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40 ways rideshare and delivery drivers can make money from home
Beat the Coronavirus Blues
As a rideshare driver, you’re probably suffering from a severe case of Coronavirus Blues since everyone is stuck at home--including you. Even though you have your car packed and loaded with hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes, your app just isn’t pinging you the way it used to because very few people are moving around.
Hopefully this will change before too long. But in the meantime, whether you’re a part-time driver who’s more attached to that extra income than you’d like to admit, or a full-time rideshare warrior who relies on it as your main source of cash flow, you’ll need to find some other ways to earn.
The Gridwise team doesn’t want you to feel financial pain. So we spent a lot of time pulling together a list of money-making ideas that you can work on from home, which can help you stave off financial scarcity while being productive.
Be Resourceful
When the sinking feeling of losing your passengers hits, you can get lost in negativity and ask the question, “What am I going to do now??”--but you’ll be in far better shape if you skip that and take action right away. Believe in yourself. There are other ways to make money, and some good things can happen as you find new ways to work from home. Such as ...
- Getting some cash coming in to cover expenses
- Finding out you have more talents than you thought
- Maybe discovering this new way of earning can add to your income permanently, even after the coronavirus crisis has ended.
One thing you can definitely do is make a shift from driving to delivery. Many rideshare drivers find traffic on the food and dry goods delivery apps is reaching new peaks. This is something you can do safely, and continue to bring in at least some money to meet your basic needs. Check out our article about delivery driving for more tips and tricks.
If you don’t find enough delivery traffic to keep you collecting some cash, or if you’re not in a position to take the risk of venturing out into the public, you still have alternatives.
There are plenty of jobs you can do from home, and along with making you money they might turn out to be fun. We hope this list of portals and places inspires you to explore, and find, your ideal way(s) of working from home, at least until you can get back on the road--and maybe even after that.
Surveys for Cash and Cards
There are quite a few services that pay people to complete surveys. We picked out the best below.
Survey Junkie
Yes, you really can earn money sitting at your computer, or even using your phone, to offer your opinion to companies who want to know what’s on your mind. Survey Junkie will pay you with points, which you can cash in for gift cards or payments via PayPal. All you need to do is create your profile, and you’ll be matched to surveys that match your needs and interests.
Branded Surveys
Here’s another chance for you to get paid for your opinions. You’ll be sent surveys, based on what you tell the company when you sign up and create your profile. The company pays with points, which you redeem for gift cards or cash. Some surveys might be geared toward TV shows, while others focus on brands that you love or have special knowledge about.
LifePoints
The LifePoints model is similar to the others: you earn points for completing surveys, which you can trade for cash on a card or gift cards. This company has been around since the 1940s so the topics might seem less trendy, but meatier. You could be asked about automobiles and household goods rather than shoes or nail polish, but you’ll get paid just the same.
Vindale Research
If you just want the cash and don’t want to fool around with a point system, Vindale Research could be the company for you. The hitch is, you’ll have to accumulate $50 or more before you can cash out. Since you’re collecting only $.50 to $2.00 for each survey, you’ll need to keep busy! This can still work for you, though, because the surveys are short and there are a lot of them. Besides … where do you think you’re going to go?
Swagbucks
Rideshare drivers like variety. So, because Swagbucks lets you do more than just fill out surveys, this might appeal to you more than the others. You can get paid with cards or cash, and you can watch videos, shop online, or search the web … and then give your feedback and get paid.
Survey Club
Now, if you really want to get sophisticated about your survey game, Survey Club will hook you up with just about any survey that exists in the known universe. The pay varies, and you’ll notice the site is actually an aggregator of many of the companies mentioned here. Still, this brings them all together and allows you to pick and choose what you want to do on a given day, based on what’s available in your area and for your demographic group.
GetPaidTo
This one literally involves fun and games. You can get paid for testing games, writing reviews, testing out offers, and of course, filling out surveys. When you get bored with rearranging your furniture, this can definitely help you pass the time, and make some money in the process.
