Uber provides a range of services, and a prospective driver can decide what service or services they would like to provide, from basic transport to luxury rides. Once a driver decides, however, they have to meet certain requirements to drive for the company. The ride-sharing giant has strict regulations, particularly due to the number of Uber sexual assault lawsuits that have been filed.

Some drivers choose to drive with the vehicle they already have, while others may want to purchase a vehicle that is in line with the service they wish to provide. HyreCar notes that some workers may prefer to drive for Uber Eats. 

Driving-Tests.org explains that there are factors to consider. Drivers can decide what time periods they would like to work, which may depend on their existing commitments, or on how much money they are looking to earn. Certain driving hours may be more lucrative than others. These are the times at which the highest number of passengers are wishing to find a ride. 

Additionally, these peak hours are when drivers can charge the most for a ride. Uber has what is called dynamic pricing, a system in which the demand for the ride affects the price. Peak hours include morning and evening rush hours, as passengers are getting to and from work, and Friday and Saturday evenings from about 8 pm to 3 am, according to Driving-Tests. Competition for Uber and Lyft drivers is highest during those times.

How Do You Become an Uber Driver?

Once a driver has determined what service they wish to offer, and when they would like to work, they must decide if becoming an Uber driver is the right role for them. Drivers should also be aware of the expenses they may incur while driving for Uber, which h typically range from about 2% to 30% of a driver’s earnings.

Business Insider notes that traffic can take a toll on a driver’s earnings, because drivers are paid per mile, not per minute. This means that a lengthy traffic jam can take a toll on how many rides a driver can take on, as well as how much money they can make. 

If a prospective driver has done their research, and has determined that the expenses and the risks do not outweigh the benefits, they can then take steps to meet the Uber requirements for drivers.

To become an Uber driver, a prospective driver must do the following:

• Fill out a driver application
• Complete a car inspection to ensure that their vehicle meets Uber’s requirements
• Have a background check completed and cleared
• Download the User app
• Push the “Go” button in the app
• Begin driving

What are the Uber Requirements for Drivers?

There are a range of Uber requirements for prospective drivers. Numerous Uber drivers have been accused of sexually assaulting passengers, so background and criminal checks are key.

Uber requires that drivers must: 

• Be 21 or older
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Have valid auto insurance
• Provide proof of registration and insurance for the vehicle
• Have one year of driving experience if they are over 23, and three years of experience if they are under 23
• Pass a criminal and background check 
• Provide proof of residency in their city, state or province

Your vehicle itself must also meet Uber’s requirements. Your vehicle must:

• Have four doors
• Be no older than 15 model years
• Not have a salvage, reconstructed, or rebuilt title (from a car accident)
• Have no cosmetic damage, commercial branding, missing parts, or taxi cab paint jobs
• Be owned, not rented (in most cases)

In light of increased complaints of sexual misconduct and violence experienced by riders by Uber drivers, the rideshare company has taken new steps to ensure rider safety. Similarly, drivers have also experienced instances of assault and violence by passengers, and the company aims to protect its drivers as well by implementing new Uber requirements.

As of summer 2020, drivers in the United States and Canada are required to participate in sexual assault and misconduct training, explains Fortune. The program is composed of six online safety videos. Reportedly, these videos are supposed to help reduce instances of misconduct or violence. 

Reportedly, the training was developed in collaboration with RAINN, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, a nonprofit organization. The program will be offered in a number of languages. The program will first be provided to current and active drivers, with new and inactive drivers to follow.

Fortune explains that Uber is giving drivers some flexibility in completing the training. In the case of new drivers, they can complete some initial drives before having to go through the training. According to Fortune, many Uber drivers have stopped driving during the coronavirus pandemic. Because of this, the company has given drivers six months to complete the training, after they reactive their account.

The content of the training includes respecting boundaries and privacy, bystander intervention, and sexual violence awareness. The goal of the training is to help both drivers and passengers feel comfortable and to protect their safety.

Safety Tips for Uber Riders

While Uber requirements for drivers have been beefed up, riders can also take steps to ensure they are safe.

Huffington Post talked to several experts who said that those who plan to take an Uber should be on the lookout for red flags and decline the ride if they sense something is off. Red flags include the Uber vehicle’s plates or description not matching the information provided on the app. Uber now also provides a description and picture of the driver that riders can use to ensure they are getting in the right vehicle with the right driver.

Further, the driver should know the rider’s name when they arrive at the pickup location. In addition, drivers should be alert and ready to provide a safe ride. If the driver seems intoxicated or otherwise compromised, experts say to refuse the ride and contact Uber.

Riders can take a few extra steps to protect themselves when scheduling the ride as well. Experts recommend not using a home address for pickup or drop off. If possible, use a location within an easy, safe walk. This provides another layer of protection because the driver will not know the rider’s home address.

In addition, experts say that when a rider gets into an Uber, especially if alone, sit in the back passenger seat. The rider is able to keep an eye on the Uber driver and vice versa, making everyone more comfortable.

Finally, though many use rideshares to avoid drunk driving, experts say that riders should try to not get too inebriated if they plan to take an Uber home at the end of the night. Being alert and focused helps riders flag dangerous situations early.

What Happens to Drivers Who Don’t Meet the Uber Requirements?

Simple Driver provides some tips on how to proceed if you do not meet Uber requirements. 

If your application was denied because you lack the proper documentation, that is a relatively easy fix. You can gather the correct paperwork and resubmit. Other problems may take more effort to correct.

If your car does not meet Uber’s requirements and you are set on driving for Uber, you may want to upgrade. However, this option works best for people who were already planning to buy a new car. Buying a new car may be so expensive that it may make driving for Uber not worth it. However, Uber does have a leasing program for drivers who do not already have an eligible vehicle. This can help offset the costs.

If you failed your background check, you may want to run a background check yourself. That way, you will have information about what prevented you from passing. If there is an error on your background check, you can take steps to correct it. Otherwise, you may need to wait — if an accurate item is on your background check, it will take seven years to no longer be listed.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.