One of the main advantages of working for a company like Uber are the hours and the bosses. You set your own hours, and you have no boss. The rideshare industry is constantly growing, there are some growing pains accompanying it, but the end of the rod is far away, and the rideshare industry has only just started. So, if you want to be your own boss, and make a decent living, also freeing your time to allow for other activities and sources of income, then sit back, read this article and become a rideshare driver for 2018.
https://www.uber.com/a/join-vs?exp_slp=1&exp_hvp=1&invite_code=93jzqs
Here are four questions to ask yourself before making a decision.
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Can I drive for over 6 hours daily?
- Driving for long hours has a lot of drawbacks, and we will look at them together in the coming article.
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Do I want to be self-employed?
- As an independent contractor, you must manage your own accounts and file for taxes every year. You also have no one to blame but yourself.
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Can I master the discipline of working alone?
- Being able to work long hours, daily, and have the determination to do so all the time is not for every individual.
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Am I a Patient Extrovert?
- Driving people is not as easy as it sounds, we will cover this issue here. Add to that the other drivers on the streets and weather conditions. Can you leave your troubles at home? Or will you be a potential bomb waiting to explode?
If you are still thinking about a career with Uber, then read on.
I will split the chapters into questions just to set the outline for an understanding of what is involved:
- Are you ready to drive daily for a living?
- Are your income expectations within reason?
- Do you meet the car and driver requirements for signup?
- How do you fill out the application form?
- How do you maximize your earnings?
These are the basics and will be our chapter headings. So, let's start and find out if you are ready and able to be an Uber driver in 2018.
1. Are you ready to drive daily for a living?
Driving is not a profession for everyone. You might think it is easy to drive around for hours every day, meeting new people, talking and taking them to their destinations. However, have you considered what it takes to sit in the same seat for hours? What happens when you have a problematic customer? How do you keep your car clean at all times? What about your music and their preferences? What about traffic and the road conditions and what about other drivers?
Driving for a profession requires patience, skill, and an extrovert personality. Basically, you need to be a salesperson on wheels., and have the patience of a saint when dealing with customers as well as other drivers.
Another issue that you have to deal with daily is yourself. When you don't have a boss, do you have the drive and determination to work a minimum number of hours a day to earn the basics of what you need, perhaps earn more than just the basics?
Once you overcome your laziness levels, you will have to overcome your patience with passengers that can provide the following obstacles: loud, rude, messy, thick, and a mixture of all of these. Take into account that there are also violent customers, they are far and few between, but they exist.
Are you an extrovert, can you communicate well? Are you also a seat psychologist? A therapist in motion? You will need some of these basic skills to placate some passengers, while with others you will need to be patient with their boisterous attitudes, such as shouting over cell phones, asking for loud music that you don't have and generally being an ass.
The final test is how do you drive, are you a patient driver? Can you accept all the a-holes that ruin the streets with their careless and sometimes erratic driving? Being able to navigate the roads in a timely but safe manner is just as important as knowing how to read "car body language" ad being prepared for anything and everything.
If you can master these skills, which are the basic skills that all successful taxi drivers have, then you are ready to take on the roads as a paid rideshare professional.
https://www.uber.com/a/join-vs?exp_slp=1&exp_hvp=1&invite_code=93jzqs
2. Are your income expectations within reason?
Don't believe all that you read. Uber drivers do not make it rich, but at the same time, we do earn more than $3 an hour. We might not earn the same as a software engineer in Silicon Valley, but we do earn nicely if we know how to drive and understand the basics of Uber driving.
The Uber income is generated from a base fare calculation, this is:
- Base Fare.
- Mileage.
- Time
- Booking Fee.
These amounts do vary between cities, but the calculation is the same everywhere. There is a base fare or minimum fee that riders pay. Then an additional income from every mile and minute over the base fare, as well as a booking fee.
A nice addition to this is the surge pricing, that multiplies the per mile and minute amounts by increments set during the surge, and include x1.5, x2 and more.
Now let's look at the expense side. Uber takes 20-25% of the fare as a commission. You can add tips to the fare too, but we cannot calculate tips since they differ. So, the bottom line is on every trip you will receive a set amount less the Uber commission.
From this gross income less commission, you start to take off expenses. There is a lot of controversy over expenses, but the bottom line is that these usually reach around 35-45% of your income, dependent on the car payments you have to make. The rest are standard expenses that you will pay, such as gas, maintenance and a plethora of expenses, which you can read further about here: LINK
https://www.uber.com/a/join-vs?exp_slp=1&exp_hvp=1&invite_code=93jzqs
3. Do you meet the car and driver requirements for signup?
If you have made it this far and are not put off by the hardships that come with rideshare driving, now let's take a look at the basic requirements for your car and being a driver, as set down by Uber.