Computer as Cash Cow
If you can type, even at the basic hunt-and-peck level, you can make money with your computer. Companies want you to post links, send emails, and make social media posts on their behalf. This may not be as exciting as a Saturday night rider surge, but it’s a somewhat lucrative way to pass the time while you’re holed up in the house.
Computer Purpose
You’ll get tutorials, coaching, and coaxing from this company, and word has it they do pretty well by you. Your tasks will range from posting links and opening emails to making social media posts, and you’ll put in about 60 minutes a day. You have to pay $47 to get started, but if you’re even halfway serious about developing this into a side gig, that’s a drop in the bucket. By some accounts, if you get serious enough about it you can make $500 or more a week.
Rev (Transcription Service)
If words are your thing, and you’re really, really fast with your fingers, and you’re as accurate as you are fast, you can type your way to a fatter bank balance by signing up with this service. You listen to a recording and type every word that’s said. There are very specific instructions, and if you follow them, you’ll build your confidence and be able to build up to some decent pay.
Mechanical Turk
In case you’ve ever thought computers were smarter than you, the fact that this mechanism exists will prove you wrong. Amazon (who’s behind Mechanical Turk) collects requests from a wide variety of companies. You might be asked to complete a survey, rephrase a sentence, or create a title for a video you watch. The pay isn’t so great, but it goes up as you do more work. This is one way to salvage your brain before it turns into a pool of Netflix-inflicted mush.
Freelance marketplaces
All drivers have talents that go way beyond the road. Freelance marketplaces are great places to sell your skills and services.
Upwork
Diverse is one way to describe this site. It’s also project-based. The pay might be hourly or by the piece, depending on the kind of work you can and want to do. You’ll probably be pulling a skill out of your back pocket here, such as writing or even drafting or engineering. It’s worth a try to see if you have some stuff you can offer to the huge community of employers this website serves.
LocalSolo/Comuno
It’s important to connect the right gig professional with the proper employer, and that seems to be the thing at LocalSolo. Now, they used to work solely with face-to-face relationships, but now, like most of the rest of the world these days, they’re embracing telecommuting. That will eliminate any fear you might have of not getting hired until after the social distancing rules are relaxed, at least enough to be in the same room with your team!
Guru
If you would call yourself a “guru” at something, be it web developing or legalese, this is a great sight for you to peruse. From the artistically creative to technologically imaginative, there are jobs to suit people with all different kinds of talents, and chances are you could be one of them.
Fiverr
This is a very cool electronic bulletin board, and you can put yourself on it. Fiverr offers freelance workers to the business community, so you will create a beautiful profile detailing what it is you’re able and willing to do for money. You’ll be inspired to assess yourself, identify your talents, and put your abilities to the test, as you make money engaged in things you can and enjoy doing! Write blog posts, offer consulting services, create websites, produce business cards, produce or edit videos … the possibilities are virtually endless.
Behance
“Creative “ is a word that gets thrown around a lot, but if you know you are, it’s good to find out about this site. It offers full and part time jobs to people who have visual or verbal talents. A little tech savvy-ness never hurts when you’re looking at gigs like this, either. Never say no one’s looking for someone like you, because this company has a ton of people in heavy pursuit of hot creative talent.
Freelancer.com
You know that hobby you have, or that little knack for design, writing, or coding? You might not want to do that kind of thing full-time, but there’s plenty of work out there for you to bring in a little money now. You might even get hooked on using your other-than-driving skills, and discover a whole new stream of income! Employers put up listings of what they need, and you bid the jobs. If you’re selected, you do the job...and get paid. Worth trying, right?
Jobs That Keep You Moving
If you’d be shocked to hear it’s possible to make money while doing things that actually benefit you, join the club. You might have to be self-motivated as well as eager to learn for these gigs, but there is some decent money involved; and even some gift cards and free merchandise. Plus, there are side benefits you might not have ever expected.
