Chapter 1:
Uber driver requirements - what do you need to become an Uber driver?
To get started with Uber, all you need is your smartphone or laptop. Once you’ve signed up to Uber with your email address, you’re ready to go.
Let’s take an in-depth look at Uber’s driver and vehicle requirements.
Your age and driving experience
To drive for Uber in the UK, you must be at least 21 years old and have held a full UK driving license for at least one year.
(Note: INSHUR provides insurance coverage to Uber drivers aged 23 and over.)
Your driving history
Uber will check your driving record with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).
They’ll look for any penalty points or serious driving offences (like those related to dangerous driving or speeding). While some minor points might be okay, major convictions could mean you won’t be able to drive for Uber.
Your background ie criminal record
Uber requires you to pass a detailed background check, known as an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in the UK.
This check looks at any criminal record you might have to ensure you are a safe and trustworthy person to transport passengers. It's an important step that protects both drivers and riders.
Your legal right to work in the UK
You must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. You’ll be asked to provide official documents that prove this, such as your passport or visa.
Your fitness to drive
Uber will ask you to prove your fitness to drive through a medical check. This makes sure you are healthy enough to drive safely for long periods. A doctor will assess your eyesight, hearing, blood pressure, and review your medical history.
Your English language skills
In some areas, particularly London (regulated by Transport for London, or TfL), you’ll need to prove your English skills. This usually involves passing a test that checks your ability to speak, listen, read, and write in English.
This is important so you can communicate clearly with passengers, understand instructions, and read road signs or safety information.
Chapter 2:
Can I use my car to drive for Uber?
If you’ve passed Uber’s driver checks, congratulations! You’re well on your way to becoming an Uber driver.
Now, your vehicle needs to meet their minimum standards. These include vehicle age, seating capacity and overall appearance. Let’s get into more detail.
Vehicle Age
In most UK cities, your vehicle must be 10 years old or less from its first registration date.
However, this can change depending on the city you drive in or the type of Uber service (like UberX, UberXL, or Uber Green).
Always check the latest local requirements for your area.
Number of Doors
For safety and ease of access for passengers, your car must have a minimum of 4 doors.
Some Uber services might also allow minivans with more doors.
Two-door cars are generally not accepted.
Seating Capacity
For most standard Uber services, your car must be licensed to carry a minimum of 4 passengers, not including yourself as the driver.
The maximum number of passengers usually allowed is 8, depending on the vehicle type and Uber service.
Vehicle Condition & Roadworthiness
Your car must be in excellent condition, both mechanically and in appearance. This means no major cosmetic damage (like large dents or rust) and all parts, like windows, must be working correctly.
Safety features, such as seatbelts, airbags, and lights, must be fully functional.
Emissions Standards
In some UK cities, especially London, there are strict rules about vehicle emissions to help improve air quality. For example, vehicles driving in London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) must meet specific emission standards. If your car doesn’t meet these, you might need to pay a daily charge or use a different vehicle.
You can read more about Clean Air Zones here. (LINK to bit in driver earnings about charges)
Insurance
Having correct insurance is an essential requirement. All Uber drivers must hold private hire insurance, also known as hire and reward or minicab insurance.
Your standard personal car insurance may not be enough because it won’t cover you when you are driving passengers for money.
Our Uber insurance is specifically designed to meet Uber’s requirements, protecting you, your passengers and your vehicle when you’re on the job.
Discover more about Uber insurance in depth with our guide to Uber insurance
Vehicle Licensing
Just like you need a licence to drive, your vehicle also needs a licence from your local council to be used for private hire work.
In London, this is known as a PCO licence (Public Carriage Office licence). This vehicle licence confirms that your car has passed all necessary checks and is approved for carrying paying passengers.
You will usually need to get this licence after you have your own driver's private hire licence.
Is there anything Uber doesn't allow?
While Uber accepts a wide variety of vehicles onto its platform, it’s important to be aware of what they don’t allow.
This list is not exhaustive. You can check further Uber vehicle requirements on their website.
Two-door vehicles and commercial vehicles like vans that aren't designed for passengers
Vehicles that have been previously written off
Branding like company logos, advertisements or large stickers
Any major changes or modifications that affect your vehicle's safety, appearance or original design
Uber X allows up to 4 passengers
Uber XL allows up to 6 passengers
Local Council Licensing
To drive for Uber, you must first get a Private Hire Driver Licence from your local authority. This is a special licence that allows you to carry passengers for money. The process involves:
- Application: Filling out forms with your personal details.
- Fees: Paying a fee to the council for processing your application.
- Checks: Passing important checks like background checks (DBS) and a medical examination.
- Local knowledge test: Some councils require you to hold knowledge of the local area and roads before they’ll grant you a license.
- Renewal: These licences need to be renewed regularly, so you must keep track of the expiry date.
Do Uber drivers need a PCO Licence in London?
Yes - Uber drivers in London need a specific type of Private Hire Driver Licence from Transport for London (TfL), which is commonly called a PCO Licence. This licence has extra requirements:
- Reading maps and following instructions test: This test checks your ability to read maps, plan routes, and find your way around London. It's important to know the city well.
- English Language Requirement: You must pass a test to show you can speak, listen, read, and write English well enough to communicate with passengers and understand important information.
Uber's Onboarding & Training
Once you have your official private hire licence, Uber will provide its own onboarding and training. This usually involves:
- Online Modules: Short online lessons that teach you how to use the Uber driver app.
- Platform Guidelines: Information about Uber's rules, how to accept trips, how payments work, and how to provide a good service to riders. This training helps you get familiar with the Uber platform before you start driving.
Annual vehicle inspections for Uber
Your vehicle must pass regular safety checks, including an annual MOT test. Additionally, your local council will require specific Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) inspections, often more frequently than a standard MOT (e.g., twice a year).
Passing these inspections is essential to keep your vehicle licence valid and to continue driving for Uber. If Uber are made aware that your vehicle is not up to standard, they may suspend you from the platform.
Keeping your vehicle in tip-top condition
The condition of your vehicle directly affects your passengers' experience. Keeping your car clean, tidy, and well-maintained (inside and out) makes rides more comfortable and pleasant.
This includes regular cleaning, ensuring no strange smells, and making sure all features like air conditioning or heating work. A comfortable and clean car often leads to happier passengers and better ratings.
Looking after your Uber star rating
After every trip, passengers can choose to give you a star rating from 1 to 5. Uber regularly monitors these ratings to ensure their drivers are performing well. Consistently low ratings can lead to Uber stopping your access to the platform.
A high rating, however, is a sign of a great driver and can help you earn more. High ratings can also unlock rewards through programs like Uber Pro, and can lead to a better insurance price when you come to renew with INSHUR. To maintain a high rating, focus on:
- Smooth Driving: Avoid sudden stops or fast turns.
- Cleanliness: Keep your car spotless.
- Professionalism: be polite, with good levels of customer service.
Ever wondered what goes into the cost of your insurance renewal quote? Let us break it down in our guide to insurance renewal costs.
The benefits of keeping on top of vehicle maintenance
A well-maintained vehicle can help reduce problems and unexpected breakdowns. As a result, this could mean less "downtime" (time when you can't drive and earn money). Regular checks and quick repairs help you stay on the road consistently, which directly leads to more earnings.
Having reliable Uber insurance, from insurers like INSHUR, also helps. If an incident does occur, good insurance ensures you can get your vehicle repaired and get back to earning quickly, protecting your livelihood.
Read more from this series:
How much do Uber drivers earn in the UK?
How to buy Uber insurance
What are Uber's vehicle requirements?
