Career Path

How Long Does It Take To Become An Uber Driver?

Published on January 14, 2023

You probably didn’t imagine becoming an Uber driver when you were a little child thinking about what you’d do with your life.

On your list of occupations, it probably didn’t even rank in the top 10. But things are changing.

If you can drive, driving for Uber is a straightforward way to make money.

Uber drivers effectively run their businesses because they set their hours, decide on their routes, and receive immediate payment.

Does that sound good?

Many individuals select to work for the multibillion-dollar cab app company as a full-time position to supplement their income or as a part-time career.

This article explains everything you need to know about how long it takes to become an Uber driver, including what they do, how they work, how much money they make, what skills they need, and how to get there. So let’s get started!

What is an Uber Driving School Like?

Young people who enroll in Uber Driving School can use their earnings as drivers to pay for their driving lessons.

Teens from higher-income families are 51% more likely than those from lower-income households to drive, which indicates that driving lessons are disproportionately out of reach for young people from lower-income households.

Uber wants to assist and demonstrate their commitment to the neighborhood.

Toyota worries that younger generations like the Millennials and Gen Z aren’t purchasing as many cars as previous generations.

For young people to have the opportunity to obtain a license, Uber ties up with Toyota.

Students learn by finishing the Uber trips they take while taking the lessons for the Uber driving school.

Young adults from lower-income homes between the ages of 16 and 20 will be the focus of this special segment.

Uber drivers’ income has been severely impacted because fewer customers desire to travel during Covid.

Uber will train drivers who desire to become driving instructors, paying for a portion of their education and the ADI exams they must pass to earn the title of instructor.

Also, both the pupil and the rider will always arrive safely and on time, thanks to the dual control of an expert Uber driving instructor.

Is Attending an Uber Driving School Worth It?

Attending an Uber driving school helps you learn how to make money and receive bonuses.

Also, look for local guaranteed-pay campaigns that guarantee your weekly or hourly compensation as long as you match specific criteria.

Utilize Uber surge pricing to profit from the busiest times of the day when there is a high ride demand.

After a significant event, you might need to wait for rides or make yourself accessible to drive during the early commute.

Keeping a high rating can increase your income, so keep your car spotless, be social, and use a dependable GPS.

What Schooling Do You Need to Be an Uber Driver?

Fill up the online application on the Uber website before investing too much time in the Uber procedure.

The following is a list of the conditions for drivers in the United States.

Be aware that requirements or laws may differ between nations and some U.S. towns and states.

You must be at least the legal driving age in your city.

To drive legally in the United States, you must have at least one year of experience—or three years if you are under 23.

A current U.S. driver’s license is required.

You must drive an eligible four-door vehicle.

Documents Needed

The following records must be shared with Uber:

A current U.S. driver’s license

Your city, state, or province’s residency documentation

Proof of vehicle registration and insurance

Your driver’s profile photo must be in passport format; it cannot be a photo from your driver’s license.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Licensed Uber Driver?

1. On Uber.com or the Uber app, complete the driver application form and, when prompted, upload all necessary paperwork.

Call Uber or stop by a nearby Uber office if you need assistance.

2. Give your approval for a background check, and then wait – up to 10 days – for a response.

3. Activate driver mode in the Uber app if your application is approved and your driver status has been authorized.

You can start accepting rider requests and earning money right away.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Licensed Uber Driver?

Getting started as an uber driver requires at least $62 in the capital.

Uber driver businesses can start for as much as $35,923 in startup costs.

Getting started with an uber driver business typically costs $19,267.

Salary and Job Outlook for Uber Drivers after Study

An Uber driver’s earnings per trip vary depending on the distance required to transport a customer.

However, the Economic Policy Institute’s study reveals that average Uber drivers earn $11.77 per hour.

However, because you would be an independent contractor, you would also need to account for and deduct the cost of social security and any applicable health insurance.

It’s important to note that at busy times, Uber also offers “surge pricing,” which allows consumers (also known as riders) to pay a higher rate to receive a taxi more quickly.

They will certainly benefit from this because they will arrive at their destination faster, but you, as the driver, will also benefit because you will be paid more.

Meanwhile, the pay for taxi drivers varies by location.

The BLS reports that Alaskan taxi drivers earn the highest annual salary in the US, at $44,230.

Drivers in New York ($41,600), Washington ($41,590), Massachusetts ($41,030), and the District of Columbia ($38,990) come in second and third, respectively.

According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics statistics, the job market for taxi drivers is anticipated to rise by almost 12% between 2021 and 2031, which is substantially faster than the US national average (10%).

Additionally, Uber doesn’t only hire once or twice a year.

They always have openings, and if you match their requirements—which we’ll detail later—pretty much anyone may join.

Conclusion

There you have it!

This is an excellent career route if you’re looking for flexible employment that works around your other obligations.

You can set your hours, travel to new locations, and socialize with new people when you work as an Uber driver.

Excellent customer service is a key element of the job.

Better for you will be a higher rating on the app!

Therefore, try to improve your customer service abilities, and you’ll be well on making a respectable living (and you might even earn some tips, too).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to launch Uber?

Becoming an Uber driver shouldn’t be too tough as long as you can pass the company’s background investigation (unless your city imposes some difficult requirements). Install the Uber app on your smartphone, then register an account, thereby providing the bank information that will be used to deposit your profits.

What kind of wages do Uber drivers earn?

Uber driver earnings on average. The hourly wage for an Uber driver ranges from $8.55 to $11.77 on average. These numbers may change depending on the previously mentioned elements, including the specific Uber service offered, the price structure of Uber, and the driver’s overall amount of hours worked.

Will my initial Uber ride be free?

Your first Uber ride can be free if you’ve never used the service and are a first-time user (up to a certain amount, depending on where you are located). Entering a promotional code, which you may obtain at uber.com, or having a friend suggest you to Uber are the only requirements. Sign up for an account and download the Uber app.

Who makes more money: Lyft or Uber?

Who spends more? A recent poll of nearly 1200 drivers by ride-sharing companies found that Lyft drivers made, on average, $17.50 per hour, or around $2 more than Uber drivers. On average, Uber and Lyft drivers make around the same amount each month, but Lyft drivers make more money per trip and in tips.

Uber driver 2022: Is it worthwhile?

In the first quarter, Lyft drivers made an average of $13.03 per trip, compared to $13.76 for Uber drivers. Over the first three months of 2022, gross earnings increased gradually. In January, Uber drivers made $12.53; in February, they made $13.32 a trip.

Is Uber less expensive than a cab?

Generally speaking, using Uber is less expensive than using a regular taxi. Uber prices are typically up to 40% lower than standard taxi prices. However, when other expenses are considered, Uber charges might be almost twice as much as taxi fares. Particularly when “surge pricing” is in place, this is true.

What distinguishes Uber black from Uber taxi?

Uber Black is the company’s response to a professional driver, whereas UberX is the app-based equivalent of a taxi. When you reserve this service, you can anticipate all the conveniences of having your own driver and a better vehicle. Naturally, Uber Black increases your fare by an additional premium as well.

Do drivers for Uber and Lyft get discounts?

Although they do at other stores, Uber drivers do not receive discounts on rides or food delivered through Uber Eats. Lyft drivers can accumulate points that can be exchanged for future rides, cash bonuses, and special offers at specific merchants.