HealthyWage
With the painful absence of fresh sporting events, those of us who like to place a bet here and there will be happy to hear about this opportunity. Healthy Wage allows you to (get this) bet on your ability to lose weight! You tell them how much weight you want to lose, the amount of time you bet it will take you, and you’re on. You have to pay to play, which is incentive enough to stop opening your refrigerator! If you “win,” there can be serious money coming your “weigh.”
DietBet
This one brings out your competitive spirit. You sign up for challenges in exercise and weight loss, and everybody who’s “in” contributes to the pot. If you beat out all the other people in the challenge with you, you get all the money. Sound good? Start cranking out those crunches.
Runtopia
If you’re more into moving than staying in one place, this is the game for you. It’s more about self-motivation than competition, and there’s no betting involved. You simply track your progress in the running game, and set goals. Your ability to outdo yourself can win you prizes such as smartphones and gift cards. Not up for being a marathoner? You can do a walking or walk/run version, too.
Swagbucks
You don’t even really have to move a whole lot to get prizes here. You do have to let them know how you like the items they recommend for you. The other catch is you have to buy the items, which include everything from fitness wear to protein powders. Still, when you redeem your Swagbucks, you get far more than you put in, and you can cash out for gift cards from more than 200 brands.
Map My Fitness
With your wages on the downslide, it can’t hurt to get some free stuff from everybody’s favorite brand. Under Armour invented this app, and you get to sign up for challenges, prove you met expectations (possibly even by connecting to your Under Armour Smart Shoes), and then get some really useful and cool Under Armour gear.
For the Handy. Hearty, and Clean
When your head is filled with bad news, like it’s been lately, it can be very therapeutic to work with your hands. Now, some of us are better at doing work around the house than are others, but as the economy begins to open up, there will be a lot of demand for people to come by to fix leaky toilets and squeaking doors.
If you have that ability to look at something that needs to be fixed and make it work again, here are some ways you can get gigs that will hold you till they let everyone out to ride in your car once more.
Angie’s List
Trust is a big deal when people let you into their house, and this service puts that quality about its people up front. It will cost you money, but you’re almost guaranteed to get referrals for your investment. If you have the ability to do work around people’s houses, this could work for you. Gutters seem to be a big thing these days, so if you’re good at that, it looks like you could make out particularly well!
Home Advisor
You’ll need to pay for a listing on this service, but it’s very well advertised and highly trusted by the people who will ultimately be doing the hiring. It can’t hurt to have an app right there on your phone, too. Even after you go back to driving, you can pick up gigs here and there to pay for extra expenses, right?
Cleaning Gigs
Glamorous? Maybe not; but cleaning for a gig can be flexible, rewarding, and lucrative - all the things you love about driving. While you can always do this as a private, cash-only kind of thing, working with a service has its perks. One of them is insuring you, and also getting the gigs so you don’t have to exhaust yourself finding people who need your services.
Commercial Sanitizing
What kind of crazy maneuvers do you think companies will go through once they have to clean up after coronavirus? One can only imagine. But...if you happen to memorize the steps recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, and can talk some local businesses into letting you clean up for them, you can probably get a lot of work once the economy starts to open up. Here’s a cheat sheet for you, here and in the title above.
Simple Start-Ups
What do you do well? What do you like to do? Answer those two questions, and you have the key to success in starting your own side hustle/business. You don’t have to make a million bucks; all you have to do is keep the money flowing while you’re waiting for the quarantine to come to a most welcomed end.
But...as a driver, you have the incentive to make your own way through any economy, so who’s to say you won’t keep your little biz going even after we’re back to whatever “the new normal” might be?
Here are some ideas you might want to ponder:
Be a personal/virtual assistant
This isn’t always the most glamorous of jobs, but it can bring in money and keep you busy during quarantine. In essence, you’ll be in charge of keeping someone else organized. You’ll make and take calls, run errands, and be a good listener. You’ll have to know what you like to do and be honest about what you can do well, but don’t limit yourself. You’ll never believe how easily this job puts all your talents to good use.
