnering auto shops in the area, you can choose any shop that’s approved to provide state vehicle inspections. In such a situation, you will have to pay out-of-pocket for the service. You’ll also need to provide the technician with the correct paperwork and have them submit it to the company.

Meeting Uber’s Vehicle Requirements: Time to Hit the Road

Now that you know Uber’s car requirements, you’re one step closer to hitting the road and making money. If you’re ready to apply, utilize our Uber driver promo code – i9tz1 –  to ensure you reach your full earning potential. Simply click the button below to start your Uber application, and receive a sign up bonus earnings guarantee of up to $2000.

 

 

Uber Driver Requirements

Uber Driver Requirements: Can You Drive for Uber?

Uber Driver Requirements 2019: Can You Drive for Uber?

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If you’re interested in signing up to drive for Uber, make sure you satisfy the Uber driver requirements.

Uber is currently available in over 600 cities. This opens up potential opportunities for those interested in driving for extra cash in their spare time, or as a full time job.

Currently, Uber is offering sign up bonus earnings guarantees of up to $2000. Guarantee amount is determined by city. See our Uber sign up bonus page for more information.

Uber does have a few driver requirements, but they’re pretty simple. So, if you’re interested in signing up to drive for Uber (or UberEats), here’s everything you need to know.

Uber Driver Requirements

Before you apply to drive for Uber, make sure you meet all of the following requirements to drive passengers on Uber. Uber Eats driver requirements, and Uber vehicle requirements are further down the page.

  • You must be at least 21 years old. 
  • You must have a valid driver’s license (issued by a U.S. state or territory) and insurance. You must have had your license for at least one year. If you are under the age of 23, you must have had your license for at least three years.
  • Use an eligible 4 door vehicle.
Uber Driver Requirements

You also must pass a background check and a driving record check.

For the one year license requirement, your driving experience does not need to have taken place in the state in which you are applying. The only requirement is that the driving took place in the United States; international driving does not count. However, if your license was recently issued, you may need to submit proof of your licensing history, including a previous driver’s license or license number.

Although Uber does not perform a credit check or drug test, it does use a company called Checkr to complete a thorough background and driving record check over the last 7 years. A couple of speeding tickets shouldn’t be a problem, but DUIs, driving with suspended license charges, and criminal activity may be grounds to reject your Uber application.

Click the button below to start your application with our promo code (i9tz1) to be eligible for an Uber earnings guarantee of up to $2000 (guarantee amount determined by city).

 

Join Uber

 

Uber Driver Requirements – Uber Eats

The Uber driver requirements for Uber Eats (Uber Delivery) are less strict. If you plan to use a vehicle, these are the requirements

  • You must be at least 19 years old.
  • You must have a two or four door vehicle made after 1998.
  • You must have a valid driver’s license and insurance.

However, you can also deliver for Uber Eats using a scooter or even a bicycle. For more information on delivering for Uber Eats, check out our Uber Eats Driver Guide.

Uber Vehicle Requirements

All vehicles being used for rides on the Uber app must meet the following requirements. However, certain cities have stricter requirements when it comes to the age of the vehicle, so be sure to check the specific requirements for your city.
  • Must have 4 doors and be able to transport a minimum of 4 passengers
  • Must be 15 model years old or newer
  • Title cannot be salvaged, reconstructed, or rebuilt. 
  • Rental vehicles – except those from an approved Uber lender – are not allowed.
  • Vehicle cannot have any cosmetic damage, missing pieces, commercial branding or taxi paint jobs. 

If you plan to drive a vehicle you do not personally own, you must be listed as an insured driver on this vehicle’s insurance policy. Uber will not approve a vehicle if the driver’s name is not on the insurance document.

Although trucks, minivans, and cars are all acceptable, full-size vans cannot be used to drive for Uber.

Vehicle must have seats and seatbelts for at least four passengers besides the driver. This is imperative and will be confirmed during the vehicle inspection.

If your vehicle does not match the requirements above, you may still be able to use your vehicle for deliveries on the Uber app. Or, you can rent or lease a vehicle through Uber during the application process.

