Many people have found becoming an Uber driver to be a lucrative and rewarding side hustle that brings in extra money.
Whether you’re looking for a flexible schedule, extra cash, or just something new and exciting to try, it’s worth considering if this type of work is right for you.
If you want to know how to become an uber driver you’re in the right place because in this article, I’m going to explain what the process is like for becoming an Uber driver and provide some tips on how you can make the most of your experience.
Before I start…
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How to Become an Uber Driver in 2023
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Three simple steps to become an Uber Driver
Becoming an Uber driver is one way you can make money online.
The process of becoming an uber driver is relatively straightforward:
- The first step is to fill the application form on the website or on the Uber app. Provide all the required documents.
- Do background screening and then wait for a response.
- Once your application is successful, enable driver mode in the Uber driver app and start taking requests.
You can visit a local Uber Greenlight location to ask questions you may have or discuss the application process.
Uber Driver Requirements
In order to become an Uber driver, you must meet certain requirements. Note that these requirements may vary depending on the country you are in. Within the U.S., cities and states may have different regulations.
For starters, you need to have a valid driver’s license, a minimum age of 21 years old, and experience driving in the city you wish to drive in.
You must have at least one year of licensed driving experience in the U.S.
You also need to have a valid U.S. driver’s license, proof of residency in your area, proof of car registration and auto insurance, and a recent profile photo. You will provide proof of identity with a copy of your driver’s license when submitting your information to Uber.
You should also have a four-door vehicle that meets Uber’s vehicle requirements.
You must pass a background check conducted by Uber to review your driving record before you start working and it’s only when you have met these requirements that you can start the process of becoming an Uber driver.
To become an Uber driver, your valid driver’s license should not be suspended, revoked, or expired from the country or state in which you are operating.
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Uber Vehicle Requirements
Uber requires you to have a four-door vehicle, that is at least 15 years old or newer, with five functioning seat belts.
If you will drive your own car, it should be registered and titled in your name, with valid insurance and in good condition. If you are leasing your car, it should be within the mileage limitations.
Depending on the regulations of the city you intend to drive in, you may also need to pass an inspection by a certified mechanic.
If you drive an electric, hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle, it has to meet certain requirements. The manufacturer’s certification should also be installed in the car.
These requirements and regulations may change so you should always keep up with the latest Uber guidelines.
The vehicle you use should also not feature any commercial branding and be in good condition. It should also not be reconstructed or salvaged. Uber will inspect your vehicle for free once every year and for every 50,000 miles traveled.
If you are driving UberXL or Uber Black, you will have separate vehicle requirements. Check with the company for up-to-date guidelines for each of them.
Uber insurance requirements
Uber provides all its drivers with an insurance policy that covers them as they work.
The insurance covers bodily injury and property damage liability coverage, uninsured motorist protection and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (if a driver’s personal policy doesn’t cover comprehensive or collision).
This insurance will kick in when you accept a trip request from a passenger, and remain in effect until the ride is completed. Uber also provides liability coverage for certain situations where the maximum amount allowed by law is exceeded.
Uber will offer coverage as soon as you are logged in and driving clients. When you go offline or your driver app is off, Uber will not cover you which means your personal car insurance company and coverages apply.
If you are logged in to the app waiting for clients, Uber’s insurance for a covered accident covers third-party liability if your personal auto insurance won’t kick in.
Note that insurance requirements could be different in different countries; therefore, you should verify everything with Uber where you operate.
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How much do Uber drivers make?
The amount of money you will make as an Uber driver will depend on the amount of job offers you accept, the time of day you work, and the area you operate in.
Uber drivers earn anywhere between $5 and $30 per hour (gross). The average uber driver makes an amount that’s somewhere in between.
The busiest times to work will be during rush hour and over the weekend, when fares are highest. Uber charges peak prices during a surge due to a lack of drivers.
How to make more money as an uber driver
If you want to make more money as an Uber driver, you can take certain steps to increase your earnings, such as driving during peak hours when the rates are higher or driving in more affluent areas.
Additionally, you can maximize the number of jobs you accept by staying in a busy area and responding faster to job offers.
You can boost your earnings by driving a hybrid car that will save money on gas or by making food deliveries with Uber Eats.
To make more money, you need to go above and beyond. For example, you should try new places, new times, and other things that will boost your earnings. You can add extra services such as in-car refreshments or provide car seats for children if the city allows you to.
Finally, ensure that your vehicle is always clean and in good condition to create a good impression that will lead to higher ratings from customers, thus increasing your chance for more business.
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How to pay taxes as an Uber driver
An Uber driver is considered an independent contractor, which means that the company will not automatically deduct taxes from your income and it is up to you to declare earnings and settle tax bills.
Uber will provide you with a tax summary a 1099-K form to file your annual tax return.
There is a 15.3% self-employment tax you pay as an independent contractor and it includes Medicare and Social Security.
In some cases, you can write off job-related expenses, such as miles and gas so it is important to keep detailed records of them. Always stay informed regarding what you are allowed to include.
Which Expenses Does Uber Cover?
As an Uber driver, you are responsible for your gas costs, car repair and other car-related expenses but Uber will reimburse certain costs.
Uber charges an Uber passenger a fee if they cause damage to your vehicle, such as spilling something or vomiting inside the car. Uber will give you the full amount collected.
Uber will also reimburse you for any tolls you incur while on driving trips. The toll charges are added to the rider’s fare.
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Alternatives to being an Uber driver
If you are looking for alternatives to being an Uber driver that will enable you to make money online, there are many other opportunities that offer flexible hours or enable you to earn passive income.
You don’t have to drive an Uber to make money online. There are other ways to make money such as freelancing, selling a course, dropshipping, selling an eBook, or starting an e-commerce business.
You can create an online course or write an eBook about something you are good at to generate income.
As a freelancer, you can find jobs on sites like Upwork where you can choose your own hours while also having the flexibility to take on projects that you are passionate about.
A dropshipping business does not need a lot of money to get started because you don’t have to handle the inventory. Ecommerce businesses allow you to sell products and services to a wider range of customers because the internet has greater reach.
Tips to be a successful Uber Driver
If you want to be a successful Uber driver who earns a steady income, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of success:
- Even if you will be working under your own schedule, be a good time manager. For example, organize your time to drive during peak hours when you’ll make more money.
- Provide a great customer experience by keeping your car clean, being pleasant, and engaging with riders who want to chat.
- Mount your phone to keep your hands on the wheel.
- Always have your vehicle registration and insurance coverage documents at all times.
- Familiarize yourself with the app to connect with riders more easily.
- Familiarize yourself with the area you will be driving at to have an easier time driving your passengers to their destinations.
You can also buy and install a dashboard camera to protect you against abusive riders. This will also enable you to provide proof in case you need to make a claim or file an incident report.
Before you leave
If you’re tired of scams and want a real solution for making money online check out my no.1 recommendation.
It’s helped me earn over $300,000 in the last 12 months alone:
Go here to see my no.1 recommendation for making money online
(This is a 100% free training)
David Fortune has been the editor NoBSIMReviews.com since 2019. He is an expert at writing content on stock advisory services, side hustles, reviewing online business opportunities and many more topics. You can learn more about David on our about us page.