What you need to know before you drive for Uber
Driving for Uber means you are self-employed — you are not an Uber employee. You own or lease a vehicle, you pay for gas and maintenance, you set your own hours, and Uber takes a percentage of each fare (usually 25 to 30 percent, though this varies by city and changes over time). You keep the rest, minus taxes you owe on that income. The work is flexible: you can drive whenever you want, but you have no may provide income, no benefits, and no protection if you are injured or your car is damaged during a trip.
Uber does not hire you through a traditional job application. Instead, you go through their driver onboarding process, which involves background checks, vehicle inspections, and document verification. Once you are approved, you download the Uber Driver app, turn it on when you want to work, and accept ride requests from passengers nearby. The app handles payment, routing, and communication between you and the passenger.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that meets Uber's age and condition requirements.
- Uber takes 25 to 30 percent of each fare in most cities, and you are responsible for all vehicle costs, gas, maintenance, and taxes on your earnings.
- The onboarding process includes a background check, driving record review, and vehicle inspection before you can start accepting rides.
- You are classified as an independent contractor, not an employee, which means you have no paid time off, health insurance, or unemployment protection through Uber.
- Earnings vary widely based on location, time of day, demand, and how many hours you work — there is no base pay or may provide minimum.
Requirements to become an Uber driver
You must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver's license from your state or country. Uber requires proof of auto insurance in your name — your personal insurance must cover rideshare driving, or you need to purchase a rideshare insurance policy. Many personal auto policies do not cover commercial driving, so check with your insurance company before you start.
Your vehicle must be at least 15 years old or newer (the year cutoff changes annually). It must pass a vehicle inspection that checks for mechanical safety, working lights, clean interior, and no major damage. Uber accepts most car types — sedans, SUVs, minivans — but the vehicle must be registered in your name and have a clean title. Some cities have additional requirements, such as emissions testing or commercial registration.
You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and address for a background check. Uber reviews your driving record for violations and your criminal history. The specific standards vary by location, but generally you cannot have serious felonies, DUIs within the past seven years, or multiple traffic violations. Uber will tell you if you do not pass.
The onboarding process and what documents you need
Start by going to Uber's driver sign-up page and entering your phone number and email. Uber will ask for your driver's license number, vehicle information (make, model, year, license plate), and insurance details. You will upload photos of your driver's license (front and back), proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. Some cities also require a photo of you and a selfie for identity verification.
Next comes the background check. Uber uses third-party screening companies to review your driving record and criminal history. This typically takes three to five business days, though it can take longer if there are issues to investigate. You will receive an email telling you whether you passed.
If you pass the background check, you schedule a vehicle inspection. In many cities this is done by a third-party inspection service — you drive to a location, a technician checks your car's condition and safety features, and you get a pass or fail. In some areas Uber does inspections through their own staff. Once your vehicle passes, you can download the Uber Driver app, add your payment method, and start accepting rides.
How much you can earn and what affects your income
Uber does not publish average earnings because they vary dramatically by location, time, and demand. In some cities during peak hours (evenings and weekends) drivers report earning $20 to $30 per hour before expenses. During slow times, earnings can drop to $10 to $15 per hour or less. Your actual take-home depends on how much you drive, which hours you choose, and how much you spend on gas, maintenance, and insurance.
Uber's cut of each fare is typically 25 to 30 percent, though some cities have different rates and Uber changes these periodically. You also pay taxes on your net earnings — as a self-employed person, you owe federal income tax, self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare), and possibly state and local taxes. Many drivers do not set aside enough money for taxes and face a large bill at tax time.
Surge pricing (higher fares during high demand) can significantly boost earnings during specific times, usually late nights, bad weather, or special events. The Uber Driver app shows you where demand is highest, so you can position yourself to catch surge rides. However, surge pricing is unpredictable and you cannot count on it.
Vehicle costs and expenses you will pay
As an independent contractor, you pay for everything related to your vehicle. This includes gas, oil changes, tire replacement, brake service, and any repairs. Wear and tear on your vehicle happens faster when you drive for rideshare — your mileage accumulates quickly, which means more frequent maintenance. Many drivers underestimate these costs and end up with lower profit than they expected.