Kiss up to being a dating consultant
Who? You? Who better than you? As a driver, how many romances have you witnessed? From first dates with all the right sparks flying, or two people who were ready to throw in the towel, they’ve all been in your vehicle, and you probably had some advice you wanted to offer. As a dating consultant or coach, you won’t have to bite your tongue any longer. You can get right in there and help people find the love that will entertain and enchant many rideshare drivers in the future.
Flip Websites for Fun
You’ve heard about flipping houses, and that would be cool...if only you had a couple of hundred grand or so to spare. Chances are, especially post-COVID, that you don’t; but there’s no need to give up. You can flip websites instead! This is the art of buying and selling urls - the names people use to attract visitors to their sites. Pick something you’re passionate about, think of some catchy names, and put them up for sale. This could be kind of addicting, come to think of it, but potentially lucrative, too.
Translate Your Way to Pay
Do you happen to be...bilingual? There are tons of drivers who speak more than one language, and we’ve taken a lot of flak for English maybe not being the one we speak best. Now...you can make money with your native language, or any you happen to be fluent in, by being a translator. This is one of those jobs that can also be really heart-warming. Picture yourself helping an older person navigate some government bureaucracy with you by his or her side, using all the right words!
Tutor Eager Pupils
You’ve got skills, so why not share them with others, and get paid? You can teach languages, math, and just about any subject or topic on line, from your home. With all the social distancing rules in effect, can you imagine the demand for people like you who can help people learn everything from academic ABCs to welding, keyboarding, or even driving? You’re a smart cookie, so let your brain leverage a little dough for you.
Cook for Corporate Sharks - in Their Homes
Sounds dangerous, but it isn’t. Can you imagine what it’s like to work from home, run a huge corporate job, manage kids, AND cook meals? People must be pulling their hair out. Keep their coifs intact by selling them your culinary skills. There are plenty of openings for you, if you’ve got the cooking chops, to provide healthy meals for families who might otherwise be living on bad pizza and burgers.
Convert Old Video to New Formats
With all that time...days on end with nothing to do but binge on trashy TV, there’s something you can do to make the most of the time and create a cash stream, too. Tons of people have video stored on old media, such as VHS tapes and even those awkward video cameras people hauled out at all those 1990s birthday parties. With a minor investment, you can make a mint converting the old stuff to new and usable formats!
Okay. People aren’t going on those three-week treks to New Zealand these days, but there still is a need for dog walkers! Think about those health care workers who are hardly ever home now, or the disabled vet down the street, whose two huge huskies are just too much for him to handle. There are no-contact ways of doing this good deed, and people pay a lot for you to do it, too. In a world where human touch is taboo, the unconditional love of a pet - even someone else’s - will brighten your day, too.
Become an Influencer
It may be some time before you become an Instagram sensation, but you have lots of that on your hands these days. “Influencers” are people with large social media followings, who then leverage all the contacts they make to get free swag. Those marketing new products, from grooming aids to masks you can wear to protect yourself while driving (hint-hint), look for people who will display them on social media, and “influence” their following to click and buy.
Get Crafty and Creative
Are you good at making useful or fun things for people to buy? You could jump on the COVID train and create your own special hand sanitizer, craft reusable gloves, or design protective masks. If you figure there’s enough competition already, maybe you have another craft you’re good at. Create a jigsaw puzzle, invent a card game, or build toys that can keep little hands busy at something besides playing video games.
The next question is, how do you find advice about being an entrepreneur of this nature? Check out this sub-reddit group, Entrepreneur Ride Along. It might have little or nothing to do with Uber or Lyft, but it sounds about right for rideshare and delivery driver types, right?
Jobs Inside, Outside, and Even Around the Town
The coronavirus crisis has left us with just a few businesses staying open so the rest of us can get essential goods and services--and this has created job openings. Your local drugstore, for example, will need help, as will local grocery stores and big box stores that remain open for business. And of course Amazon is hiring vast numbers of new workers to help them handle the surge in orders they’re suddenly dealing with.
These companies advertise job openings, part-time and otherwise, and can really be a lifesaver as you wait for your rideshare app to start pinging you again.
