Our current economic system is based on “sharing,” in which people pool their resources to buy and sell goods and services to one another.
This includes financial resources, information, fashion, the job market, and even means of mobility.
The latter is commonly referred to as ridesharing by one of its key companies, Uber Technologies.
According to Uber, its 3.9 million drivers in 63 countries make 14 million trips per day.
Other projections place the number of drivers at 5 million by 2020, with 18.7 million daily trips.
Some people become truck drivers to supplement their income, while others do it for a living.
You may have thought about it and are considering joining.
Learn the fundamentals of becoming a professional driver in the sections below.
With a car and a smartphone, you can get started in the ridesharing business and pick up paying customers.
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Minimum Requirements to Become an Uber Driver
Before devoting too much time and energy to the process, you should start applying on Uber’s website.
Drivers in the United States must adhere to the guidelines outlined below.
Keep in mind that some cities and states in the United States may have different requirements than others, both internationally and domestically.
Minimum Requirements
To become an Uber driver, you must meet the following requirements:
- To drive in your city, you must be at least the legal driving age.
- You must have one year of licensed driving experience in the United States or three years if under the age of 23.
- You must have a valid driver’s license in the United States.
- You must drive a four-door vehicle that meets the requirements.
There are regional differences in vehicle specifications.
When you apply for a job with Uber, the company will notify you if there are any special requirements for your location.
Documents You Will Need
The following documents must be shared with Uber:
- A valid driver’s license from the United States
- Proof of city, state, or province residency
- Proof of automobile insurance and registration
- Driver profile photo, which must be in passport format and cannot be the same as the photo on your driver’s license
Commercial auto insurance is required in many areas, including New York City, to work for a vehicle rental company.
Driver Screening Information
Uber will conduct a background check and evaluate your driving record through an online application.
Uber requires your SSN for screening and tax purposes.
If you’ve recently moved to a new state, you may need to provide additional documentation to prove your driving history.
Keep your previous state’s driver’s license and proof of insurance on hand.
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Steps to Becoming an Uber Driver
Step 1
Fill out the online form or use the mobile app to apply to be an Uber driver and provide the necessary paperwork.
If you are having issues, please contact Uber at (855) UBER-HELP or visit your local Uber office.
Step 2
Accept a background check and expect a response within 10 days.
Step 3
Once you’ve been approved to become a driver, activate the Uber app’s driver mode. You are now free to take rides and start earning tips.
What Kind of Uber Insurance Do I Need?
The minimum levels of coverage required for auto insurance vary by state.
When actively serving clients and logging into the Uber app, you are protected.
When you are not active on the service, the driver app will not access your insurance information.
In the event of a covered accident while you are active and waiting for a driver request, Uber provides insurance that includes “third-party responsibility if your motor insurance does not apply.”
It covers the following topics:
- $50,000 for bodily harm per person
- $100,000 for bodily harm per accident
- Property damage of $25,000 per accident
What Vehicle Do I Need to Join Uber?
When you sign up to drive for Uber, you will be informed of any applicable local car rules.
In some cities, a car must be no more than 15 years old. If you live in a congested city, you may require a newer vehicle.
Furthermore, it must be a four-door car with seating for at least four people (excluding the driver), in good condition, without commercial branding, and without a salvaged, reconstructed, or rebuilt title.
Before driving paying customers around town, have your vehicle inspected to ensure it is in good working order.
Customers are encouraged to visit an Uber facility for a free inspection once a year, or every 50,000 kilometers.
For the UberXL and Uber Black service levels, additional vehicle specifications are required.
If you want to be an UberXL driver, your car must seat six or more passengers, and if you want to be an Uber Black driver, your car must be a certain age and class.
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Click on this link to learn more.
If you don’t already have one, consider buying a used car that meets Uber’s standards.
Consider the mileage and wear and tear that may occur if you purchase a brand-new car just for your Uber job.
Depending on how frequently you plan to use Uber and other ridesharing services, purchasing a used car may be more cost-effective.
Consider leasing an automobile before signing a contract, but be aware of any mileage restrictions.
Furthermore, Uber has collaborated with rental and leasing companies to offer special pricing and benefits to its drivers.
How Much Money Can You Expect to Make as an Uber Driver?
Drivers can earn anywhere from $5 to $26 per hour before paying for things like gas, taxes, and maintenance, depending on where they work. Uber also offers financial incentives to attract new drivers on occasion. It’s common practice, for example, to offer prospective Lyft drivers signup bonuses of up to $500.
While driving for Uber, you can increase your earnings in a variety of ways, including:
You save money on gas because you drive a hybrid.
When you drive during a surge, you are taking advantage of the premium rate that Uber charges its customers when there is a driver shortage in a densely populated area or at a popular time.
Using the Uber Eats app to get food delivered.
How Do Uber Drivers Deal With Taxes?
Because Uber drivers are considered independent contractors, they must pay their own taxes.
At the end of the year, the company provides each driver with a tax summary and, if you’ve earned enough, a 1099 form to include with your annual tax return.
You can deduct job-related expenses such as mileage, gas, and so on, so keep meticulous records.
You should consult with a CPA to learn more about the tax breaks available to you.
Some states are considering legislation that would establish minimum wages for independent contractors as well as access to benefits such as workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, and health insurance.
Depending on how workers are classified, such legislation may have an impact on taxation.
Learn about the rules that apply to you by visiting the websites of your state and municipal governments.
What Costs Does Uber Cover?
As a contractor, you must pay for your vehicle’s gasoline, repairs, and maintenance.
However, your employer will reimburse you for some of your expenses.
If an Uber passenger causes damage to the inside or outside of the driver’s vehicle, for example, the rider will be fined.
This includes incidents in which passengers make messes or vomit in the cars of Uber drivers.
Uber calculates the total cost of cleaning and charges the customer for it. Following that, the driver receives the entire sum.
Tolls paid by drivers on Uber rides are covered by the company.
Riders who pass through a toll plaza must pay an additional fee to cover the toll.
Passengers and drivers can see receipts and statements that detail the split.
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Advice on Becoming an Uber Driver
If you’re unemployed or struggling to make ends meet, becoming an Uber driver could be the answer. Whatever your reason for joining, it’s a good idea to follow the company’s advice:
- Get acquainted with the app. The software offers a platform for drivers and passengers to interact, as well as a number of tools to help with ridesharing.
- Learn about your surroundings.
- This will be an invaluable resource if you are visiting a strange city or traveling through an unfamiliar location.
- Learn to manage your time effectively.
- You can earn more money if you are available to drive during peak hours, but you still have the option of working when you want.
- Peak times of day are typically early mornings and late afternoons.
- Go the extra mile.
- Keep your car clean.
- Maintain a positive attitude and engage with cyclists who approach you.
- A five-star rating is within reach with just a few simple steps.
- Accessorize.
- Keep an extra phone charger on hand.
- By attaching it, you can keep both hands on the wheel and your phone.
Investing in a dashboard camera is another useful suggestion. You’ll have proof if you ever need to make a claim or file a complaint about an event thanks to this gadget.
Conclusion
Are you the type of person who would excel as an Uber driver? Then this Uber driver training guide is for you.
Uber offers convenient and potentially profitable transportation in a number of US states and cities.
Because you, the driver, set your own rates and schedule, you can use Uber as a side hustle, a full-time job, or even in addition to another job.
To use the app, you must have a smartphone and a vehicle that is no older than 15 years old.
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