How to become An Uber Driver

Uber Drivers don’t just follow all road and safety signs and navigate their local streets with ease; as innovative gig-economy workers, they offer reliable transportation and a world-class customer experience within a few minutes of booking their services.

• Transportation Network Company Driver

What do Uber Drivers do?

A Uber Driver would typically need to:

• Use an approved vehicle to pick up riders and drop them off at designated locations in and around a specific city, for a fare, on an unplanned basis
• Use the Uber app to readily answer summons from riders who have booked a ride, ask for a destination, calculate the trip cost, and figure out the nearest pick-up point
• Communicate via phone or text message to confirm the booking, ask for/provide directions and answer questions about the upcoming ride
• Pick up riders from a predetermined location on time; greet them politely when they enter the vehicle
• Help riders, including those with disabilities, get into and out of the vehicle; help them load and unload belongings
• Use Goggle Maps and GPS (Global Positioning System) to map out the shortest and easiest route to a requested destination
• Comply with traffic laws and applicable government transit regulations; stay updated on traffic and weather reports on current road conditions
• Adjust the predetermined route to avoid heavy traffic or road constructions, when necessary
• Follow the protocol for customer safety witout exception, so the riders have a pleasant driving experience in reaching their destination
• Keep the riders informed of possible delays in pick-up and drop-off times; answer queries about local attractions and services enroute to the destination
• Follow company protocol regarding rider behaviour, including reporting to management, incidents of harassment or threatening behaviour
• End the trip with a polite farewell to the riders and a courteous request to use Uber services in the near future
• Complete and submit all necessary official paperwork on time
• Include an accurate account of all expenses, total distance travelled and the number of hours they drive each week in the official report to the supervisor
• Check tires, lights, and oil, as part of regular vehicle maintenance; keep the vehicle clean, presentable, comfortable, and in good working condition
• Schedule regular car service appointments and report any issues to relevant personnel
• Set up car wash and detailing services to maintain the interior and exterior look of the vehicle

Uber Drivers spend the better part of their work day in their vehicles, driving riders to designated locations. They may need to wait at home or somewhere on the streets for a booking.

Uber Drivers have a flexible work schedule that allows them to take breaks for a meal or rest when they do not have a rider. As long as you complete a specific number of trips and hours per week, you can choose when and how long you wish to work. 

However, both full-time and part-time options mandate being available when there are requests for rides; they can opt for varying work schedules that include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Research suggests that flexible hours appeal more than salary to the younger generation. There has been an incremental increase in the number of employers willing to give promising employees a chance to adjust their schedules as per the demands of the job.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Uber Drivers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting the company directly, using job search platforms, and leveraging social media. Uber engages all its drivers as independent contractors. Some may work part-time for taxi-app companies.

Uber Drivers are generally employed by:

• Uber

Professional associations and organisations, such as Uber Careers, are crucial for Uber Drivers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

Professional associations provide members with continuing education, networking opportunities, and mentorship services. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Lack of a guaranteed income 
• Occasional likelihood of injuries due to traffic accidents
• Mandatory requirements, such as a clean driving record, valid vehicle insurance, and passing a stringent background check 
• Obligatory commission to Uber of 25% of the payment received from riders
• The need to remain courteous and calm under all circumstances, whether it is rush hour traffic or a rude rider

In general, aspiring Uber Drivers complete Ignition, a two-hour long induction and training course held in the company office. It includes a comprehensive guide to becoming an Uber Driver.

The company also sponsors a virtual onboarding course that familiarises selected candidates with the Uber app and its features; they are now ready to book an appointment with prospective customers through the authorised link.

Since the two courses mentioned above would account for all training future Uber Drivers receive, prior work experience of at least three years for taxi app companies would prove advantageous.

A clean driving record and the ability to pass a local map test in the location you wish to work in are essential.

You may begin your career with taxi and limousine companies that provide new drivers with short on-the-job training, which typically covers local traffic laws, driver safety, street layout, and the taximeter and communications equipment operation.

Part-time and short-term paid work offers a taste of the work, give valuable insight into how a company or institution operates, help build valuable contacts, and improve one’s prospects of getting a permanent job.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow veteran Uber Drivers to prove your commitment to prospective employers.