Steady
This job listing service works on your computer or as an app on your phone. It lists a wide variety of jobs, from work at home and work anytime, part-time, and full-time. Simply enter your zip code and the listings will populate your screen. There’s way more work out there than you might imagine, and Steady lists lots of it for you, all in one place.
Indeed
This is a wildly popular site for job seekers of all kinds. Although you’re probably already aware of it, there are some things about Indeed you might not realize. For instance, did you know there are more than a thousand delivery-type job listings? Even if you don’t decide to apply, reading through the listings can give you leads and ideas for other things you can do, with or without your car.
Glassdoor
Glassdoor runs as a phone app or a browser site. It lists jobs from just about any field you can imagine, and in every location you can think of, including your living room or car. One of the sweet features of this outfit is their company reviews. While the employer you’re applying to sweetalks you in the listing, you can get their backstory from people who actually work there - or used to!
UberWorks
Most rideshare drivers recognize that name, right? In case you didn’t notice, Uber is rolling out a way to introduce people like you to shift work in a variety of industries. You could find yourself packing stuff up part time in a warehouse, lugging chairs and tables to set up events, or logging in time as a customer service agent. Say what you want about Uber, but this outfit is pretty good at bringing people together, so chances are you might be able to meet the perfect part-time gig to fill you in till “Coronavirus” is no longer a word you hear every 3 minutes. Check and see if it’s made it to your area yet.
Task Rabbit
You have to play to the audience you’ve got, and right now people are stuck in their homes. There’s no way it’s easy to take care of a houseful of family while you’re trying to please a boss while you’re “working from home.” That’s where you come in. Task Rabbit connects you with people who need you to run the errands they can’t even think about having time to do. As a great driver who knows your way around, you’ll be every client’s favorite “bunny” runner.
Win Your Victory Over This Virus
You’re a rideshare driver--resourceful, dynamic, and ready for anything. There’s no doubt you can overcome the obstacles that might be in your way at the moment. We hope the suggestions we’ve offered here will help you rearrange your life just enough to keep money coming in until the crisis is over.
If you still find yourself falling short of the income you need, don’t forget about the new provisions in the CARES Act that allow you to collect unemployment benefits, even as an independent contractor. Here’s some insight into what’s available, and how you can apply for assistance in this recent Gridwise article.
Meanwhile, keep in touch with us on the app. If you haven’t done so already, one of the many things you do while you’re all secluded and sequestered is download Gridwise now!
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How to Become an Uber Driver in 2026: Requirements, Sign-Up, and What to Expect
Signing up to drive for Uber or deliver with Uber Eats is one of the fastest ways to start earning money on your own schedule. Whether you want to give rides, deliver food, or do both, the application process is straightforward — but there are specific requirements and steps you need to know about before you begin.
This guide walks you through the entire process from start to finish, covering both Uber rideshare and Uber Eats. We will explain what you need to qualify, how to submit your application, how long approval takes, what it costs to get started, and what to expect during your first week on the road. If you are looking for a detailed breakdown of vehicle and driver requirements specifically, check out our complete guide on Uber driver requirements before you apply.
Quick Answer — How to Sign Up for Uber in 5 Steps
Here is the short version of how to become an Uber driver or Uber Eats driver in 2026:
- Download the Uber Driver app from the App Store or Google Play
- Enter your personal information including your name, email, phone number, and Social Security number
- Upload your required documents — driver's license, vehicle registration, insurance, and a profile photo
- Consent to a background check run by Checkr (takes 3-10 business days)
- Complete a vehicle inspection (rideshare drivers only, $20-$50 depending on your market)
Estimated total time from application to first trip: 7 to 14 days.
Most of that waiting period is the background check. The actual application itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. The rest of this guide breaks down each step in detail and covers everything else you need to know, including how Uber Eats sign-up differs from rideshare.
Uber Driver vs. Uber Eats Driver — What's the Difference?
Before you sign up, it helps to understand the difference between driving for Uber (rideshare) and delivering for Uber Eats. They use the same app and the same sign-up process, but the requirements, earning potential, and day-to-day experience are different.
