Uber driving offers a flexible way to earn income by leveraging a personal vehicle and schedule. Before an individual can begin accepting ride requests, they must satisfy a defined set of requirements established by the company. These standards cover age, driving history, vehicle condition, and a thorough screening process designed to maintain platform safety. Understanding these specific prerequisites is the first step toward signing up to drive.
Minimum Age Requirements
The minimum age to drive depends significantly on the type of service an applicant intends to provide. Rideshare services, which transport passengers, have a higher age requirement than delivery services, which only transport goods. These age distinctions reflect the differing levels of responsibility and insurance liability associated with each activity.
Standard Rideshare Services (UberX)
For standard rideshare services, the minimum age requirement for new drivers is generally 25 years old in many US cities. Some locations may permit drivers as young as 21, though this is subject to local regulations and company policy adjustments. Drivers active before specific policy changes may be grandfathered in under older, lower age minimums.
Delivery Services (Uber Eats)
The requirements for delivery services are less restrictive than those for passenger transport. To deliver using a car or motorized scooter, an applicant must be at least 19 years old. If the applicant plans to deliver using a bicycle or on foot in dense urban areas, the minimum age drops further to 18 years old. Delivery drivers using a bicycle or walking may only require a government-issued photo identification.
Licensing and Driving History
A prospective driver must hold a valid United States driver’s license, typically issued in the state where they plan to operate. This license cannot be temporary, expired, or suspended.
The duration an applicant has held a license is evaluated to ensure adequate experience. Individuals 25 years old or older must have at least one year of licensed driving experience in the U.S. For those under the age of 25, the requirement mandates a minimum of three years of licensed driving experience. This measure helps confirm a driver has a foundational level of experience navigating various traffic conditions.
The driving history is reviewed for major incidents. Major violations, such as driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, or driving on a suspended license, result in disqualification if they occurred within the previous seven years. The platform permits no more than three minor moving violations, such as speeding tickets or illegal turns, within the last three years.
Vehicle and Insurance Standards
The vehicle used for rideshare services must meet specific mechanical and cosmetic standards to ensure passenger safety and comfort. Vehicles must have at least four doors and be in good operating condition, free of commercial branding or significant cosmetic damage. Salvaged, reconstructed, or rebuilt titles are not accepted for vehicles used on the platform.
An age limit is placed on the vehicle model year, though this varies significantly by city. In most markets, the vehicle must be 15 or 16 years old or newer. Some specialized services, like Uber Black, have much stricter requirements, sometimes limiting the eligible vehicle age to five years or newer.
All drivers must maintain personal auto insurance that meets state minimum coverage requirements. This personal policy is mandatory, even though Uber provides commercial insurance coverage that applies when the driver is actively using the app. In many jurisdictions, the vehicle must pass a safety inspection before it can be used for rideshare purposes.
The Screening Process
The screening process is a mandatory step that verifies the information provided by the applicant and assesses their safety record. This comprehensive check involves two primary components: a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check and a criminal background check. Both checks are typically conducted by third-party providers and generally look back at an applicant’s history for the past seven years.
The MVR check focuses on the driving history. The criminal background check reviews national, state, and local court records for any disqualifying criminal offenses. Felonies, violent crimes, sexual offenses, and terrorism-related convictions result in permanent disqualification, regardless of how long ago they occurred. Certain theft or fraud convictions within the seven-year look-back period can also prevent an applicant from being approved.
Regional Variations and Local Regulations
While the platform establishes general national guidelines, local governments and regulatory bodies often impose additional, stricter requirements. These regional variations are common in major metropolitan areas, and applicants must confirm the specific rules in their intended operating market.
In cities like New York, drivers are frequently required to obtain a special commercial license endorsement, such as a Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) license, which involves additional testing and fees. Vehicle age limits can also be more stringent, sometimes demanding newer cars than the general 15-year rule. Local laws may also dictate higher minimum age requirements than the national baseline.
How to Start Driving
Once an applicant verifies they meet all the eligibility criteria, the process of starting to drive is straightforward. The first step involves downloading the driver application and submitting initial information to create a profile. The applicant must then upload digital copies of all required documents, including their valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of personal insurance.
After the documents are submitted, the applicant must provide consent for the mandatory motor vehicle and criminal background checks. The screening process can take several days to complete. Upon successful clearance of the background check and verification of all documents, the driver’s account is activated, allowing them to begin accepting requests through the app.