Quickstart Guide to Becoming an Uber Driver

Are you interested in driving with Uber? You can drive passengers, or you can deliver with Uber Eats.

Getting started can be intimidating, so here are our best resources for becoming an Uber driver and getting a profitable start.

Getting started: The steps to become an Uber driver

Learn the requirements to become a driver, and how to navigate the application process.

• Uber driver requirements: Do you qualify?
• Too young for Uber? Other driving gigs to try
• The Uber background & driving record check
• What kind of phone do you need to drive for Uber?
• Rejected by Uber: Can you reapply?

All about cars: Vehicle requirements, and how to rent a car

Learn what kind of car you’ll need for Uber, or how to rent a car if you don’t currently own one that qualifies.

• Uber vehicle requirements: Does your car qualify?
• Will your car pass the Uber vehicle inspection?
• How to rent or buy a vehicle for Uber
• Uber Black driver requirements

Delivering with Uber Eats

Delivering for Uber Eats is another way to earn on the Uber platform. The vehicle requirements are more lenient than ridesharing, and many drivers prefer delivering food over driving passengers.

• Driving for Uber Eats: What it’s like to deliver food for Uber
• How much Uber Eats drivers make, according to the top data sources
• The highs and lows of Uber Eats driver pay: Real examples
• How Uber Eats drivers can switch to rideshare 
• Are Walmart orders worth it for Uber Eats drivers?

The life of an Uber driver: Strategies, app features, and how to earn more

It’s easy to feel like you’re on your own when you’re an Uber driver: Your ‘boss’ is an app, and you don’t have any coworkers to turn to for advice. Here’s how to get help, and how you can master all of the ins-and-outs of being a rideshare driver.

• How much Uber drivers make, according to the most recent data
• How to contact Uber when you need help
• Get in-person help at Uber Greenlight offices
• Trip Radar! How upfront fares work for drivers
• How to filter out riders with low ratings

What is Uber? Learn about Uber from a passenger’s perspective

As a driver, it’s important to understand how your passengers use Uber. Learn about ride types, pricing, and how passengers use different Uber services in different situations.

• What’s the difference between UberX, UberXL, UberPlus, and UberBlack?
• How much does Uber cost?
• How to use Uber at the airport
• How to do a round trip or multiple stops in an Uber
• Schedule an Uber with Uber Reserve
• Uber Eats user guide

Uber Driver FAQ

How much do Uber drivers make?
According to our research, most Uber drivers make around making $15—$25 per hour. View our research: How much do Uber drivers really make?

How do I get started as an Uber driver?
Start by filling out the online application. After completing the application, you will have to wait a few days for the background screening to take place. Uber will let you know the results of the screening.

Uber will also let you know about other steps you need to complete. You will fill out vehicle information, uploading photos of documents like your insurance and vehicle registration.

You can sign on and drive after you pass the background screening and after all of your documents are approved.

What about auto insurance? Do I provide my own or use Uber’s?
Uber provides liability & contingent collision insurance. The policy covers you and your passengers, but it’s important to understand the limitations of the insurance and how you can maximize protection for yourself and your vehicle. Learn more about rideshare insurance here.

Does Uber pay for any driver expenses?
No. You pay for your own gas, maintenance, personal insurance, and other costs. The good news is that you can deduct some of those expenses on your tax return.

• The top tax mistakes and drivers can easily avoid
• The best gas rewards programs for Uber and Lyft drivers

My car doesn’t qualify for Uber. Can I still drive?
Yes. Uber provides rental options in many cities. You can complete the application process even if you don’t have access to an Uber-approved car.

Is there a vehicle inspection?
Yes, but not in every city. Uber will let you know if you need an inspection during the application process. Uber will connect you with a list of nearby inspection locations and give further instructions for completing the inspection.

You can also have any certified mechanic complete the inspection, typically for around $30. Learn more about the Uber inspection here.

Do I have to pass a background check?
Yes. After you apply, you’ll be asked to sign an online consent form that gives Uber permission to run a background check through a third-party service. The background check goes back seven years. Read more about the Uber background check.

My application is taking forever. How do I found out if I was accepted or rejected? And can I reapply?
If more than 10 days have gone by since you initiated the background check and you haven’t received an answer, contact Uber.

If you were rejected, you can reapply after 3-6 months but your odds of acceptance are very low if you were already rejected.