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A Guide to Becoming an Uber Driver in 2018

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Uber App

Photo: FreeStocks

As an Uber driver, you can manage your own work schedule and have the freedom to work as many or as little hours as you like — which is why it’s such a popular career path to take, especially in 2018. Now that summer is around the corner, there will be more business for Uber drivers as people go out and have fun during the warmer weather. If you’re interested in becoming an Uber driver, this guide will give you the information you need.

 

The car

First things first, you need a car. You can opt to use your own car but it must be less than five years old. Alternatively, you can rent a car or purchase a new one. When renting a vehicle for Uber use, it must pass the set standards the company has in place for your specific location. Additionally, each service — UberX and UberXL — has differentiating guidelines to follow for appropriate vehicles.

 

Licensing

Of course, you’re going to need a valid UK drivers licence. You’re also required to be at least 21 years old and have three years of driving experience (this may differ depending on the city you’re based in). You’ll also need to get a private hire licence from the council that licenses Uber in your area. Uber offers a service that helps you get your private hire licence in London called the free Ignition Programme.

Before you get to your Ignition session you must bring with you:

  • Passport
  • UK/EU Driving Licence (3+ years of driving experience)
  • National Insurance Number
  • Proof of current address

If you use your bank statement or utility bill as your proof of current address, it has to be dated within the last three months. Additionally, if you print out your bank statements they have to be stamped by the issuing bank.

 

The Uber app

All Uber drivers must have access to the Uber app. It’s used to see trip requests in your area, which you can tap to begin the journey. It has a built-in map that directs you to the pickup and drop-off destinations and has an earnings tracker. You can view this after each trip to see how much you’ve earned and a summary of your day’s total amount.

Are you an Uber driver? Let us know if you enjoy that career path and if you have any suggestions for future drivers in the comments below.

This is a collaborative article.