How to Become an Uber Driver

Becoming an Uber Driver is a great way to make some extra money in your spare time, earn an income during a stretch of unemployment, or even launch a career as a self-employed entrepreneur. In this article we explain the various opportunities to work behind the wheel for this fast-growing company. Then we will walk you through the process of starting up as an Uber driver, step by step.

Get $100 Sign Up Bonus with my referral link: www.uber.com/invite/kfih4 (bonus amounts vary by city)

Uber is an international company offering service in over 55 countries, so some details may vary depending on your country. However, the basic requirements to be an uberX driver are

• a valid driver’s license & registration
• good general health
• at least 21 years old
• a license to drive (see more details below)
• a clean criminal background
• a four door vehicle, model year 2005 or newer (some countries will allow you to lease the vehicle).
• a smartphone (needed to run the Uber driver app)
• a (free) credit card reader (such as from squareup.com) for accepting tips.

As Uber has grown they have added to the number of driving opportunities.  There are various level of private driver services and are expanding into areas such as limo service, taxi service, long distance trucking and even messenger/delivery services.

Here is the current list of Uber positions available. If being a taxi driver of sorts isn’t really appealing, you’ll see that there are other interesting driver options.

• Taxi
• Chauffer
• Limo
• Bus
• Heavy Truck
• Delivery Truck
• Courier
• Messenger

The categories are expanding rapidly, and many are new. For now, most new drivers just stick to being an uberX driver – a position in which a person can use their own vehicle (or a leased one) to provide personal transportation for a fee.

It’s a lot like a taxi cab service, however you’ll typically your own vehicle and set your own schedule. And there are some significant advantages to being an Uber driver. The sophisticated app that makes it all work offers a level of security to both passengers and drivers. Personal info for both parties are known to Ubers, so these are not completely random/anonymous meetings of driver and passenger. Passengers must already have payment data entered in their account, which helps confirm their identity, prevents getting “stiffed” by a non-paying passenger, and eliminates the need to carry significant amounts of cash when driving.

How do I Become an Uber Driver?

Let’s go through the steps of signing up. Please keep in mind that each country and even each state may have different specifics. It’s up to you to follow the rules and regulations for your area. But here is the typical process.

1. Driver License: A Commercial Driver License (CDL) is not required to drive for uberX in most US cities. Delivery drivers and couriers also generally don’t need a CDL. However, driving commercial trucks and busses will certainly require a CDL. For a commercial license, you’ll need to take a special written and driving test. This process can take 2 weeks up to 7 months and typically costs between $100 and $300.

2. Insurance: If driving your personal vehicle for the UberX level of service, you will need personal vehicle insurance that covers your normal non-paid use of your car. However, Uber actually provides excellent commercial insurance for the times you are engaged as a Uber driver. You can read the detail on the Uber website here: Uber Auto Insurance details.  But here is a recap of what Uber provides:

• $1 million of liability coverage per incident. Drivers’ liability to third parties is covered from the moment a driver accepts a trip to its conclusion. This policy is primary to any personal auto coverage.
• $1 million of uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage per incident
• Contingent comprehensive and collision insurance. If a driver holds their own comprehensive and collision insurance this policy covers physical damage to the vehicle that occurs during an Uber trip ($1000 deductible).
• No fault coverage (e.g., Personal Injury Protection) is provided in certain states at similar levels as limos or taxis in those cities.
• $50,000/$100,000/$25,000 of contingent coverage between trips. Normally, your personal auto insurance will provide coverage between trips. However Uber also backs the driver with an additional policy that covers driver liability for bodily injury up to $50,000/individual/accident with a total of $100,000/accident and up to $25,000 for property damage. This policy is contingent to a driver’s personal insurance policy, meaning it will only pay if the personal auto insurance completely declines or pays zero.
• UberBLACK, UberSUV, or uberTAXI rides are considered commercial services, for which you will need a CDL and commercial insurance.

3. Sign up on line. (And get a $100 bonus when using my referral link.) Fill out the application online. During the process you will need to pass a background check, show  that you are healthy enough to drive, set up a payment schedule, payment info and so forth. You will either require a vehicle of your own or you may fill out the proper information on their site to lease a vehicle through Uber. This also applies to a smartphone if you do not own one. Once they have approved all information and you have your financial information set up you’re all set to go.
4. Download the driver’s version of the Uber app to your smartphone. Now you’re ready. Turn it on and wait for someone to request a driver in your area.
5. When you are selected as a driver, you will head off to the passenger’s location. The rider enters the vehicle and you’re off. The uber app helps with turn by turn directions and more.
6. Drop your passengers off at their destination. You can accept tips with your Square credit card reader on your smartphone, or by using Vugo – a service which lets you earn extra money by showing ads on a tablet to your passenger, and also lets you accept tips.
7. You can then return home or wait near your last drop off for another fare.

What are the hours like? How much can you make Uber Driver?

That entirely depends on you. You can work full time or part time. If your hours are flexible, you can actually earn more per hour by targeting high-demand periods where there are both more passengers and higher earning rates due to priority period surcharges. See our article on Uber Driver Pay here