Uber driver positions are not traditional jobs with posted vacancies — instead, you sign up through the Uber app and become available to accept rides whenever you choose
Uber does not hire drivers the way a restaurant or office hires employees. There is no job posting, no interview, and no hiring manager. Instead, you read the Uber Driver app, complete a background check and vehicle inspection, and then you can start accepting ride requests in your area. Whether Uber is "hiring" depends entirely on whether your city is open to new drivers — some cities have caps on how many drivers can work, while others accept drivers continuously.
The process is straightforward but has real requirements. You need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, a vehicle that meets Uber's standards, and you must pass a background check. The background check looks at your driving record and criminal history. Once you are approved, you control when and how much you work — there is no schedule, no minimum hours, and no obligation to accept every request.
Key Takeaways
- You become an Uber driver by signing up through the app, not by responding to a job posting, and Uber does not post traditional vacancies.
- Your city may have a cap on new drivers, so availability to sign up varies by location and changes over time.
- You must pass a background check, have valid insurance and a may have access to vehicle, and hold a current driver's license before you can start.
- Once approved, you set your own schedule and choose which ride requests to accept — Uber does not assign you shifts or require minimum hours.
- Earnings come from fares minus Uber's commission, and you are responsible for your own taxes, vehicle maintenance, and insurance.
How to learn about Uber is accepting drivers in your area
Open the Uber Driver app and enter your location. The app will tell you when ready whether your city is open to new drivers. If it is open, you can begin the sign-up process right away. If it is closed, the app will show a message saying so, and you can check back later — cities open and close to new drivers based on demand and local regulations.
Some cities, including New York City and San Francisco, have strict caps on the number of active drivers. These cities may close to new sign-ups for months at a time. Other cities have no cap and accept drivers continuously. There is no way to predict when a closed city will reopen, so if you see your city is closed, you can check the app periodically or contact Uber support to ask whether they expect to reopen soon.
What documents and information you need before you start
Gather these items before you open the app: a valid driver's license, proof of vehicle insurance, your vehicle's registration, and your Social Security number. You will also need a bank account for deposits and a phone number to receive verification codes.
Your vehicle must meet Uber's requirements, which vary slightly by city but generally mean it must be four doors, in good condition, and no more than a certain age (usually 15 to 20 years old, depending on your location). Uber will ask you to upload photos of your car from multiple angles. If your vehicle does not meet the requirements, you cannot proceed until you use a different car.
The background check takes several days to a few weeks. Uber checks your driving record for accidents and violations, and your criminal history. A single speeding ticket usually will not disqualify you, but serious violations, DUIs, or felonies will. You can contact Uber support if you are unsure whether something in your history will be a problem.
The background check and approval timeline
After you submit your information, Uber sends your details to a third-party background check company. This process typically takes three to seven business days, though it can take longer if there are delays or if the company needs to verify information. You will receive an email when the check is complete.
If you are approved, you can start accepting rides when ready. If you are denied, the email will explain the reason — usually a driving violation, an accident, or something in your criminal record. You can appeal a denial by contacting Uber support and providing additional information or documentation. Some denials can be overturned if you can show the information was incorrect.
How earnings work and what costs come out of your pay
You earn money from each ride you complete. Uber calculates the fare based on distance and time, then takes a commission — typically 25 to 30 percent of the fare, though this varies by city and can change. The rest goes to you. Surge pricing (higher fares during busy times) is split the same way.
You are responsible for several costs that come out of your earnings. Vehicle maintenance, gas, and insurance are your responsibility. Uber does not provide a vehicle or pay for repairs. You must also pay self-employment taxes, which are typically 15.3 percent of your net earnings. Many drivers set aside 25 to 30 percent of what they earn to cover taxes and vehicle costs.
You can see your earnings in real time in the app. Money is deposited to your bank account weekly, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday. There is no minimum amount you must earn to cash out, and you can stop driving whenever you want.
Insurance requirements and what Uber's coverage does and does not include
You must have your own personal auto insurance before you start driving for Uber. Uber provides additional coverage while you are actively on a trip (from the moment you accept a ride until the passenger exits), but this coverage is secondary to your personal insurance. Your personal policy must be active and valid.
Uber's coverage does not explore when you are logged into the app but have not yet accepted a ride. This gap — called the "waiting period" — is when many accidents happen, and your personal insurance may not cover you if you are logged in and waiting for requests. Some personal insurance policies exclude commercial driving entirely, so check with your insurer before you start. You may need a commercial or rideshare endorsement on your policy.
What happens if you stop driving or want to reactivate later
You can stop driving at any time. There is no notice period, no penalty, and no obligation to tell Uber. straightforward stop accepting rides and log out of the app. Your account remains active, and you can log back in and start driving again whenever you want.
If you have not driven in a long time (usually six months or more), Uber may require you to update your information or pass another background check before you can reactivate. This depends on your city and Uber's current policies. You can contact Uber support to ask what is required in your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my city is closed to new drivers?
Check the app periodically to see if your city reopens. Some cities cycle between open and closed status based on demand. You can also contact Uber support to ask if they have a timeline for reopening. In the meantime, you cannot sign up as a driver in that city, though you can still use Uber as a passenger.
Can I drive for Uber if I have a accident or violation on my record?
It depends on how recent and serious it is. Minor speeding tickets usually do not disqualify you. Accidents, DUIs, and serious violations are more likely to result in denial. If you are denied, you can appeal and provide context or documentation. Contact Uber support to discuss your specific situation.
Do I have to accept every ride request?
No. You can decline ride requests without penalty. However, if you decline too many requests in a row, Uber may temporarily remove you from the queue. You control your schedule entirely — you can log in and out whenever you want, and you are never required to work.
What if I have an accident while driving for Uber?
Report it to Uber through the app when ready. Uber's coverage applies while you are on an active trip. You should also report it to your personal insurance company. Take photos, get the other driver's information, and file a police report if there are injuries or significant damage.
How much can I earn as an Uber driver?
Earnings vary widely based on your city, the time of day you drive, and how many hours you work. There is no may provide income. Some drivers earn $15 to $20 per hour after expenses, while others earn more or less depending on local demand and their efficiency. Track your expenses carefully so you know your actual profit.