15 Uber Driver Skills for Your Career and Resume
Learn about the most important Uber Driver skills, how you can utilize them in the workplace, and what to list on your resume.
Uber drivers use their personal vehicles to transport passengers around cities. While the job may seem straightforward, there are actually a number of skills that Uber drivers need to succeed. These skills range from customer service to navigation to time management. If you’re interested in becoming an Uber driver, understanding these skills can help you decide if the job is right for you.
Uber Driver Skills
Customer service
Customer service skills are important for any job, but especially for a driver. You should be friendly and welcoming to your passengers so they have a pleasant experience with you. Your customer service skills can help you make your passengers feel comfortable and safe during their ride. This is also an opportunity to build trust between you and your passengers so they continue to use your services.
Vehicle Maintenance
Vehicle maintenance skills are important for Uber drivers because they can help you keep your car in good condition. You may need to drive long distances, so it’s important that your vehicle is dependable and safe. Consider learning about basic car repair and maintenance so you can take care of any issues before they become a problem.
Punctuality
Punctuality is the ability to be on time for appointments or meetings. As an Uber driver, punctuality can help you maintain a positive reputation with your passengers and ensure that you arrive at your destination on time. Punctuality also ensures that you are able to complete all of your rides within the allotted time frame set by Uber. This allows you to maximize your earning potential as an Uber driver.
Safe Driving
Safe driving is a crucial skill for any driver to have, especially if they drive passengers around in their own car. You should be able to navigate the road safely and avoid accidents or other issues that could endanger you or your passengers. This also includes obeying all traffic laws and knowing how to react in emergency situations.
Patience
Patience is a skill that can help you as an Uber driver. You may have to wait for your passengers to arrive at the location where they requested their ride, and it’s important to be patient while you wait. You also need patience when driving with passengers who are unfamiliar with the area or unsure of how to get to their destination. This can help ensure everyone remains safe throughout the trip.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving is the ability to drive in a way that minimizes risk. This includes following speed limits, staying aware of your surroundings and knowing how to react when another driver makes an unsafe move. Defensive driving can help you minimize accidents and keep yourself and others safe on the road.
Friendliness
A friendly attitude can help you build rapport with your passengers and encourage them to use the app again. You may also find that a friendlier demeanor can make your job more enjoyable, as it can allow you to connect with others in positive ways. Try smiling when you greet passengers or asking about their day to create an open environment where passengers feel comfortable sharing information with you.
Flexibility
Flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. As an Uber driver, you may need to change your plans on short notice if a passenger requests a route that’s outside of your normal area of operation. You also might have to adjust your driving style depending on the type of vehicle you’re operating or the time of day. For example, during rush hour in a large city, it can be helpful to drive more slowly and carefully than when you’re driving through rural areas at night.
People Skills
People skills are the abilities you use to interact with others. This includes your ability to listen, communicate and empathize with passengers or other drivers. People skills can help you build trust with customers and make them feel comfortable during their ride. It also ensures that you’re able to resolve any issues that may arise between you and another driver.
Time management
Time management is the ability to plan and execute tasks in a way that ensures you meet your obligations. As an Uber driver, time management skills are important because they allow you to provide punctual service to passengers while also ensuring you arrive at work on time for your next shift. It’s also important to manage your driving time efficiently so you can maximize your earning potential.
Traffic Laws
Traffic laws are the rules that govern how drivers navigate roads. Knowing these rules can help you drive safely and avoid accidents or tickets. You may also need to know traffic laws for your background check, which Uber requires before hiring a driver. Traffic laws include speed limits, stop signs, yield signs and other regulations that keep drivers safe on the road.
Map Reading
Map reading is a skill that can help you navigate the roads and highways of your area. You may need to know how to read maps for navigation purposes, but it’s also important to understand road signs so you can follow directions accurately. Knowing where you’re going before accepting a ride request can help you get passengers to their destinations on time.
Customer Service
Customer service skills are important for any job, but especially for a driver. You should be friendly and welcoming to your passengers so they have a pleasant experience with you. Your customer service skills can help you make your customers feel comfortable in your car and ensure that they enjoy their ride. This can also help you build trust with your passengers so they continue to use your services.
Time Management
Time management is the ability to plan and execute tasks in a way that ensures you meet your obligations. As an Uber driver, time management skills are important because they allow you to complete rides on time while also ensuring you arrive at your next ride location before your passenger does. This helps you maintain customer satisfaction and ensures you receive good ratings from passengers.
GPS Navigation
GPS navigation is a skill that can help you navigate to your passengers’ destinations. Knowing how to use GPS software and reading maps can help you get from point A to point B on time. You may also need to know the fastest routes between locations, which can be helpful for minimizing wait times for your passengers.
How Can I Learn These Uber Driver Skills?
Customer service, vehicle maintenance, punctuality, safe driving, patience, defensive driving, friendliness, flexibility, people skills, time management, traffic laws, map reading, customer service, and time management are all important skills for Uber drivers. Many of these skills can be learned through online resources or by taking classes. For example, the National Safety Council offers a defensive driving course that can teach drivers how to be more aware of their surroundings and how to react to potentially dangerous situations. Similarly, the American Automobile Association (AAA) offers a course on map reading and navigation that can help drivers learn how to read maps and navigate to their destination safely.