Uber driver positions are not posted like traditional jobs, and there is no waiting list
Uber does not advertise driver vacancies or maintain a hiring queue. Instead, the company uses an open signup model: anyone who meets the baseline requirements can create an Uber driver account at any time, subject to a background check and vehicle inspection. This means there is no moment when Uber is "hiring" and no moment when it is "full." The number of active drivers fluctuates based on how many people sign up and how many stay active.
What changes is the acceptance rate for new drivers in your city. Uber can slow or pause new driver signups in markets where it already has enough drivers to meet demand. When this happens, the signup page may show a message that the market is at capacity, or the application may be rejected after submission. This is not a permanent ban — it means Uber is not onboarding new drivers in that location right now, and the status can change in weeks or months.
The practical difference matters: you are not competing against other applicants for a fixed number of spots. You are either meeting Uber's requirements in a market that is currently open to new drivers, or you are not. If your market is closed, waiting and reapplying later is the only option.
Key Takeaways
- Uber driver signup is continuous in open markets — there is no application deadline or hiring season, and you can start the process any day.
- Your city or region may be at capacity, which means Uber is not accepting new drivers there right now, even if you meet all requirements.
- A background check and vehicle inspection are required before you can go online; these typically take three to five business days.
- You must own or lease a vehicle that meets Uber's age and condition standards, and you are responsible for insurance, maintenance, and fuel.
- Reapplying in a closed market is free and can be done periodically; some drivers report success after waiting a few weeks or months.
What Uber requires before you can start driving
Before you can accept rides, you must pass a background check and submit your vehicle for inspection. Uber uses third-party screening companies to review your driving record, criminal history, and sex offender registry status. The specific criteria vary by state and city, but most programs disqualify drivers with serious felonies, DUIs within the past seven years, or multiple moving violations.
Your vehicle must be at least a certain age (usually four to eight years old, depending on your city and vehicle type) and pass a safety inspection. You will need to provide photos of your car's exterior and interior, proof of insurance, and registration. Uber may also require an in-person inspection at a partner location in some markets.
You must also have a valid driver's license, Social Security number, and a U.S. bank account for deposits. Some cities require additional documents, such as proof of residency or a commercial driver's license for certain vehicle types.
How long the signup process takes
From the moment you submit your information to the moment you can go online and accept rides, the timeline is typically three to five business days, though it can be longer if documents are missing or if the background check requires manual review.
The background check itself usually completes within one to three business days. Vehicle inspection can happen the same day you submit photos if you use Uber's online photo verification, or it may take longer if you need an in-person appointment. If anything is flagged — a document is unclear, a background item needs clarification, or your vehicle does not meet standards — Uber will contact you and the clock resets.
During this waiting period, you cannot accept rides. You can update your profile and review the requirements, but you will not see available trips until your account is fully activated.
When your city is at capacity
If Uber is not accepting new drivers in your area, the signup page will typically say so directly. The message may read "This market is currently at capacity" or "We are not accepting new drivers in your area right now." This does not mean you are ineligible; it means Uber has enough drivers to meet current demand and is not onboarding new ones.
Capacity status changes based on driver supply and demand. A market can be closed for weeks or months, then reopen. Some drivers report that reapplying after a gap of four to eight weeks has worked, though there is no may provide. Uber does not publish a timeline for when a closed market will reopen.
If you live near a city border, you may be able to sign up in an adjacent city that is still open. However, you will only be able to accept rides in the cities where you are registered, so this is only useful if you are willing to drive in that area.
Your responsibilities as an Uber driver
Once you are active, you are an independent contractor, not an Uber employee. This means Uber does not provide insurance, pay payroll taxes, or cover vehicle maintenance. You are responsible for:
- Personal auto insurance that covers rideshare (standard personal policies often do not)
- Vehicle maintenance, repairs, and fuel
- Self-employment taxes (typically 15.3% of net earnings)
- Keeping your driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance current
Uber provides contingent liability coverage while you are actively driving passengers, but this covers damage you cause to others, not damage to your own vehicle. You need your own comprehensive and collision coverage for that.
Your earnings are not may provide. You keep a percentage of each fare (usually 75 to 80%, depending on your city and promotions), and Uber takes the rest. Surge pricing, tips, and bonuses vary by location and time of day. You can see your earnings in real time in the Uber Driver app.
How to reapply if your market is closed
If you were rejected because your market is at capacity, you can try signing up again. There is no penalty for reapplying, and it is free. Some drivers check back weekly or monthly until the market reopens.
If you were rejected for a different reason — a background issue, vehicle problem, or missing document — Uber will usually explain why in an email. You can address the issue (for example, by waiting for a conviction to age off your record, or by getting your vehicle inspected again) and reapply.
If you are unsure why you were rejected, you can contact Uber support through the app or website. Response times vary, but Uber typically replies within a few business days. Be specific about what you are asking — for example, "I was told my market is at capacity; when will it reopen?" or "My vehicle was rejected for safety reasons; what needs to be fixed?"
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive for Uber if I have an old car?
It depends on your city and the car's age. Most markets require vehicles to be no more than eight to ten years old, though some allow older cars. Your car must also pass a safety inspection and have current registration and insurance. Check Uber's vehicle requirements for your specific city before you start the signup process.
What happens if I fail the background check?
Uber will send you an email explaining why you were not approved. Common reasons include serious felonies, DUIs within seven years, or multiple traffic violations. If you believe the information is wrong, you can dispute it with the background check company. The process and timeline depend on what was flagged.
Do I need commercial insurance to drive for Uber?
Most personal auto insurance policies do not cover rideshare driving. You will need to add a rideshare endorsement to your policy or purchase a separate rideshare insurance policy. Some insurance companies offer this as a low-cost add-on; others require a separate policy. Check with your insurer before you go online.
How much money do Uber drivers make?
Earnings vary widely by city, time of day, and how many hours you drive. Uber does not publish average earnings, and driver income depends on fares, tips, surge pricing, and promotions in your area. You can research typical earnings for your city by asking local drivers or checking driver forums, but your actual income will depend on your own driving patterns.
Can I drive for Uber in multiple cities?
You can register in multiple cities, but you will need to complete the signup process (background check and vehicle inspection) for each one. Once approved, you can accept rides in any city where you are registered. However, some cities have separate requirements or restrictions, so check the rules for each market before you sign up.