Do You Have What It Takes to Drive With Uber? Everything You Need to Know

If you need — or want — to make extra money, driving with Uber is a legitimate option that would allow for flexibility.

Depending on your car situation, the startup costs are minimal. It’s also nice knowing that, as an independent contractor, you can dictate when you drive.

Before you hit the road, though, we want to share with you exactly how you can sign up to drive with Uber. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as downloading the app and driving around town. But it is pretty easy if you know what to expect.

Let’s start with the driver requirements.

Driver Requirements — Do You Qualify?

Depending on where you live, requirements will vary. However, you’ll need to meet some basic requirements before hitting the gas almost anywhere. 

Requirements include, but are not limited to:

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Have at least one year of licensed​ driving experience in the U.S. (or three years if you are under 23 years old).
• Have a valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Show proof of vehicle registration and insurance.
• After you sign up, you will need to pass a background check. It’ll check your driving record and criminal history.

If you meet these driver requirements, make sure your vehicle meets Uber’s prerequisites, too.

Uber Car Requirements — Does Your Car Qualify?

The car requirements will vary by the Uber options you want to offer. For example, UberX has different requirements from Uber Black. But again, there will be basic requirements your car needs to meet.

Your vehicle must:

• Be registered with the state. Uber may require proof of registration depending on your location.
• Be insured according to your state’s minimum coverage laws.

Additionally, your car must:

• Have four doors.
• Seat at least four passengers (excluding the driver).

If your car doesn’t meet the requirements or you don’t have a car, Uber’s Vehicle Solution program connects partners with ways to rent a car on a weekly basis. These cars might include maintenance and insurance, and might come with unlimited miles. 

How Much Can Someone Make Driving With Uber?

Speaking of money… you’re probably wondering how much you could make. Of course, the income depends on the city you live in and its demand. 

Otherwise, you directly influence how much you can make, because you get to drive when you want. For safety reasons, the Uber app notifies you to go offline for six hours after you have been driving on the app for 12 hours.

Earnings are calculated by several factors, including:

• The trip fare, which includes a base fare plus additional time and distance rates.
• Toll fares, which you’ll get reimbursed for.

Increased rider demand and other factors can lead to elevated earnings. The app will often show driver-partners where these elevated areas are located.

Uber partners get paid each Thursday via direct deposit. There’s also an Instant Pay feature, which allows them to get paid at any time, up to five times a day.

Got the Green Light? Here’s the Uber Sign-up Process

Signing up online won’t take long.

You’ll enter some information about yourself and your vehicle. If the car requirements vary in your area, this is when Uber will inform you.

Uber will provide you with information you need to upload to complete the sign-up process, including the documents needed, such as copies of your license, registration and proof of insurance.

If Uber gives you the green light, you’ll need to download the driver app and log in. The app will walk you through the next steps.

After that, the rest is fairly simple. Slide into the driver’s seat, buckle up and start makin’ money.

Carson Kohler (@CarsonKohler) is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.