Uber has transformed the way people travel and created a flexible earning opportunity for thousands of drivers across the UK. Whether you're looking for a full-time career or a side hustle, becoming an Uber driver offers the freedom to set your own hours and work at your own pace.
But is it the right choice for you? In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about becoming an Uber driver, including earnings expectations, the sign-up process, requirements, and tips for success.
How Much Do Uber Drivers Make in the UK?
One of the most common questions potential drivers ask is: How much can I earn with Uber?
Uber Earnings Potential
Your income as an Uber driver depends on several factors:
- Location – Drivers in busy cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham tend to earn more due to higher demand.
- Hours Worked – More hours on the road means more trips and higher earnings.
- Peak Times – Driving during rush hour, weekends, and late-night shifts can significantly boost income due to surge pricing.
- Uber's Service Fee – Uber takes a commission from each fare, which varies depending on the service level.
How much do Uber drivers earn?
On average, Uber drivers in the UK can earn:
- £20 - £25 per hour during peak hours.
- £500 - £800 per week for full-time drivers (40+ hours).
- £1200 - £1500 per month for part-time drivers (15-20 hours per week).
Deductions & Expenses
While Uber earnings can be attractive, drivers also need to account for:
- Fuel costs (depending on vehicle efficiency and mileage)
- Insurance (private hire insurance is required)
- Vehicle maintenance and servicing
- Uber’s commission
- Self-employed tax contributions
To maximise your earnings, it's important to drive smart, utilise Uber’s surge pricing, and manage expenses efficiently.
Here’s our quick guide to saving fuel on the roads.
How to Become an Uber Driver: How Uber Works
Step 1: Meet Uber’s Requirements
Before you sign up, ensure you meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Hold a full UK driving licence for at least 3 years
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Own or have access to a vehicle that meets Uber’s standards
- Obtain a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) licence (this varies by region but is required for all Uber drivers)
- Pass a DBS background check and a medical examination
Read more about the sign-up process here - How to sign up for Uber UK (2025)
Step 2: Choosing Your Vehicle
Your vehicle must meet Uber’s standards, which vary by city. Generally, Uber requires:
- A 4-door car, less than 10 years old
- A vehicle in good condition with no significant damage
- A car that meets emissions standards (some cities require hybrid or electric vehicles)
Best cars for Uber drivers:
- Toyota Prius (fuel-efficient and reliable)
- Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid (low running costs)
- Volkswagen Passat (comfortable and spacious)
When choosing a car for Uber, your two biggest priorities should be fuel efficiency and comfort, as you could be spending a lot of time in your vehicle!
Get more info about the best cars for Uber here - The Best Cars for Uber Drivers in the UK
Step 3: Get the Right Insurance
To drive for Uber, you must have private hire insurance, which covers you and your passengers during rides. Your personal car insurance policy is not sufficient.
Uber also offers partner insurance options, but comparing policies can help you find the best deal.
INSHUR offers three levels of coverage to fit your budget. Plus, drivers who maintain a great driver score get a better price at renewal.
Check out INSHUR’s private hire insurance for an easier option.
Step 4: Sign Up and Complete the Onboarding Process
Once you meet the requirements, you can register on Uber’s website and upload the required documents. Uber will then verify your details, and once approved, you’ll be ready to start accepting rides!
What It’s Like to Be an Uber Driver
A Typical Day as an Uber Driver
Uber driving offers flexibility, but a structured routine can help maximise earnings. A typical day may look like this:
- Morning Rush (6am - 10am): High demand for rides as people commute to work. Great for earning higher fares through surge pricing.
- Midday Lull (10am - 3pm): Lower demand, often filled with airport trips, business travellers, or short rides.
- Evening Rush (4pm - 8pm): A second peak period as people finish work, head home, or go out for the evening.
- Late-Night Rides (8pm - 2am): Bar and club-goers provide opportunities for fares, especially on weekends.
How the Uber App Works
- Accepting Rides – The Uber app automatically matches drivers with riders nearby. Drivers can choose to accept or decline requests.
- Navigation – The app provides turn-by-turn GPS directions to pick up and drop off passengers.
- Payments – Uber handles all transactions digitally, with fares paid directly to drivers through weekly direct deposits.
- Ratings & Feedback – Riders rate their experience, which affects a driver’s overall rating and access to Uber promotions.
Common Challenges Uber Drivers Face
- Passenger Behaviour: Some riders may be rude, messy, or uncooperative.
- Cancellations: Passengers sometimes cancel rides last-minute, wasting driver time.
- Long Waiting Periods: During off-peak hours, drivers may experience downtime between rides.
- Traffic Congestion: Heavily congested areas can slow down trips.
- Wear and Tear on the Vehicle: Increased mileage means more frequent maintenance and servicing.
The Benefits of Being an Uber Driver
Despite the challenges, many drivers enjoy the benefits of Uber, such as:
- Flexible working hours – Choose when and how long to work.
- Instant payouts – Uber offers an option for same-day earnings withdrawals.
- Surge pricing – Higher fares during peak times boost income.
- Independence – No boss, no fixed schedules - work for yourself.
How to Succeed as an Uber Driver
Improving Your Uber Star Rating
Your star rating affects your access to rides and promotions. Here’s some quick tips to keep it high:
- Maintain a clean car
- Be polite and professional
- Offer good navigation and smooth driving
- If a passenger suggests a preferred route, take it
- Provide extras like phone chargers or bottled water
Explore more ways to improve your driver rating here - What is a Star Rating and How to Improve it
Saving Money on Fuel and Running Costs
- Drive smoothly to reduce fuel consumption
- Use a fuel rewards card for discounts
- Consider switching to a hybrid or electric vehicle
The Best Apps for Uber Drivers
To boost efficiency, consider these must-have apps:
- Waze – Real-time traffic updates
- PetrolPrices – Find the cheapest fuel near you
- Stride Tax – Track expenses and mileage for tax deductions
Make your phone do more with our guide to the top apps for Uber drivers
Final Thoughts: Is Driving for Uber Worth It?
Becoming a driver for Uber can be a great way to earn flexible income, but success depends on location, hours worked, and cost management. If you’re organised and plan strategically, it is possible to maximise your earnings, while enjoying the benefits of being your own boss.
Next Steps: Get Started Today!
- Sign up with Uber and complete the registration process
- Ensure you have the right insurance (Check out INSHUR for private hire insurance options)
- Download essential apps and start earning
