Uber driver requirements: Do you qualify to drive?

Uber Driver Requirements

Below are the requirements to drive UberX, UberXL, and UberPlus/UberSelect.

• Minimum age is 21 years old
•  You must have access to a four-door car that is year 2006 or newer in most cities (2000 or newer: Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, 2011 or newer: New York, 2001 or newer: Chicago)
• In-state auto insurance with your name on the policy
• In-state driver’s license, licensed for at least one year In-state plates with a current registration (commercial plates are acceptable as well)
•  Clean driving record Pass a background check

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How much does an Uber driver make? Uber drivers make anywhere from $10 to $35 per hour.
2. Does Uber pay for any of my expenses? No. You pay for your own gas, maintenance, personal insurance, and other costs. You can write off some of those expenses off your taxes.
3. How do I get hired as an Uber driver? Fill out the online application. It asks for basic personal information, then asks you to consent to a background check. If you pass the background check, you then provide information about your vehicle, auto insurance, and vehicle registration. After all of your documents are approved you can sign on and drive. You will be notified via email about each step of the process.
4. What about auto insurance? Do I provide my own or use Uber’s? Uber provides a large liability & collision insurance policy that covers you and your passengers, but you will also need to show Uber that you’re covered on a personal insurance policy.

If you're shopping around for insurance, you might be able to find a better rate with this insurance provider:
Compare.com

Note: Some insurance providers won't cover you if you say you drive for Uber or Lyft.




Q: My car doesn’t qualify for Uber. Can I still drive? Yes. You can begin the application process even if you don’t have access to an Uber-approved car. You’ll go through the background check and find out if you’re cleared to drive, then you can figure out how to get access to a car.

Q: Is there a vehicle inspection? Yes. You’ll need to have your car inspected by an approved mechanic. In some areas Uber provides Activation Centers that can perform the inspection for free.

Uber lists free vehicle inspection locations at ubermovement.com. The inspector will check safety features like brakes, tires, mirrors, lights, and seat belts. Most well-maintained newer cars should be able to easily pass the inspection. Learn more about the inspection.

Q: What if the car I want to drive isn’t registered in my name? You can drive the car as long as you’re listed on the insurance policy. The car does not have to be registered in your name.

Q: 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 background check.

Q:  Can I drive for UberX if my car has a salvage title? No. Uber will not accept a car with a salvage title.

Q:  Will Uber give me a smartphone? Yes, but only if you need one. If you already have a smartphone that can run the Uber driver app, you can use your own phone. If you don’t have a smartphone or you would prefer to use Uber’s, Uber will send you an iPhone. There is a $10/week fee to use the Uber phone, so you should only use it if you need it.

Q:  Can I take time off? How often do I have to drive? You have total control over your schedule, so you never need to let Uber know that you’re taking time off. There is no minimum number of hours you need to drive in order to keep your position.