How to Become an Uber Driver
If you have been wondering how to become an Uber driver, you will be relieved to know that you only have to meet a few minimum requirements to apply. Driving for Uber is a good way to earn some extra money during your free time. As an Uber driver, you can set your own schedule and start working at a moment’s notice. If you meet Uber’s driver requirements, you can be your own boss and earn cash on the road.
In order to maximize safety and ride quality for both drivers and passengers, there are mandatory driver and vehicle requisites for anyone becoming an Uber driver. Furthermore, anyone looking to apply must submit certain documents to be eligible. Applicants can sign up easily using the Uber mobile app on their smartphones. Find out more about this opportunity to make money behind the wheel of your own vehicle.
Minimum Requirements to Be an Uber Driver
Being an Uber driver can be a worthwhile venture if you meet the company’s minimum driver requirements. First, you must meet the minimum driving age in your city and have a valid U.S. driver’s license. If you are younger than 23 years of age, you must have at least three years of driving experience in the United States. On the other hand, if you are older than 23 years old you will only need one year of licensed driving experience.
In an effort to promote customer safety, Uber has updated their background check procedures for all of their drivers. This process includes a motor vehicle review as well as a criminal background check. Certain driving violations or felony convictions may be cause for disqualification from becoming an Uber driver. Some disqualifying offenses include, but are not limited to:
- Major driving violations or a repeated history of minor driving violations.
- Convictions for felonies such as
- Violent crimes.
- Sexual offenses.
- Registered sex offender status.
- Criminal charges that are still pending.
- Unless and until all charges are resolved in favor of the applicant.
All background checks are private, secure and offered free of charge for any potential Uber driver. Drivers are subject to periodic background checks as an Uber requirement.
Documents Required for an Uber Driver Application
Before your Uber job application can be completed, you are required to provide certain documentation. Some documents are required to prove your identity including a valid U.S. driver’s license and proof of your residency in your city, state or province. If you will be driving your own vehicle, you must also provide proof of car insurance and proof of a vehicle inspection. Once you have gathered all of these documents, you must take a forward-facing, well-lit and centered photo for your Uber profile to complete your application.
Minimum Vehicle Requirements to Apply for Uber
All applicants interested looking into becoming an Uber driver must drive vehicles that meet the company’s established standards. In order to be eligible, your vehicle must:
- Be 15 years old or newer.
- Be a 4-door vehicle.
- Be in good condition with no cosmetic damage.
- Have no commercial branding or advertisements.
- Have seating and seat belts for 4 passengers, excluding the driver.
- Pass a mechanical vehicle inspection.
Furthermore, if you are trying to apply to Uber, you must provide both official and temporary vehicle registration documents. Your name does not have to be on the vehicle registration, but you must be listed as a driver on your vehicle’s insurance. Although Uber provides automobile liability insurance for all U.S. drivers, you must provide your own insurance coverage in accordance to your state laws.
Note: Vehicle requirements may differ in each city. Check your city’s requirements to ensure that your vehicle will be eligible to be driven with Uber.
Vehicle Options for Uber Drivers
Depending on your vehicle, you will provide one of four tiers of service when you become an Uber driver. These tiers were created based on the capacity and luxury of different vehicles. Each tier also has its own price range, so you can make more money for driving a roomy SUV or luxury sedan. The four service options include uberX, uberXL, LUX and LUX SUV. The following vehicles are not eligible for any service tier:
- Box trucks, vans or other similar automobiles.
- Taxi cabs, government vehicles or other marked or distinguishable cars.
- Vehicles with salvaged or rebuilt titles.
- Vehicles with seat or seat belt modifications.
UberX and UberXL
A majority of newer four-door cars will be eligible to be driven under either uberX or uberXL, depending on their size and capacity. The most common and lowest-cost type of Uber option on the streets are uberX vehicles. When you apply to Uber, your vehicle must include at least five factory-installed seats and seatbelts, working windows and air conditioning to qualify for uberX. This tier has the least amount of requirements when you become an Uber driver.
Being an Uber driver with an SUV or other high-capacity vehicle, you can potentially earn higher fares as with the uberXL service. In order to apply for this service tier, you typically must drive a four-door vehicle with working windows and air conditioning, and at least seven factory-installed seats and seat belts. Vehicles that are qualified for uberXL can also pick up customers requesting an uberX if they choose to. With more seats, you can make extra money by delivering extra passengers each trip.
LUX and LUX SUV
Drivers of pristine and luxurious high-end vehicle, may qualify for Uber’s LUX and LUX SUV service tiers. These services emphasize luxury and quality, so there are additional requirements to be an Uber driver with LUX or LUX SUV. In order to qualify for LUX or LUX SUV, you must:
- Drive a luxury vehicle with a model year of 2010 or newer.
- Maintain your vehicle exterior in excellent condition.
- Have leather or vinyl interiors with no tears or damage.
- Complete a minimum of 75 trips with Uber.
- Maintain a driver rating of 4.7 or better.
UberLUX vehicles can be high-end sedans, crossover SUVs or full-sized SUVs that can seat at least four riders excluding the driver. In order to drive under the LUX SUV tier, a vehicle must have the seating capacity for six passengers and a driver.
Note: The vehicle requirements for each tier may differ depending on the city. Find out the specific vehicle requirements established in your city.
How to Complete an Uber Driver Application
The application process to become an Uber driver can be completed online in just a few minutes. Simply visit the Uber website and fill in their online application. You will need to provide personal information as well as the required documentation. Once your application is complete, download the Uber Driver mobile app on your phone and you are ready to start driving for Uber.