Uber Rideshare (UberX, Comfort, XL, etc.):
- You transport passengers from point A to point B
- Stricter vehicle requirements (4-door, must be 16 years old or newer, no cosmetic damage)
- Must be 21 or older in most markets (25 in some)
- Higher earning potential per trip
- Requires a vehicle inspection before you can start
Uber Eats (Delivery):
- You pick up food orders from restaurants and deliver them to customers
- More flexible vehicle options — you can deliver by car, bike, scooter, or even on foot in some markets
- Lower age requirement (18+ in most markets)
- No vehicle age requirement for delivery-only drivers
- No vehicle inspection required
- Lower barrier to entry overall, but tips make up a larger portion of your income
Can you do both? Yes. When you sign up through the Uber Driver app, you can choose to enable both rideshare and delivery. Once approved, you can toggle between them at any time depending on what is available and what you feel like doing. Many drivers stack Uber Eats deliveries during slow rideshare periods to keep their earnings consistent.
Which Should You Choose?
If your main goal is to maximize earnings per hour, rideshare generally pays more on a per-trip basis, especially during surge pricing. However, it requires more investment upfront (a qualifying vehicle, inspection, and insurance) and means having strangers in your car.
If you want the lowest barrier to entry and maximum flexibility, Uber Eats is the way to go. You can start with almost any vehicle — or no vehicle at all in some cities — and work at your own pace without interacting with passengers. Many drivers start with Uber Eats while they figure out whether they want to commit to rideshare.
If you are on the fence, sign up for both. There is no downside to having both options available, and you can always adjust later based on what works best in your market.
Requirements to Drive for Uber (Rideshare)
To drive for Uber's rideshare service, you need to meet requirements for both yourself and your vehicle. Here is a summary of the key qualifications — for a full deep dive, see our complete Uber driver requirements guide.
Driver requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old (some markets require 25)
- Hold a valid U.S. driver's license — you must have had it for at least one year (three years if you are under 25)
- Have a clean driving record with no major violations in the past seven years
- Pass a background check through Checkr
- Have a valid Social Security number
Vehicle requirements:
- Four-door vehicle
- Must be model year 2010 or newer (varies by city — some markets require 2012 or newer)
- No salvage or rebuilt title
- No significant cosmetic damage
- Must pass a vehicle inspection
- Must be registered and insured in your name (or you must be listed on the policy)
Insurance requirements:
- Must carry at least your state's minimum auto insurance coverage
- A rideshare endorsement or commercial policy is strongly recommended, though not always required by Uber
- Uber provides supplemental liability coverage while you are online and on trips, but it does not cover your vehicle's damage — that gap is where a rideshare endorsement matters
The specific requirements can vary by city and state, so always check Uber's website for your local market. Some cities have additional requirements like a TLC license (New York City) or specific permits.
Requirements to Deliver for Uber Eats
The requirements for Uber Eats delivery are notably less strict than rideshare:
- Age: 18 or older (compared to 21 for rideshare)
- License: Valid driver's license if delivering by car. If delivering by bike, scooter, or on foot, no driver's license is needed — just a government-issued ID
- Vehicle: Car, bike, electric bike, scooter, or on foot (availability varies by market)
- No vehicle age requirement for delivery-only sign-ups
- No vehicle inspection required for delivery drivers
- Background check: Still required, same process as rideshare
- Insurance: Required if delivering by car (same as rideshare), not required for bike or foot delivery
This lower barrier to entry is a big reason why "how to become an Uber Eats driver" is one of the most searched gig economy phrases. If you meet the basic age and background check requirements, you can likely start delivering within a week or two.
Step-by-Step Sign-Up Process
Now let's walk through the actual application process. Whether you are signing up for Uber rideshare, Uber Eats, or both, the process starts the same way.
Step 1 — Download the Uber Driver App
Search for "Uber Driver" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Make sure you download the Uber Driver app, not the regular Uber rider app — they are two separate applications. The Uber Driver app has a green icon, while the rider app has a black icon.
