So you want to become an Uber driver, huh? It’s not a bad idea, considering that driving for Uber is one of the easiest ways to earn some extra cash in your spare time — and all you need is a decent car and a driving license. Plus, if you don’t mind the ups and downs of driving itself, it can actually be a pretty peaceful experience, at times even a fun one!
However, Uber is always changing and it’s not always obvious what you need to get started. With that in mind, we’ve created this short ‘n’ sweet guide to getting start as Uber driver. You’ll learn all of Uber’s requirements for both its cars and its drivers, how to apply to become an Uber driver, and what kind of tests and inspections you’ll need to pass — oh, and you’ll even get a sweet invite code for a special sign-up bonus!
Uber Driver Invite Code: 1SVNY
Use our Uber Invite Code: 1SVNY – when signing up to become an Uber Driver. You can also use our special Uber driver sign-up link. You may be given a special Uber sign-up bonus depending on your city!
| Uber Driver Invite Code | 1SVNY |
| Promotional Offer | Get up to $700 dollar bonus as a new Uber driver |
| Promotional Rules | To claim bonus you will need to make a certain amount of rides in a given time period |
Step 1) Meet the basic Uber driver requirements
If you want to become an Uber driver, there are a few very basic requirements which you should get checked off pretty quickly. Thankfully, you can decide right now whether or not you’ll meet these criteria:
- You’re of legal age to drive in your city, with one year’s driving experience and an in-state license
- If you’re under age 23, you should have three or more years’ driving experience
- Your vehicle has 4 doors and is ~15 years old or newer (depending on your area)
- You live in an area where Uber operates (you can check this at https://www.uber.com/cities)
Step 2) Choose your Uber car type
In case you didn’t already know, Uber offers its customers a variety of ride types. The different ride types each have their own requirements, which you’ll need to bear in mind when deciding which service you want to offer.
Some ride types (also known as “vehicle options”) are only offered in certain areas, but you’ll have the following options pretty much everywhere:
- UberX: This is the standard option, which makes up the bulk of Uber’s rides. The requirements are:
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- Four independent doors
- Seats four passengers with seatbelts for all seats
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- UberXL: This is for seating extra passengers. The requirements are:
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- Four independent doors
- Seats seven passengers with seatbelts for all seats
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- UberSelect: This is Uber’s next tier up, in terms of luxury. The requirements are those of UberX, plus:
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- Newer model year
- Spotless leather or vinyl interior
- Working windows and AC
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- UberBlack: This is Uber’s original service — now the next tier up from UberSelect. The requirements are those of UberSelect, plus:
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- Even newer model year
- Spotless black exterior
- Commercially insured and licensed
- Driver rating of 4.85 stars or higher
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- UberSUV: This is just as luxurious as UberBlack, but with extra space. The requirements are those of UberBlack, plus:
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- Is an SUV
- Seats six passengers with seatbelts for all seats
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- UberLUX: This is Uber’s highest tier, in terms of luxury. The requirements are those of UberBlack, plus:
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- Is an ultimate luxury vehicle (e.g. Mercedes S Class, Porsche Panamera, Tesla Model S)
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- UberTaxi: This is Uber’s service for taxi drivers. The requirements are those of UberX, plus:
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- Is a commercial taxi
- Driven by a licensed taxi driver
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- UberAccess:This is Uber’s most accessible service. The requirements are:
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- Rear entry to the vehicle
- Four straps to tie down a wheelchair
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In terms of vehicle age, it’s important to note that Uber vehicles may have to be newer than 2004 in certain areas or for certain ride types. For example, the most basic ride type, UberX, allows cars as old as 2004 in certain areas but only as old 2009 in others. Here are the latest age requirements for some major areas:
- Atlanta – 2004 or newer
- Boston – 2004 or newer
- Chicago – 2004 or newer
- DC: 2009 or newer
- Denver – 2004 or newer
- Dallas – 2004 or newer
- Milwaukee – 2004 or newer
- Nashville – 2004 or newer
- New York City: 2006 or Newer
- Philadelphia – 2004 or newer
- Pittsburgh – 2004 or newer
- LA/OC/SD and SF – 2004 or newer
To check exactly what ride types are available in your area, as well as what the local vehicle year requirements are, visit https://www.uber.com/drive/los-angeles/vehicle-requirements/ and choose your location at the bottom of the page.
Step 3) Apply to be an Uber Driver with Background Check
Now that you’ve met the basic requirements and you know which ride type you’ll be driving, head over to https://get.uber.com/drive/ and create an account and use our Uber Driver invite code 1SVNY (or just follow a link on our site to get your Uber driver sign-up bonus). You’ll have to fill out some basic personal information as well as an inquiry as to how you heard of Uber.
You will also need to pass a background check, through Uber’s contract partner Checkr. To begin the background check, go to the link included with your Uber driver portal and you will be taken to a form to fill out. You’ll have to input your social security number here so Uber can access your personal info. Complete the form and presto – you’re done.
The background check will look for any signs that you’re a poor, reckless, or untrustworthy driver. Traffic tickets, for example, aren’t the biggest deal, but a DUI is. Here are the specific requirements for your reference:
- One year of US (and US only!) licensing history, or three if under age 23
- A Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) with no more than three incidents in the last three years.
- Absolutely no DUIs or reckless driving incidents.
- Absolutely no convictions for violent or sexual crime.
- No speeding violations for going 20 mph or higher over the speed limit in the last three years.
- The time needed for the background check will vary in time frame depends on the volume of applications Uber is taking at any given time, but according to Uber, this will take five to seven days.
Finally, your car must also pass a vehicle inspection at an Uber-approved auto repair shop or Uber activation center (located at various gas stations and mechanics shops) — you’ll get a list of these locations after you apply.
Everything from your headlights to bumpers will be tested for both function and cosmetics. Drivers often report having trouble with their tire tread or brake pad wear, so be sure to check your tires and brakes before you go for your inspection.
If you fail the test, get what you need up to code and then just try again. Afterwards, upload your inspection to your Uber partner dashboard and you’ll be set.
Step 4) Start Driving for Uber
After all of this, if you’ve passed through all the hoops, you should be set to drive for Uber! In case you have any other questions, the best place to look is probably the Uber.com website — just make sure you choose the right location at the bottom of the page if you want accurate information.
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If you have any additional questions about becoming an Uber driver, contact us.
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