How to become an Uber driver in the UK
To become an Uber Driver you need to meet certain requirements, like having a full UK driving licence, signing up for the app, and having the right insurance in place.
It can be an exciting job prospect as you get to set your own work hours, earn a solid income, and work for a reputable company.
We’re going to discuss everything prospective Uber drivers need to know so you can get started with your new career (or side hustle!).
What are the requirements to become an Uber driver?
Uber drivers and their vehicles need to meet certain criteria.
What are the driver requirements?
Drivers must:
- Be aged 21 or over
- Have a valid UK driver’s licence
- Have one year of driving experience as a minimum
- Hold a private hire licence issued by the local authority
- Have a bank account or be a business owner
What are the vehicle requirements?
Vehicles must:
- Have a private hire vehicle licence (PHVL)
- Be in good condition with no damage
- Not have any branding
- Be licensed to carry at least four passengers
- Be either a 4-door car or a minivan
- Be of an age that’s in line with local licensing authority requirements
Note: Uber vehicles in London have stricter requirements, including being Zero Emission Capable.
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Get QuotesHow do you get a private hire licence?
Since Uber is a type of taxi, you will require a private hire licence to work for the company. This licence is issued by your local authority.
Here’s how to apply:
- Fill out an application form at your local authority.
- Provide your proof of ID and bank account details (e.g. a bank statement).
- Provide your Disclosure and Barring Service certificate (i.e. proof that you don’t have a criminal record).
Once your application has been submitted, it can take a couple of weeks to be processed.
How do you sign up for the Uber app as a driver?
Private hire drivers who wish to work for Uber need to sign up for the Uber app.
You then need to provide the necessary documents before being approved to drive for Uber.
Which documents does Uber need?
Provide Uber with the following documents to complete your driver registration:
- Proof of ID – Either your driver’s licence or your passport.
- Driving licence – A coloured photo of your licence, with all the details clearly readable.
- Proof of bank account – This can be a bank statement of the account where Uber will pay you. It needs to include your name, address, IBAN (International Bank Account Number), issue date and, if you’re a business owner, the name of your business.
- Private hire licence/PCO Licence – A coloured photo of your private hire driver’s licence with details clearly visible.
- DVLA Check Code – The Counterpart Check Code allows Uber to verify your details. You can get your check code from the DVLA website.
- Profile photo – You need a clear, approved profile picture for your Uber driver account.
- Vehicle documents – Your MOT certificate, proof of insurance (such as your private hire insurance certificate) and your vehicle log book.
How can you get and maintain a good Uber rating?
Uber has a rating system by which passengers can rate their drivers (and drivers can rate the passengers, too!).
You want a good rating to get more fares, especially if you work in a busy area.
Once you’ve been approved and registered, it is time to start transporting passengers. Aim to give them a great experience to increase your rating:
- Assist passengers with their luggage or groceries.
- Always remain friendly and respectful.
- Keep your car clean and smelling fresh.
- Avoid blasting the radio or music unless your passenger asks you to.
- Consider offering extras like charging cables, hand sanitiser, tissues, and bottled water.
- Keep the temperature mild and ask the passengers if they’re comfortable or would like it hotter/cooler.
- Pick an efficient route, and let your passengers know why you’ve selected this route so they know they’re safe.
- Place your phone where passengers can see it so that they know you’re still en route and following map directions to their drop-off location.
- Avoid being too chatty, unless the passenger is talking to you.
Final thoughts
Working as an Uber driver holds many benefits as you have flexible hours and can earn really well if you work in an area with high demand for private hire drivers.
Applying is luckily also easy, as you just need to provide some documents via the Uber app.
If you have any concerns about getting the right insurance policy to drive for Uber, make sure to reach out to SimplyQuote. The online comparison tool allows you to compare private hire insurance quotes from Uber-approved insurance providers to find the best deal so you can start saving on your insurance today!
Frequently Asked Questions
The time it takes to become a driver for Uber depends on the demand in the area, Uber’s processing time, and local council processing speeds. On average, it takes a couple of weeks to be approved; however, if drivers are in demand, the process tends to be shorter.
Uber drivers legally have to earn minimum wage in the UK, but most drivers exceed this minimum. How much you’ll earn depends on how often you work, but London drivers can earn between £950 and £1,350 per week.
The average annual Uber salary in the UK is set between £26,200 and £36,500, but this is highly variable.
You legally require private hire taxi insurance to work for Uber. This insurance is also called hire and reward insurance and is different from standard car insurance (called social, domestic, and pleasure insurance).
Private hire insurance provides cover if you’re transporting pre-booked passengers in exchange for money. It includes [public liability insurance] and, at a minimum, third-party cover.
Note: Uber has a list of approved insurance providers, including Zego, Inshur, Nelson, Acorn/Haven, and Antilo.
Yes, the Uber app allows drivers to switch between Uber and Uber Eats. However, food delivery is not the same as transporting people, and you will need food delivery insurance on top of your private hire insurance.
You don’t necessarily need to own a car to drive for Uber. Uber offers rental partnerships and programmes with different car rental companies that allow drivers to use licenced vehicles to drive for Uber.