So you’re thinking about becoming an Uber Eats driver…

But you have no idea how or where to apply.

This post is for you.

The good news is that it’s SUPER easy to become one — you don’t even need a vehicle!

The even better news is that we’re going to walk you through the steps on how to become an Uber Eats driver.

We’ll also go over the pros and cons, as well as answer some frequently asked questions.

So let’s dive straight in!

How to Become an Uber Eats Driver – The 4 Simple Steps

To become an Uber Eats driver, you only need to complete these 4 steps:

Meet the basic requirements
Apply as an Uber Eats driver
Pass the background checks
Start your first Uber Eats trip

Let’s break down each step for a complete view of what to expect.

Step #1: Meet the Basic Requirements

There are different requirements for different types of drivers/deliverers.

And to identify which type of driver you are, you have to choose what vehicle you’ll be using.

Requirements for Delivery by Car

Be at least 19 years old
Have a valid driver’s license
You must have at least 1 year of driving experience
Have a 2-door or 4-door car
Your car shouldn’t be older than 15 years
Your car should not have dents, damages, and missing parts
You should have an insurance policy under your name
Provide your Social Security Number for background check
You must be able to carry at least 30 pounds

Requirements for Delivery by Motorcycle or Scooter

The minimum age requirement is 19 years old
Have a valid driver’s license with an M endorsement
Have a minimum of 1-year driving experience
Your motorized scooter should be under 50cc
Social Security Number to enable a background check
You should be able to carry at least 30 pounds

Requirements for Delivery by Bicycle or Foot

Be at least 18 years old
Have a valid government-issued ID (better if with a photo)
Provide your Social Security number to facilitate a background check
Ability to carry at least 30 pounds

Make sure you meet any of these requirement brackets before heading to Step 2.

Step #2: Apply as an Uber Eats Driver

So you passed the requirements and background checks — it’s time to apply!

Here is how to do that:

Go to the Uber website to get started.

Fill in your basic information such as name, email, phone number, the city where you’ll be serving, etc…

Select your mode of transportation – car, scooter/motorcycle, or bicycle/walker.

Add in your Social Security Number and click “I Agree” on their Terms and Conditions.

Prepare your driver’s license as you’ll need a photo of it (if applicable). You can either take the picture from your phone or upload it directly from your gallery if you’re using your computer. Once done, you can proceed to the next step.

Upload your vehicle insurance. If you selected the “bicycle/walker” option, then you can proceed to Step #8.

Upload your vehicle registration. The registration document should include your vehicle’s make, model, year, license plate number, VIN, and registration expiry date.

Upload your profile photo. This should be a front-facing and well-lit headshot without a mask, hat, or sunglasses.

After you’ve submitted the application, you’ll need to wait for an approval update. During this time, they will review your application and run a background check. Usually, it takes them a week to get back to you.

Step #3: Pass the Background Checks

Did you get sweaty palms with this?

I know how you feel.

But what does Uber Eats check?

Two things — your personal criminal record and your motor vehicle report (if you have a car or a motorcycle).

The criminal background check includes a scan of both your local (city and county-level) and national records. Usually, delivery companies like Uber Eats take a look at records on:

Theft
Property damage
Sexual offenses
Violent crimes
Felonies
DUIs

On the other hand, motor vehicle reports prioritize finding out if you abide by traffic laws and if you’re a safe driver. As long as your license is free of violations and accidents, then you will be cleared.

If you have multiple minor driver warnings and violations, even without accidents, there is a high chance you won’t get approved.

Step #4: Start Your First Uber Eats Trip

Once your application is accepted, you can start your Uber Eats driver career!

Now that you have your driver profile ready, it’s time to accept requests in your city or town.

Overall, the process is quite simple, and thankfully, Uber Eats’ app interface is very user-friendly.

But wait…

How do you receive and accept delivery requests?

Here’s a quick guide…

Go online using your driver profile. The first button you have to click is the blue button saying “GO” in the app.

Accept a delivery request. You will see delivery requests on your screen with a shopping bag icon. You have around 15 seconds to accept the request before it disappears.

Go to the pickup location. You can use Uber’s in-app navigation tool to help you reach the food location. If you are using a bicycle, you can look for the navigation option best for 2 wheels since this avoids tunnels and highways.

Verify, pick up, and confirm your Uber Eats order. Once inside the restaurant, mention the Order Number you are getting. To update the customer on your progress, you can select options such as “Order Picked Up.”

Drop off the order to your customer. Tap the “Start Delivery” button on your app to notify the customer that you are on your way. If you need to contact the customer for directions and clarifications, you can also call them through the app.

Complete the delivery. Once the food is handed over, you can tap the “Confirm delivery” button. And then you can keep receiving and accepting other requests!

If you want a visual guide from an experienced Uber Eats driver, you can check out this video:

The Pros and Cons of Working as an Uber Eats Driver

Like any job, this comes with its advantages and disadvantages.

If you think the pros outweigh the cons, then this job might be worth your time and effort!

The Pros:

There’s no big investment needed. As you can see above, you don’t need to have a car to be able to join. If you have spare time and don’t mind walking a few miles, then this is a great way to earn money. You can also count this as your exercise for the day!

Requirements are few. Versus other delivery apps, Uber Eats has a streamlined checklist. One of the things you might notice is the lack of a vehicle inspection. Given the fewer steps involved, you can finish the entire application in less than 2 weeks.

Uber Eats helps their deliverers earn more. Aside from the usual percentage you get from the base fare plus tips, Uber Eats has a lot of challenges and incentive offerings. The most common example is the weekly quota. If the driver or walker reaches a number of deliveries, they will get an incentive.

Flexible payment arrangements. Here at Uber Eats, you can cash out daily with Uber Instant Pay. Though payments are made in a weekly cycle, this option is available to those who urgently need the cash.

The Cons:

Your salary is not fixed. There’s no guarantee that you’d earn the same every week or month. It’s dependent on a lot of factors. The number of hours you work, the schedules you choose for your shift, the tips from customers, and the distances of your trips.

There are further deductions on what you receive. Unfortunately, in Uber Eats, you will need to manage and pay your taxes separately. So keep a mental note to yourself that you need to set aside 20%-30% of your earnings to pay the taxes later on.

It’s physically exhausting. As we all know, being in the delivery industry takes a lot of physical strength and endurance. You will be walking, lining up, and driving most of the time. If you think you’ll have difficulty performing these strenuous activities in different weather conditions, then this might not be a job for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Uber Eats Drivers

How Much Do Uber Eats Drivers Earn?

As we mentioned earlier, your salary won’t be fixed. It will depend on a lot of things.

That said, according to Small Business Trends, Uber Eats drivers make around $8 to $12 an hour.

What Are the Common Reasons for Getting Denied as an Uber Eats Driver?

The most common reasons include the following:

If you submit expired licenses and documents
If you have any pending charges against you
If you have a record of crimes such as DUI, reckless driving, sexual offenses, violent offenses, and theft (these result in automatic disqualification)

Is Tax Already Deducted in My Uber Eats Earnings?

No. Since you are self-employed, tax deductions and payments will also be managed by you. There is no tax assistance provided by Uber Eats.

Can I Take Uber Eats Requests from Other Cities?

No, you can only receive and accept requests in your registered city.

In Summary

And that is everything you need to know on how to become an Uber Eats driver.

Signing up to become an Uber Eats driver is fast and easy!

You only need to meet a few requirements, even fewer if you plan on using a bicycle or your own two feet.

You only need to go through a few steps — probably the longest one is your background checks.

In a week or two, you can start earning with Uber Eats.

So what are you waiting for?

Sign up now!

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