Uber was founded in March 2009, and since then, it became a well-known alternative to taxicab businesses. It offers ridesharing services in over 700 cities all over the world and is a fantastic asset for travellers, especially business travellers on a tight schedule.
The whole process of finding an Uber driver for yourself is pretty straightforward. Moreover, with the recent addition of Uber Greenlight Hub, being an Uber driver became a more comfortable experience. If you wish to read more information about it, check out this article: https://www.hyrecar.com/blog/uber-greenlight-hub/.
As there is much to learn about Uber, we prepared this article for you. Here is everything you need to know about it, including how to use it and how you can become an Uber driver yourself.
Uber Basics
Uber is a ridesharing company that offers professional, taxi-like transport services in almost every city on the globe. Ridesharing refers to the concept of private persons providing transportation services to other individuals. It is a very popular and convenient way of traveling, which became an alternative to regular taxis.
The main advantage of Uber is that it is much cheaper than taxis. The average cost of an Uber ride is slightly less than $20. This is because it doesn’t charge you for the city tax, which is usually $2, and Uber charges only 20% of the fare. Compared to taxis, this is a great deal.
Uber drivers are called partners, and they work with their own cars. If you don’t have a car, but you would like to drive for Uber, you can rent one. Uber offers special rates for those who want to rent cars in order to become Uber drivers.
To use Uber as a passenger or driver, you need to download its app for free. You need to register first in order to start using the service. After that, you can ask for a specific Uber service you would like. When you get into your Uber vehicle, you need to give your driver your destination address, and he will bring you there at no extra charge.
How Does Uber Work?
Uber works through a mobile app called Uber. To become an Uber partner, you need to sign up for an account first. To become a driver, you need to enter your personal information and your vehicle details. You can select the type of car you have, such as sedan, SUV, or minivan. Also, you can provide your driving license and insurance information. After that, you will be asked to submit a photo of yourself and your vehicle for identity verification. Your vehicle must be less than 10 years old and in good condition.
After you sign up as a driver, Uber will launch an in-person check where its representatives will check your driver license and vehicle registration documents. Once this process is finished, you will become a certified driver who can pick up Uber passengers.
Uber Application
If you want to become an Uber partner or a passenger, you need to download the app first. With just one click, you can start using it anytime and anywhere. This is truly convenient because at any moment of the day or night, all you have to do is open the app and request a ride or pick someone up from their location. The app finds the closest available drivers for you in real-time and shows their location on the map. It also works offline, so it’s perfect for people who don’t have internet access or use data roaming outside their home country or city.
Uber Promotions & Deals
Being a new version of taxis, Uber has many advantages over them. One of them is that it provides exclusive deals for new users or existing customers all year round. For example, during Halloween time, it had special decorations inside its vehicles that made the ride really enjoyable for all its passengers. On Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, it offered free rides to all parents who wanted to spend quality time with their family members. During holidays such as Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, it provided free rides for everyone who used Uber during those days. Another great way of attracting more customers was offering trips with no fee when using certain credit cards linked with the app or when purchasing gift cards online or in stores for a certain amount of money.
Uber Driver Requirements & Requirements For Cars
To become an Uber driver, you need to have a valid driving license and insurance for your car. Uber will require you to show them your driver’s license so it can be verified. It is also recommended that you take a picture of yourself and your car before you sign up as a driver. This is done for security purposes and to make sure that the person who is driving for Uber is the one who owns the vehicle as well.
The requirements of vehicles differ from city to city. The main condition is that the car should be less than 10 years old, in good condition and not damaged. It also needs to have at least four doors, a functioning air conditioning, and a working radio.
Uber Vehicle Requirements By City
All Uber vehicles must have:
- Serviceable brakes.
- No cosmetic or structural damage.
- Working seatbelts for every rider.
- Functioning headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals.
- At least four doors.
- A functioning horn.
It is not allowed to drive with any of the following:
- Damaged or missing windshields, windows, or other glass.
- Dented or misaligned doors that don’t close properly.
- Any missing side or rear windows.
Vehicles that are not in safe working order are subject to rejection on the spot during the inspection process. If your vehicle is rejected, you will get a full refund for the inspection fee.
Final Thoughts
You have probably had some experiences with Uber or similar companies already, so you know that these services are in high demand. Now you know what it takes to be an Uber driver and what does this job involve. If you still think it’s the right profession for you, go for it!
You can become an Uber driver as your side gig and make extra money. However, if you have more time and really enjoy doing it, you can even consider becoming a full-time Uber driver. Whatever the case, make sure to stay out of trouble and keep your vehicle in pristine condition. Good luck!
