Looking for a new flexible earning opportunity? Uber has continued to lead the gig-work industry as one of the most popular, consistent and trusted gig-work platforms by both connecting riders to independent drivers via Uber, as well as restaurants to consumers via Uber Eats. This blog post will outline the activation process and required steps to sign up to drive using the Uber platform. Start to earn more on your own time by signing up to drive with Uber today

Sign-Up & Getting Started

To start driving with the Uber platform, simply download the app onto your mobile device to kick off the sign-up process. This step should only take you a few minutes.

  • Follow the prompts to enter your email address or phone number.
  • Enter the city where you want to earn money.
  • Choose how you want to earn with Uber - you can determine if Uber, Uber Eats (or both!) is the right choice for you. 

Activation Process

Once you’re signed up, but before taking your first trip, Uber will run a background check (safety screening) to keep everyone safe. Information required during this step may include:

  • Legal name
  • Drivers License #
  • DoB
  • SSN 

If you are planning to use Uber to connect with riders in your area, you will be prompted to set up a vehicle inspection to ensure your vehicle meets Uber’s safety standards, including your vehicle's overall condition, brakes, lights, tires, and other essential components. You’re so close to getting on the road! 

How to Get Approved

After completing the safety screening process and vehicle inspection, Uber will contact you once you've been cleared to drive and/or deliver with Uber.  Note that the entire activation process can take up to ~2 weeks after you’ve signed up on the platform - you can check your activation status directly within the app for any updates. Once you’ve been approved, complete the activation process by linking your bank account for earnings, and get familiar with Uber’s key features by exploring the app before taking your first trip. 

Key Features & Highlights

  1. Earnings Tracking: Uber provides you with detailed earnings reports, allowing you to track your earnings, view trip summaries, and monitor your financial performance.
  2. Ratings and Feedback: As a driver using Uber, you will be able to receive real time feedback from customers, as well as submit your own rating of the trip to further ensure accountability and foster a safe and respectful environment for all users. 
  3. Support: You’ll also have access to 24/7 support for users, with options to contact Uber for any assistance or inquiries.

Tips from an Experienced Driver 

We asked Friend of Solo, Hannibal Darby of Hannibal is Hungry on Youtube, about his experience delivering with UberEats: “The highlight of my experience [driving] with Uber Eats is the flexibility it offers. I can turn on the app whenever I am available, which is fantastic. Furthermore, compared to other delivery apps the offers are often better on UberEats, making it a more lucrative choice at times.” 

Hannibal also shared a few of his best tips and tricks for how to get the most out of your experience driving on the Uber platform by using the platform to its full advantage:

  • Regularly check the Opportunities tab in the UberEats app for special offers such as extra pay for deliveries during specific hours, and turn on notifications for earnings opportunities. 
  • Make use of the Trip Radar feature, which sends you offers based on your proximity and availability.
  • Take advantage of unique UberEats features, like the profile screen to share your personal story, and enable additional options like Uber Connect, Uber Direct, and alcohol deliveries. Applying for the UberEats Plus card to pay for customers' groceries on shop and pay orders can be beneficial too. 
  • Unlike other delivery apps, UberEats allows drivers to stack [promotions] like surge pay, Quest, and Boost/Boost Plus [available in states with new incentive structures].  Plan to deliver during high Boost periods for higher base pay, especially for shopping orders.
  • Understand your area and the restaurants you pick up from to increase your efficiency and earnings. Knowing which restaurants promptly have orders ready or those that typically delay can be advantageous.
  • Consider the expected customer tip, shown in the UberEats order request, to calculate a favorable dollars-to-mile ratio and potentially earn more.

Curious to learn how much you can earn while driving with Uber? 

Whether you’re becoming a Solopreneur for the first time or you’re looking to add to your work options, Uber / UberEats can be a steady platform to earn on in just about any major city. Solo’s Pay Insights feature allows you to now explore your estimated earnings from Uber and other available job platforms in your city.

Are you ready to get started with earning extra income by using your own vehicle? Sign up to drive with Uber today! 

[This post contains affiliate links. This means Solo may earn a commission should you chose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using these links.]