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Looking for a new career move? Here’s how to drive with Uber
https://www.whatjobs.com/news/news-stories/looking-for-a-new-career-move-heres-how-to-drive-with-uber
By Hugh Fort in News Stories, posted January 16, 2024
Uber upholds its drivers - and their vehicles - to incredibly high standards.
If you’re only looking for a low-commitment side-hustle, this might not be the job for you.
After signing up, you’ll need to prove that you hold a valid driving licence and that you’re safe and legal to drive.
The onboarding process also involves extensive training.
With some Uber drivers earning at least £75,000 a year in London, it’s a viable career choice for those who wish to stay on the move. If you’re eager to find out more, we’ve explained the basics to get on the books below.
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Getting started with Uber: Five top tips
- Be an honest, reliable driver
You won’t be able to drive with Uber unless you meet strict requirements. Depending on where choose to work, it’s possible that you’ll need to have held your licence for several years.
During the registration process, you’ll need to complete a virtual course. Once you’ve completed the necessary steps, you’ll need to book an appointment to confirm and activate your account. This requires paperwork including your driving licence and proof of your National Insurance number.
Once you start driving, you need to make integrity a full-time responsibility.
Choosing your car is one of the most imperative steps in setting up your new career as a driver. Try not to choose an obnoxious colour for the paintwork on your car - grey, white, and black all make classic choices for taxis.
Knowing why you should service your car is just as important as understanding why you should go for a particular model, too. You’ll need a model that’s not only reliable and fuel-efficient, but also one that offers a smooth, comfortable, and spacious ride for your passengers.
Your taxi needs to be both mechanically sound and aesthetically pleasing to keep you working every day. Likewise, choosing authentic parts like Audi A3 tyres helps to keep your vehicle looking smart and performing well.
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When both you and your car look presentable and professional, you’ll certainly attract clients and keep them returning to you, too. Keeping your car clean and tidy also boosts positive driver ratings, which play a huge part in determining your overall success with Uber.
You might prefer to go ‘Lux’ and offer a premium vehicle (and service) to your passengers. In turn, this could help you to ensure that you’re getting paid a little bit more than some of your local competitors might.
Time management is perhaps the most essential skill for an Uber driver.
Firstly, when it comes to securing the most rides and earning as much as possible, it could be more sensible to work outside of conventional daytime shift hours.
If you’re going to be driving in a large city with a student-heavy population, night shifts could end up being the most lucrative time for your driving.
Popular events, such as sports fixtures and large music concerts, can help you to leverage high demand and earn more than you might on a typical evening.
Overview
Succeeding as an Uber driver is all about knowing your area - and the local market too.
But, before you get behind the wheel, you’ll need to think carefully about your own skills, credentials, and the vehicle you’ll be driving.
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