Uber is split into categories, most of us will start off at the base level, which is UberX. However, some drivers prefer driving SUV's and mini-vans, others prefer classy and black cars, so they will try out for the other categories.
- The application process will take you around 5 to 10 days; this varies based on whether you have all the necessary documentation ready and includes the vehicle inspection and a background screening.
- You don't need to own a car, but you must bring a car that meets all the Uber requirements.
- You must have a clean past for seven years. If you have any issues in your past, then Uber will not accept you.
Here are the basics for a driver's requirements:
- You must be over 21 years old and have at least one year's experience of US driving
- You must have three years' experience of US driving
- You must present an in-state driving license.
- You must have in-state personal auto insurance, with your name must be registered on the card.
- You must have an in-state registered car, although it doesn't have to be registered in your name.
Applicant Screening
You will go through a seven-year screening for the following:
- A clean driving records
- A social security number
- No DUI or drug-related offenses
- No fatal accidents
- No criminal records
- No history of reckless driving
If you meet all these requirements then the next issue to deal with are the vehicle requirements:
UberX requirements are:
- A 10-year-old or newer model in most cities
- In state license plates
- No taxis, marked or salvaged cars
- The car must pass the Uber inspection
- The car registration is up to date, although the applicant's name does not need to be on the car registration.
If you want to be sure of which car is applicable, check out the fully updated list of the car online at ubermovement.com
Uber car inspection
Once you have met the basic car requirements, you will need to take the car in for inspection; these are the basics you will need to provide for a successful inspection:
- A 10-year-old, four doors, five seatbelts, and non-salvaged vehicle
- A valid driving license
- A valid car registration
- Proof of insurance
- Banking info or a voided personal check for arranging a direct deposit
The Vehicle Inspection
You will need to go through a preliminary vehicle inspection to apply, and again once a year to maintain your Uber driving status. The Uber inspection covers 19 issues, and while you can go to an Uber mechanic to get the inspection done for free, you can get it done at any accepted mechanics shop but be prepared to pay.
I suggest you book ahead of time at an Uber designated shop; it saves time and money.
Insurance
Uber provides you with a basic commercial insurance package, it has a $1,000 deductible clause and covers $1 million in liability. Uber’s collision covers periods 2 and 3; Uber does not cover period one collisions, so you should find good insurance coverage. You will need to buy a rideshare insurance policy; standard car insurance does not cover rideshare. The rideshare policy will cover you during all your driving periods for Uber, and to understand what I mean, here is a breakdown of how Uber categorizes driving periods.
What is a Period?
Period 1: Starts when you turn the Uber app on and is the period in between rides when you are waiting for a request
Period 2: Starts from the moment you receive pick up call and until you pick up the passenger.
Period 3: Starts the moment the passenger sits in the car until you drop them off at their destination.
Now let's take a look at the different Uber categories you can apply for. Although I suggest you start with UberX and only after you have driven for a few months, add another category.
https://www.uber.com/a/join-vs?exp_slp=1&exp_hvp=1&invite_code=93jzqs
Uber Car Categories
Uber's car categories include:
- UberX: standard car category
- UberPOOL: rides sharing a section of UberX
- UberXL: larger car category than UberX
- UberSelect: the first luxury level
- UberSUV: Uber's SUV luxury level
- UberBLack: Uber's primary luxury level
- UberLUX: Ubers top line service in LA only
UberX (and UberPool)
UberX is the standard entry level for all of Uber ride-share services. UberPool is a service usually covered by UberX cars, and most of the rides are within this category.
UberX car requirements are:
- No older than a 10-year-old model
- Some CA cities will accept 15-year-old cars
- The car must seat no less than four passengers including the driver.
- The car must have four doors, no center opening doors or wings
- The car must have four working seat belts
- The car interior must be clean and the upholstery in good condition with no wear and tear or stains.
- The car exterior must be clean, with no scratches or dents.
UberX cars include:
- Nissan Altima. Sentra.
- Toyota Prius, Camry, Corolla, Tacoma.
- Ford Focus, F-150.
- Chevrolet Malibu, Cruz, Cobalt.
- Volkswagen Golf, Passat.
- Chrysler 300 and 200.
- Honda Civic, Accord.
- Mazda 3, 6.
