How to Make Money as an Uber Driver

Make your own work hours, meet interesting people and use your car to land your dream job. Uber driving as part of the rapidly growing ride share program has become one of today’s hottest income opportunities because of the flexibility the technology company offers.

The Los Angeles Times reports the Uber was valued at $50 billion in 2015, and in 2016, global bookings are expected to increase by 141 percent. With Uber’s worldwide presence in more than 350 cities in six continents and a $2 billion investment from Chinese firms in 2016, as reported by Reuters, the company’s continued growth is attractive to those looking for both part-time and full-time employment.

Becoming an Uber driver independent contractor is a simple process, but in order to maintain a high rating and keep booking clients, it’s essential to offer an excellent ride. Here’s how to score a position and become one of the best on the road.

Uber Application Essentials

Uber offers several classes of rides, from the basic UberX to the most luxurious UberBLACK, UberSUV and UberLUX categories, which fall into Uber’s high-end offerings. UberBLACK, UberSUV and UberLUX have stricter requirements during the application process, including the possession of commercial licensing and commercial insurance. In most markets, a car that is older than five years old will not qualify for any of these three designations.

All Uber drivers must be at least 21 years old or older and have at least three years’ driving experience. All vehicles must have at least four doors, and in most cities, vehicles must be 10 years old or newer. Valid insurance and a driver’s license is required, and an in-state plate with current registration is a necessity. All applying drivers will also be required to pass a background check that goes back seven years and examines criminal history and motor vehicle records. Criminal activity and extreme driving arrests will disqualify you.

Uber also requires drivers to pass a vehicle inspection test, which means you’ll want to make sure your car is properly fueled and in good working condition, including high-quality tire tread. Outfitting your ride with new tires from a reputable brand, such as Nitto, can ensure tires pass the tread test. Equipping your car with proper emissions fluids and having a mechanic work on it before inspection will also help you pass.

You’ll need a working smartphone to pick up rides and navigate your trips. The smartphone should be in excellent condition so that you are able to communicate with passengers if they contact you while you’re on your way.

Become a Road Warrior

After you’ve officially become an Uber driver, it’s vital to keep up a high rating. After each trip, drivers are rated by passengers on a five-star scale. Uber recommends keeping a rating of at least an average of 4.6, according to Business Insider, or else the company may deactivate your account.

To ensure your rating stays high, follow these tips:

• Keep your car clean and smelling pleasant. Get regular washes and details, use an air freshener and don’t travel with food in your car.
• Do not drive with other guests in your car. You should be the only other passenger the person you pick up encounters.
• Ask a passenger what they’d like to listen to. Riding with news talk radio or blasting irritating music without keeping your passenger’s preferences in mind may lower your rating.
• Impress passengers with free perks. Keeping mints, water bottles or phone chargers in your car to keep passengers hydrated and comfortable makes the ride more pleasurable.
• Take the most convenient route possible. Use your smartphone to check for delays, and if the passenger suggests a route, always take it.
• Be polite and professional. Help with luggage, engage in friendly conversation or provide peace and quiet if that’s your passenger’s preference.

Being an Uber driver is more than casually picking people up. The more professionally you approach the job, the more potential you have to garner more rides based on your rating and increase your earnings.