UberBlack and UberSUV Requirements

If you have a newer model luxury vehicle, it may qualify for UberBlack or Uber SUV, luxury branches of the rideshare service.

UberSUV includes vehicles like the:

  • Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • Chevrolet Suburban
  • GMC Yukon XL
  • Infiniti QX56, QX80
  • Lexus LX
  • Lincoln Navigator L
  • Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

Model year requirements for UberSUV vary by market. You’ll need at least a 2012 model year. However, in many cities the requirements are even more stringent, requiring a 2015 or 2016 model year or newer.

UberBlack includes vehicles like the:

  • Audi A6, A7
  • BMW 5 Series
  • Cadillac XTS
  • Infiniti Q70
  • Jaguar XF
  • Lexus GS
  • Mercedes-Benz E-Class

You’ll need at least a 2013 vehicle to qualify for UberBlack. As with UberSUV though, many markets require a 2015 or 2016 model year or newer to qualify for UberBlack. Also, the vehicle generally has to be painted black, and be in pristine condition.

UberBlack and UberSUV have the same driver requirements previously mentioned for driving for Uber.

However, in many markets, you need a commercial registration (livery or chauffeur’s license), and commercial insurance to driver UberBlack or UberSuv.

Another thing to consider is that UberBlack restricts the number of vehicles on the road in a given city, so you’ll need to first ensure Uber is accepting new UberBlack/UberSuv drivers for the city you plan to drive in. Before you go through the trouble and expense of obtaining commercial registration and insurance, be sure to check with Uber so that you’re sure there is a spot available.

How To Start Driving For Uber – Application Guide

If you meet the driver requirements, click the button below to start your application with an Uber driver promo code, so you get a sign up bonus. For more information on the Uber application, see our post on How To Ace Your Uber Application.

 

Join Uber

 

What It’s Like to Drive for Uber

Now that you know about the Uber driver requirements, let’s talk about what you can expect when driving for the company.

How much can you expect to make driving for Uber?

Your compensation will depend on what city you drive in, what time of day you drive, and what day you are driving. However, driving Uber can be worth it, if you take the time to determine what hours are the most lucrative. This takes trial and error, so be prepared to experiment with your driving schedule when you begin. You should also keep track of your expenses as they will help you identify your true profit, both for your own knowledge as well as for your taxes.

The national average for Uber drivers is around $16 per hour, but in larger markets, top drivers routinely earn over $20 per hour. If you plan on driving full time, you can earn between $1000 and $1500 per week in most markets, sometimes more.

What should I do to prepare?

Passengers will expect to be picked up in a clean vehicle, so make sure your car is free from any trash, clutter, or funky odors. It is also a good idea to keep the exterior of your vehicle relatively clean to ensure a good rating. Besides cleaning your car, you will also want to invest in a car charger and a phone mount to make your driving experience as easy as possible. Since you’ll be using your Uber Driver app continuously, you’ll need to keep your phone plugged in so that it maintains its charge, and the phone mount will allow you to keep tabs on the GPS route without taking your eyes off the road.

Should I talk to my passengers?

One of the trickiest parts of driving for Uber is determining whether you should make conversation with the passengers you pick up. There is no hard and fast rule, and you’ll just have to follow your instincts. After greeting your passengers, gauge how enthusiastic their responses are and whether they are actively participating in the conversation or giving short answers, looking out the window, or browsing their phones. Your priority is to give your passengers a comfortable and enjoyable ride.

What if I don’t want people in my car?

The experience of picking up strangers in your own vehicle can be less than exciting for some. If that’s the case, consider signing up for UberEats, Doordash, Caviar, or another delivery service in your area.

 

Join Uber Eats

 

Join Doordash

 

Join Caviar

 

What Are You Waiting For, Start Your Uber Application Today

If you drive full time for Uber, you can earn between $1000 and $1500 per week in most cities, sometimes more. As a solid side hustle, it’s a great way to make extra cash to make ends meet, pay off loans, or even save up for a trip.

So, if you meet the Uber driver requirements, click the button below to start your application using our promo code and be eligible for an Uber earnings guarantee of up to $2000.

 

Join Uber