Every one of us today wants a career that doesn’t bind us to a desk for 8-9 hours straight. We want to have the freedom to decide our own working hours, meet new people, experience different things, and simply earn on our own terms. If this sounds like you, driving with Uber can be a great career choice.
Becoming an Uber driver doesn’t require you to prepare for your interview for hours. All you need to do is get a driving license valid in the UK, and check the other eligibility requirements (that we’ll discuss in detail below). One of the biggest concerns of prospective drivers is about the right car. If your own car meets Uber’s requirements, it’s great. But, if not, you can easily explore options like PCO car hire services that help you to rent a licensed car ideal for private hire.
Basic Requirements
Uber has its eligibility criteria that you must meet before starting to take the rides. Basic requirements include:
- Being at least 21 years of age.
- Having the right to work in the UK
- Holding a valid UK driver’s license for at least 3 years.
- Owning or renting a vehicle that meets Uber’s standards.
Apart from Uber’s criteria, you also need to meet local licensing requirements. For instance, the Transport for London (TfL) requires all private hire drivers to hold a PCO license. The licensing process usually includes background checks, medical checks, and also topographical skills assessments.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
Your car matters a lot for your success as an Uber driver. Your car needs to meet the specific requirements of Uber, depending on what kind of service (UberX, UberXL, UberExec) you will be providing.
On a general basis, your vehicle must be:
- Less than 10 years old
- In good condition with no cosmetic damage
- Be able to accommodate at least 4 passengers. (Four-door cars)
If your car doesn’t fit these criteria, you can always rent through car hire schemes. This approach significantly reduces the upfront and overhead costs of owning a vehicle. The cars through these schemes are already licensed, insured, and maintained to meet TfL and Uber standards.
Insurance and Safety
Insurance is a crucial step before you can begin driving for Uber. You’ll need private hire insurance, which is a bit different from any standard car insurance and covers you while you’re carrying passengers.
Uber also ensures safety for both drivers and passengers. The safety features include GPS tracking, in-app emergency support, and cashless payments. Before taking rides, you should familiarize yourself with these features for a smoother and safer driving experience.
Setting Up Your Uber Driver Account
Once you have your license and insurance in place, you can now set up your Uber driver account. It’s straightforward. All you need to do is:
- Upload your documents (License, insurance, and vehicle registration).
- Complete the background check: Uber needs your history for vetting your candidacy. Make sure to highlight your achievements.
- Attend an onboarding session: Uber may ask you to attend a brief training session to explain the app features and how to get on with your driving.
Once you’re approved, you’re granted access to the Uber driver app, where you can start accepting the rides.
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How to Maximize Your Earnings
Becoming an Uber driver is simple, but maximizing your earnings is very strategic. You must know some tips and tricks to earn more than other drivers who simply go with the flow.
Utilize peak hours: Early mornings, evenings, and weekends are usually the busiest.
Avail surge pricing: When the demand is high for Uber, the fares increase. Taking rides from surge areas can boost your income.
Plan your routes: If you know an area well, you can easily bypass high traffic areas and take shortcuts to maximise your shifts.
Track expenses: Keep a clear track of your fuel expenses, maintenance bills, other overhead costs, and also the income made per day. This will help you understand your net earnings.
Be Flexible yet Responsible
Being an Uber driver means flexibility and freedom. You can log out of your app whenever you like to fulfill other commitments and log back in when you want. However, it’s still a job that should be done responsibly. Keep your vehicle clean, be respectful and professional with passengers, and stay on top of paperwork. This will help you succeed in your Uber driving career.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an Uber driver may help you earn more than your 9-5 job. And still it comes with other perks like freedom to choose your working hours and enjoy the flexibility in your work life. If you love to travel and driving is your strong pursuit, consider registering with Uber. Owning a car is not a necessity when you can easily explore car hire options. All you need to do is get your license and other eligibility criteria checked and start taking rides from place to place.
