What the Uber Driver app does and who can use it
The Uber Driver app is the platform Uber drivers use to accept rides, navigate to passengers, and manage their earnings. It shows you ride requests in real time, tells you where passengers are waiting, and tracks your pay for each trip. You download it on your phone, create an account, pass a background check, and then you can start accepting rides whenever you want.
You do not have to work set hours. You open the app when you are ready to drive, and close it when you want to stop. Uber sends ride requests to drivers in your area, and you choose whether to accept each one. If you decline too many requests in a row, Uber may temporarily pause your access to new requests, but you can always log back in later.
Requirements vary by city and state, but most places require you to be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license, own or lease a vehicle that meets Uber's standards, and pass a background check. Some cities also require a commercial driver's license or a specific type of insurance. Check your local rules before you start the process.
Key Takeaways
- The Uber Driver app lets you see ride requests, accept or decline them, and track your earnings in real time on your phone.
- You set your own schedule — you can drive whenever you want and stop whenever you want, with no minimum hours required.
- Uber takes a percentage of each fare (the amount varies by city and ride type), and you keep the rest plus tips.
- You are responsible for your own vehicle maintenance, fuel, and insurance, and these costs reduce your actual take-home pay.
- Your account can be deactivated if you receive too many low ratings, decline too many rides, or violate Uber's community guidelines.
How to download and set up the driver account
Go to the Uber website or search for "Uber Driver" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your phone. Download the app and open it. You will be asked to enter your phone number, email address, and password to create an account.
Next, Uber will ask for your driver's license number, vehicle information (make, model, year, license plate, and VIN), and proof of insurance. You will also need to provide your Social Security number or tax ID so Uber can report your earnings to the IRS. Upload photos of your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance through the app.
Uber then sends your information to a third-party background check company. This check looks at your driving record and criminal history. The process usually takes three to five business days, though it can take longer if there are issues with your documents. You will receive an email when the check is complete.
Once you pass the background check, you can activate your driver account in the app. Some cities require additional steps, such as uploading a selfie for facial recognition or completing a vehicle inspection at a local Uber hub. The app will tell you if your city requires these steps.
Understanding how you earn money and what Uber takes
Your earnings come from the fare passengers pay, plus tips they add in the app or give you in cash. Uber calculates the fare based on distance and time, and the amount varies by city and time of day. During surge pricing (when demand is high and few drivers are available), fares increase automatically.
Uber takes a percentage of each fare before you see the money. This percentage, called the "service fee," ranges from about 20 to 30 percent depending on your city and the type of ride (UberX, Uber Eats, etc.). Tips are yours to keep — Uber does not take a cut of tips.
You can see how much you earned each week in the "Earnings" tab of the app. The app shows you the fare for each ride, the service fee Uber took, and your net pay. Money goes into your bank account, usually within one to three business days of the ride.
Keep in mind that your actual take-home pay is lower than what the app shows. You have to pay for gas, vehicle maintenance, repairs, and insurance out of your earnings. You are also responsible for self-employment taxes, which are typically 15.3 percent of your net income. Many drivers find that after these costs, their hourly rate is much lower than the per-ride fare suggests.
Ratings, deactivation, and what happens if your account is closed
Passengers rate you after each ride on a scale of one to five stars. Your average rating appears in your driver profile. Uber expects drivers to maintain a rating of at least 4.6 stars (the threshold varies slightly by city). If your rating drops below this, Uber may send you a warning or deactivate your account.
Deactivation means you can no longer accept rides through the app. Common reasons for deactivation include a low rating, declining too many ride requests, violating Uber's community guidelines (such as being rude to passengers or driving under the influence), or having an accident or traffic violation. You can appeal a deactivation by contacting Uber support, but the decision is usually final.
If your account is deactivated, you lose access to the app immediately. You cannot drive for Uber again unless Uber reactivates your account, which happens rarely. Some drivers have successfully appealed by showing that the reason for deactivation was a mistake or has been resolved, but there is no may provide.
Uber can also temporarily pause your access to new ride requests if you decline too many in a row. This is not a permanent deactivation — you can usually resume accepting rides after a waiting period or by going online again later.
Vehicle requirements and insurance
Your vehicle must meet Uber's standards to be approved. Generally, this means your car must be at least four model years old (though some cities allow older vehicles), have four doors, pass a vehicle inspection, and have a clean title with no major damage. Uber has a list of approved vehicle models on its website, but most common sedans and small SUVs may have access to.
You are responsible for maintaining your vehicle in safe condition. Uber may ask you to upload photos of your car to verify it is in good shape. If your vehicle fails inspection or shows signs of major damage, Uber may remove it from your account until repairs are made.
Insurance is your responsibility. Your personal auto insurance policy likely does not cover you while you are driving for Uber, because you are using the vehicle for commercial purposes. Uber provides some coverage while you are actively on a ride, but this coverage has limits and does not cover damage to your own vehicle. Many drivers purchase commercial rideshare insurance, which costs extra but provides more complete protection. Check your state's requirements — some states mandate that rideshare drivers carry specific types of coverage.
How the app works during a ride
When you are online and ready to drive, the app shows you incoming ride requests. Each request displays the passenger's pickup location, their destination (if they have entered it), and the estimated fare. You have a few seconds to accept or decline. If you accept, the app shows you turn-by-turn directions to the pickup location and the passenger's name and rating.
Once the passenger gets in your car, the app tracks the route and the time. The fare meter runs in real time. You can see the passenger's destination and the estimated arrival time. When you reach the destination, the ride ends in the app, and the passenger is charged. They can then rate you and add a tip.
The app also has a messaging feature so you and the passenger can communicate if needed. You can call or text them through the app without sharing your personal phone number. If there is a problem during the ride — such as the passenger asking you to take a different route or a safety concern — you can contact Uber support through the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive for Uber part-time while working another job?
Yes. Many drivers use Uber to earn extra money around their main job. You set your own schedule and can drive whenever you want. However, remember that you are responsible for self-employment taxes on all your Uber income, and you will need to report it on your tax return.
What happens if a passenger leaves something in my car?
Contact the passenger through the app's messaging feature first. If they do not respond, you can report the lost item to Uber support through the app. Uber may contact the passenger on your behalf. If the item is valuable, you can ask the passenger to pay a return fee, but Uber does not handle this — you and the passenger work it out directly.
Do I have to accept every ride request I receive?
No. You can decline as many rides as you want, but if you decline too many in a row, Uber may temporarily pause your access to new requests. This is not a permanent deactivation — you can usually go back online after a short wait.
How do I know how much I will earn before I accept a ride?
The app shows you the estimated fare before you accept. This estimate is based on distance and time, but the actual fare may be different if the route changes or traffic delays the ride. Tips are not shown until after the ride is complete.
What if I have a problem with a passenger or a ride?
Use the app's support feature to report the issue to Uber. You can describe what happened, and Uber will investigate. If a passenger was rude or unsafe, report it immediately. If there is a safety emergency, call 911 first, then report to Uber.