Driving for a Transportation Network Company (TNC) like Uber in Texas offers a flexible path to earning income. Aspiring drivers must meet specific qualifications established by the company and state regulations. These requirements ensure a basic level of safety and compliance for drivers and the traveling public. Understanding these rules is the initial step toward activating an account and beginning to accept trip requests across Texas cities.
Minimum Age Requirements for Rideshare and Delivery
The minimum age to drive for Uber in Texas depends significantly on the type of service an applicant intends to provide. For standard Uber rideshare services, which involve transporting passengers, the age requirement has recently become more stringent for new applicants. Individuals who did not activate their accounts before August 12, 2024, must be 25 years or older to transport passengers.
A different, lower age standard applies for delivery services through the Uber Eats platform, which does not involve carrying passengers. Applicants who plan to use a motor vehicle for delivery must be at least 19 years old to qualify. If delivery is conducted on a bicycle or by foot, the minimum age drops to 18 years. These corporate age policies are applied uniformly across all major Texas markets, including Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
Essential Driving History and Licensing Requirements
Beyond meeting the minimum age, a driver must demonstrate a stable driving history to be eligible for the platform. All applicants must possess a valid US Driver’s License. Texas law requires a license to legally operate a motor vehicle on any highway in the state, as codified in the Texas Transportation Code § 521.021. Furthermore, applicants must have at least one year of licensed driving experience in the United States.
This experience requirement increases for younger applicants, as those under the age of 25 must have a minimum of three years of licensed driving experience. The application process includes a detailed background check that reviews the driver’s history for disqualifying events. Drivers cannot have more than three minor moving violations, such as speeding tickets, within the preceding three years.
The system also screens for major violations that result in disqualification if they have occurred within the last seven years. These major offenses include driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, or fleeing from a law enforcement officer. The screening also covers criminal history. The presence of certain felony convictions, violent crimes, or specific drug-related offenses within the past seven years will prevent a person from driving.
Vehicle Standards and Documentation
The vehicle used for rideshare services must meet physical standards and be properly documented according to company policy and Texas state law. Rideshare vehicles must have four doors and be in good working condition, free of significant cosmetic damage or commercial branding. While the maximum allowable vehicle age can vary by city, the general standard requires the vehicle to be 15 years old or newer.
The vehicle must be registered in Texas, possess valid license plates, and pass an annual safety inspection. Vehicle registration does not necessarily need to be in the applicant’s name to qualify for use on the platform. The state mandates specific insurance coverage for Transportation Network Companies and their drivers, which is detailed in the Texas Insurance Code Chapter 1954.
Drivers must maintain their personal auto insurance, but this coverage is typically insufficient while actively engaged on the app. When a driver is logged into the system awaiting a ride request, the TNC provides contingent liability coverage. Once a ride request is accepted and a passenger is picked up, the TNC’s policy provides a higher level of coverage, reaching up to a $1 million liability limit.
The Application and Screening Process
The process of becoming an Uber driver begins with an online application. Applicants submit personal details and consent to a comprehensive background screening that examines both driving and criminal records. This process involves a review of the applicant’s submitted documents, which include the valid driver’s license, proof of vehicle registration, and current insurance documentation.
After the initial submission, the system initiates the background check, typically conducted through a third-party provider and takes a few days to complete. Once the background screening is cleared, the vehicle may need to undergo a physical inspection, depending on the local market’s requirements. The inspection verifies the vehicle’s roadworthiness by checking components such as the tires, brakes, and lights. Upon final approval of the documents, the background check, and the vehicle requirements, the driver’s account is activated.
Maintaining Driver Eligibility in Texas
Maintaining active status as an Uber driver in Texas requires continuous compliance with regulatory and company standards. Drivers must ensure that all required vehicle documents, including registration and proof of TNC insurance, remain current and are updated in the system before they expire. The vehicle must undergo an annual inspection to confirm it remains in safe operating condition.
A driver’s eligibility is subject to periodic review through recurring background checks, generally conducted annually. The driver must maintain a clean driving record and avoid new disqualifying moving violations or criminal offenses to pass these subsequent screenings. Failure to meet the ongoing standards, including vehicle maintenance or documentation, can result in the deactivation of the driver’s account.