You must carry auto insurance that covers rideshare driving. Standard personal auto insurance typically does not cover commercial use. Rideshare insurance policies cost between $10 and $30 per week depending on your location and coverage level. Some insurance companies offer rideshare endorsements that you add to your existing policy; others require a separate policy.
Uber provides limited insurance coverage while you are actively on a trip (passenger in the car), but this does not cover your vehicle damage, medical expenses, or lost income if you are injured. You are responsible for your own health insurance and any disability coverage. If your car is damaged and you cannot work, you have no income replacement.
How Uber's rating system works and what happens if your rating drops
Passengers rate you after each trip on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Your overall rating is the average of all ratings you receive. Uber expects drivers to maintain a rating of at least 4.6 stars in most cities — if your rating falls below that, Uber may deactivate your account. A single bad rating does not hurt much, but patterns of low ratings (rude behavior, dirty car, taking wrong routes, canceling trips) will lower your average quickly.
Passengers can also report safety issues, cleanliness problems, or route concerns. Multiple complaints can result in deactivation even if your star rating is still above the minimum. Uber does not always tell you the specific reason for deactivation, and the appeals process is limited. Once deactivated, it is difficult to get reactivated.
To maintain a high rating, keep your car clean, follow the GPS route, be polite and professional, and arrive on time. Some drivers use air fresheners, offer phone chargers, or provide water to passengers — these extras can improve ratings. However, you are not required to do anything beyond providing safe, clean transportation.
Taxes and record-keeping for Uber drivers
You must report all Uber income on your tax return. Uber sends you a 1099-NEC form at the end of the year showing your gross earnings (before Uber's cut). However, you can deduct business expenses — mileage, gas, maintenance, insurance, phone bill, and a portion of your vehicle depreciation. Many drivers use the standard mileage deduction, which is simpler than tracking actual expenses. The IRS mileage rate changes annually.
Keep records of your earnings, expenses, and mileage. The Uber Driver app provides some of this information, but you should also track fuel receipts, maintenance invoices, and insurance payments. If you are audited, the IRS will want to see documentation. Many drivers use tax software designed for self-employed people or hire a tax professional to handle their return.
You are responsible for paying estimated quarterly taxes if you expect to owe more than $1,000 at tax time. This means sending the IRS a payment four times per year rather than waiting until April. If you do not pay quarterly and owe a large amount, you may face penalties and interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive for Uber if I have a bad driving record?
It depends on what is on your record. Uber reviews driving violations, accidents, and criminal history. Minor speeding tickets may not disqualify you, but multiple violations, DUIs, or serious crimes within the past seven years usually will. Uber's standards vary by location. If you are unsure, you can start the onboarding process and see whether you pass the background check.
What happens if I get in an accident while driving for Uber?
Uber provides liability insurance while you have a passenger in the car, but this covers damage to the other vehicle and injuries to the passenger — not your own vehicle or medical bills. Your personal auto insurance may not cover rideshare accidents. You need rideshare insurance or a rideshare endorsement to protect yourself. If you cause an accident, you could be liable for costs Uber's insurance does not cover.
Can I drive for Uber and Lyft at the same time?
Yes. Many drivers use multiple apps to maximize earnings and have more ride requests available. However, you can only drive one passenger at a time, and you must be transparent with passengers about which service they are using. Some drivers switch between apps depending on which one is busier at any given time.
What if Uber deactivates my account?
Uber can deactivate you for low ratings, safety violations, or policy breaches. You can appeal through the app, but Uber's appeals process is limited and decisions are often final. If deactivated, you lose access to the platform and cannot earn through Uber. Some drivers have successfully appealed by explaining circumstances or showing improved behavior, but there is no may provide.
Do I need a commercial driver's license to drive for Uber?
No. A standard driver's license is sufficient in most places. However, some cities require commercial registration or a for-hire license for rideshare drivers. Check your local city or county requirements before you start, as these vary widely by location.