A high school diploma or equivalent should suffice in most cases. However, Uber Drivers may pursue post-secondary education or a technical degree to increase their earning potential.

Uber Drivers must complete an online training course that takes around 20 hours to complete before they can start driving for the company. They will learn about safety, customer service, navigation and effective communication to deliver an incredible ride-share experience.

Recommended high school courses include mathematics, business studies, and popular foreign languages. English and speech classes will help you develop your oral communication skills.

Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee entry into the profession. Be that as it may, your professional qualifications and transferable skills gained may open up more than one door.

Do your homework and look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a specific programme. Reliable sources that help you make an educated decision include associations and employers in your field

In addition to a regular automobile driver’s licence, Uber Drivers may need to obtain a taxi or limousine licence, which usually includes passing a background check and a written exam about standard regulations and local geography. 

The background check may include but is not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Your location may have specific requirements for ride-hailing drivers that you must fulfil.

Certification in customer service and relevant technology may not be mandatory, but it can help you stand out in a competitive job market and increase your chances of advancement.

Uber Drivers may defne their success in terms of their earnings, ratings on the app, and type of vehicle they can purchase and drive as they gain experience. Some may be able to gather the resources necessary to start their cab service.

The desire to accelerate career growth and personal development has an increasing number of millennials choosing to job hop and build a scattershot resume that showcases ambition, motivation, and the desire to learn a broad range of skills.

Studies prove that job hopping, earlier dismissed as “flaky” behaviour, can lead to greater job fulfilment. Employees searching for a positive culture and interesting work are willing to try out various roles and workplaces and learn valuable, transferable skills.

Dependable and empathetic individuals with excellent communication, navigation, problem-solving, and customer service skills have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Uber Driver build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, or self-directed learning.

As new players enter the market, the ride-sharing industry is becoming increasingly competitive. Uber Drivers willing to provide exemplary customer service and safe driving services during peak hours and on weekends and public holidays can set themselves apart from their peers and make good money. 

Staying abreast of the latest technology will help you navigate with greater ease, track your driving time and mileage more efficiently, and communicate more effectively with your employer. As driverless cars become more popular, Uber Drivers must learn how to operate and maintain them while continuing to offer excellent customer service.

Hold all the Aces

While excellent navigation and customer service skills come immediately to mind, every Uber Driver worth their weight in gold must be dependable, patient, physically fit and have integrity, time management skills, good hand-eye coordination, and technical know-how. 

In addition, they must be able to hear a forced whisper in one ear at five feet, with or without a hearing aid. They must also have at least 20/40 vision with a 70-degree field of vision in each eye and be able to distinguish colours at a traffic light.

With the Territory comes…

All Uber Drivers need a sturdy vehicle that can pass an authorised annual test and receive the obligatory certification and licence to drive it. Make sure the vehicle can support a hefty mileage in stop-start traffic.

Suppose you don’t own a less than six-year-old multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) or saloon-sized family vehicle with the capacity to comfortably seat a minimum of four adults. In that case, you can hire one from a car rental business approved by Uber.

The rental may cost more than a more extended lease agreement, but it offers short-term flexibility, a private hire conformance certificate, and specific hire and reward insurance cover.

A Free Hand

Although some courts have ruled them as employees, Uber designates its drivers as independent contractors.

As independent contractors, Uber Drivers have more flexible work schedules and locations. You are your own boss, have the potential to earn more than employees, don’t pay income taxes in one shot, and can take advantage of business-related tax deductions.

Uber Drivers can now set their rates and charge additional fees from riders when in high demand. 

However, as an independent contractor, you may experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk. You won’t have access to employee benefits, unemployment insurance, and workers' compensation.

Current Scenario

The continued growth in ride-hailing services will lead to increased demand for Uber Drivers. Still, the gain may be offset by the automation of some driver tasks, limiting the need for drivers.

Uber operates in more than 80 countries and 500 cities worldwide. It is the largest ride-hailing service, with roughly 3.9 million drivers.

Whether they are in it to supplement their regular income or to pay their way through college, becoming an Uber Drivers is simply one of the easiest ways to make a little extra money while providing a trendy alternative to a regular taxi. And in striving to offer the perfect “cross between lifestyle and logistics,” they gain immense satisfaction.

“Being Uber means being efficient.”

Travis Kalanick