Can I drive for Uber and Uber Eats in the UK?
Yes, you can work for Uber and Uber Eats simultaneously in the United Kingdom.
Whether you’re already an Uber driver or tinkering with the idea of becoming one, knowing the ins and outs of delivery requests will help you make a more informed decision before you hit the road.
This guide covers all you need to know about passenger and food delivery, from accepting Uber rides and Uber Eats delivery requests during the same shift to transitioning from Uber Eats to Uber – and everything in between!
Can you accept Uber rides and Uber Eats deliveries during the same shift?
Yes, you can accept both Uber trips and Uber Eats food delivery requests during the same shift. This is achieved by toggling between ride and food delivery jobs within the same app.
It’s crucial to manage your time wisely if you choose to flit between jobs, as overwork could lead to stress and burnout. Fortunately, the Uber driver app is smart enough not to send rideshare and food delivery jobs at the same time, ensuring you’re not overwhelmed or double-booked.
When is the best time to work for Uber and Uber Eats?
| Service | Time Period | Peak Days | Peak Hours | % Earnings Increase / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uber Driving | ||||
| Peak Hours | Early Mornings | Monday – Thursday | 05:00 – 09:00 | 53% more earnings compared to 09:00-13:00 |
| Peak Hours | Late Nights | Friday – Saturday | 22:00 – 02:00 | 44% more earnings compared to weekdays |
| Uber Eats | ||||
| Mealtimes | Lunch Rush | Monday – Sunday | 11:30 – 14:00 | Highest demand during lunch |
| Mealtimes | Dinner Rush | Monday – Sunday | 17:30 – 21:00 | Highest demand during dinner |
| Weekends | Weekend Evenings | Friday – Saturday | 19:00 – 21:00 | Peak time for takeout orders |
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Get QuotesHow to become an Uber Eats driver when you’re already working for Uber
Fortunately, if you’re already an Uber driver, you won’t have to reapply to work for Uber Eats. All you need to do is activate food delivery requests via the Uber app. This allows you to deliver food while also permitting you to carry passengers from A to B.
This level of flexibility allows drivers to maximise their earnings by toggling between rides and food deliveries using the same app. This streamlines the pickup/drop-off process and avoids confusion.
Note: Uber Eats drivers are required to have an insulated food bag to keep food warm while on delivery. Uber Eats does not provide these, but they can be purchased from various retailers.
How to become an Uber Eats driver when not working for Uber
Becoming an Uber Eats driver when not working for Uber is relatively straightforward in the UK. However, getting started making deliveries through the Uber Eats app can take a few weeks, so make sure you have the correct documentation on hand to speed up the process.
Here’s a breakdown of how to become an Uber Eats driver:
- Sign up: Download the Uber Eats food delivery app from Google Play or the App Store. Add in your personal details and select which vehicle you will use for deliveries – bicycle, motorbike/scooter, car.
- Submit documents: Upload documents – photo ID, bank statements, food courier insurance certificate – via the app or sign into partners.uber.com to access the drivers’ dashboard. Ensure all document images are clear and readable. Note that each vehicle type requires different vehicle documentation.
- Complete a background check: After signing up, you’ll receive an email asking you to complete a background check, which may require separate documentation submissions.
Bonus read: How To Get An Insurance Certificate For Fast Food Delivery Work
How to transition from an Uber Eats driver to Uber
It’s fairly simple for Uber drivers to become Uber Eats drivers, but slightly more complicated to switch from Uber Eats to Uber – but not impossible, fortunately.
To become an Uber driver in the UK, you’ll need:
- A valid EU/UK driving licence
- A private hire taxi operator’s licence issued by the local council
- The appropriate hire and reward or private hire taxi insurance
- A 4-door vehicle (e.g. minicab) fit to carry at least four passengers
- London private hire cabbies must meet Euro 6 emission standards
- Pass Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal background checks
- Pass Uber vehicle checks
Bonus reads:
- Are Taxi Drivers DBS Checked In The UK?
- What Insurance Do I Need For Uber?
- What Is Hire And Reward Insurance?
You can accept rides through the Uber app once you’ve successfully met Uber’s requirements.
Final thoughts
Drivers can work for both Uber and Uber Eats, allowing you to transport passengers and food orders in the UK. While it’s easier to transition to Uber Eats when you’re already an established Uber driver, the process is more complex to become an Uber driver if you are currently a food courier.
It’s important to have the appropriate vehicle insurance in place to transport passengers or food for hire and reward purposes legally. Use SimplyQuote’s 100% free online comparison tool to find the best deals that align with your business needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average UK Uber driver salaries are as follows:
- Uber = roughly £35,700 annually
- Uber Eats = about £98,709 annually (London)
In the UK, you must have hire and reward insurance with at least third-party-only (TPO) cover to transport passengers or food legally.
Yes, you can work for other delivery platforms (e.g. Deliveroo, Stuart) when working for Uber and/or Uber Eats, because you are considered an independent contractor. This means you are your own boss, working flexible hours to earn extra money and therefore can work for whichever platform you choose.
However, time management is important as you may run the risk of double booking yourself.