UberXL (and UberPool)
UberXL requirements are:
- The car must seat five passengers
- There must be six working seatbelts not including the drivers
- The car must be newer than ten years from the date of application
- The car interior must be clean and the upholstery in good condition with no wear and tear or stains.
- The car exterior must be clean, with no scratches or dents.
UberXL cars can include:
- GMC Acadia
- Dodge Caravan, Durango
- Honda Odyssey, Pilot
- Ford Explorer, Expedition
- Chevrolet Suburban, Traverse
- Nissan Pathfinder, Quest
- Toyota Highlander
UberSelect
UberSelect car requirements are:
- No older than an 8-year-old model
- The car must seat no less than four passengers, not including the driver.
- The car must have four doors
- The car must have four working seat belts
- Car interior must be leather only
- The car interior must be clean and the upholstery in good condition with no wear and tear or stains.
- The car exterior must be clean, with no scratches or dents.
UberSelect cars can include:
- Audi A3 and up
- BMW series and up
- Lincoln (all)
- Mercedes C and up
- Volvo S60
- Acura
- Cadillac
- Hyundai Genesis
- Infiniti all models
UberSUV
- No older than a 5-year-old model
- Cars must be full SUV only
- The car must seat no less than four passengers, not including the driver.
- The car must have four doors
- The car must have four working seat belts not including the drivers
- Car interior must be leather only
- The car interior must be clean and the upholstery in good condition with no wear and tear or stains.
- The car exterior must be clean, with no scratches or dents.
- Commercial registration
- Commercial insurance
- Airport permits where applicable
UberSUV cars can include:
- Cadillac Escalade,
- Chevrolet Suburban,
- Lincoln Navigator,
- GMC Yukon XL,
- Infiniti QX80,
- Mercedes GL-Class,
- Lexus LX
UberBlack
UberBlack car requirements are:
- No older than a 4-year-old model
- The car must seat no less than four passengers, not including the driver.
- The car must have four doors
- The car must have four working seat belts
- Car exteriors and interiors must be Black.
- Car interior must be leather only
- The car interior must be clean and the upholstery in good condition with no wear and tear or stains.
- The car exterior must be clean, with no scratches or dents.
- Commercial registration
- Commercial insurance
- Airport permits where applicable
UberBlack cars include:
- Audi A6, A7, A8
- BMW series 5, 7
- Mercedez-Benz E and S class
- Porsche Panamera
- Tesla Model S
- Jaguar XF, XJ,
- Cadillac XTS
UberLUX
- No older than a 4-year-old model
- The car must seat no less than four passengers, not including the driver.
- The car must have four doors
- The car must have four working seat belts not including the drivers
- Car interior must be leather only
- The car interior must be clean and the upholstery in good condition with no wear and tear or stains.
- The car exterior must be clean, with no scratches or dents.
- Commercial registration
- Commercial insurance
- Airport permits where applicable
UberLUX cars include:
- Audi A8
- BMW series 7
- Mercedez-Benz S class
- Porsche Panamera
- Tesla Model S
- Range Rover
https://www.uber.com/a/join-vs?exp_slp=1&exp_hvp=1&invite_code=93jzqs
4. How do you fill your application form?
Its time to apply and this takes a short time to input the information online. I suggest you take full advantage of a referral bonus and use this link for applying.
Here is the step by step process for applying online:
Got to Uber's website application page using this link.
By using the above link, you will reach a new driver sign up a screen that includes a bonus only received when applying through a bonus link. If you decide to navigate to the Uber application page without the link, then add this code "93jzqs" in the "Invite" box so you can enjoy the bonus that comes with a referral application.
After you have entered your invite code and basic information, you will need to input your car information. If your vehicle meets Uber's requirements, you will continue the process; if not, you will need to find a vehicle that will meet the Uber requirements.
Your next step is entering your personal information, and that includes answering a few questions and then inputting your social security number. Your SSN is used for screening.
Now you need to accept and consent to a background check
Click "I AGREE & ACKNOWLEDGE" to proceed to the next step.
Documentation Proof
Now you need to provide photos of your car insurance, license, car registration and any other relevant proofs you need to provide for your application. Once you have uploaded everything, you will need to wait for Uber to come back to you with confirmation or request for more details.
5. How do you maximize your earnings?
There are many articles and videos explaining how to maximize your income, as well as retain a 5-star driver status, rather than expound here in detail; it is better to link you to two articles:
The first is how to become and retain a 5-star drivers rating
The second is how to maximize your income