You can also start your application online at uber.com/drive, but you will eventually need the app to complete the process and to actually accept trips once you are approved.
Step 2 — Enter Your Personal Information
Once you open the app, you will be prompted to create a driver account. You will need to provide:
- Your full legal name (must match your driver's license exactly)
- Email address
- Phone number (Uber will send a verification code)
- Social Security number (for the background check)
- Your city or market area
If you already have an Uber rider account, you can use the same email to sign up as a driver. The system will link both accounts.
At this stage, you will also choose whether you want to drive (rideshare), deliver (Uber Eats), or both. You can change this later, so if you are unsure, select both to keep your options open.
Step 3 — Upload Required Documents
This is where the process takes the most hands-on effort. You will need to upload clear photos of:
- Driver's license (front and back)
- Vehicle registration (if driving a car)
- Proof of insurance (if driving a car)
- Profile photo — a clear, front-facing photo of your face with no sunglasses or hats
Tips for getting your documents accepted on the first try:
- Take photos in good lighting with no glare or shadows
- Make sure all four corners of each document are visible in the frame
- Ensure text is legible and not blurry — hold your phone steady
- Your profile photo should be taken against a plain background with your face clearly visible
- Make sure your name matches across all documents exactly (middle name, suffixes, etc.)
- Do not crop or edit the photos before uploading
Document review typically takes one to three business days. If something is rejected, Uber will notify you in the app with a specific reason, and you can re-upload immediately. The most common rejection reasons are blurry photos, glare obscuring text, and name mismatches between documents.
Step 4 — Consent to Background Check
After your documents are submitted, Uber will prompt you to consent to a background check through Checkr, their third-party screening provider. This is a required step for both rideshare drivers and Uber Eats delivery partners.
What Uber checks:
- Criminal history (county, state, and federal records going back seven years)
- Sex offender registry
- Motor vehicle records (driving violations, suspensions, DUIs)
- SSN verification and identity confirmation
Typical timeline: 3 to 10 business days, with most applicants cleared within five business days.
You do not need to do anything during this waiting period — it runs automatically after you provide consent. You can check your status at any time in the Uber Driver app under the "Account" section.
For a complete breakdown of what the background check covers, what disqualifies you, and what to do if there is a problem, read our detailed guide on the Uber background check.
Step 5 — Complete Vehicle Inspection (Rideshare Only)
If you are signing up to drive rideshare passengers, your vehicle must pass an inspection before you can go online. Uber Eats delivery drivers can skip this step entirely.
Where to get your inspection:
- Uber-authorized inspection stations (search in the Uber Driver app for locations near you)
- Some mechanics and auto shops that are Uber-approved
- Certain Uber Greenlight Hub locations (available in larger markets)
What they check:
- Working headlights, taillights, and turn signals
- Tire condition and tread depth
- Brakes
- Seatbelts for all passenger seats
- Working horn and windshield wipers
- No significant body damage or mechanical issues
- Interior cleanliness and condition
Cost: Typically $20 to $50, depending on your market and where you go. Some markets offer free inspections at Greenlight Hubs. You pay out of pocket — Uber does not reimburse this cost.
The inspection form must be uploaded to the Uber Driver app. Once it is reviewed and approved (usually within one to two business days), you are cleared to start accepting rides.
Download Gridwise alongside the Uber Driver app to track your earnings, find peak hours, and maximize your income from day one.
How Long Does It Take to Get Approved?
From the moment you submit your application to the moment you can accept your first trip, expect the process to take 5 to 14 days in most cases.
Here is how that breaks down:
- Application and document upload: 15-20 minutes
- Document review: 1-3 business days
- Background check: 3-10 business days (runs in parallel with document review in many cases)
- Vehicle inspection review: 1-2 business days (rideshare only)
For Uber Eats delivery drivers who are not using a car, the timeline is often shorter since there is no vehicle inspection or insurance verification step. Some Uber Eats applicants are approved in as little as three to five days.
What can delay your approval:
- Blurry or rejected documents (adds 2-4 days while you re-upload)
- Background check holds — if Checkr needs to verify records across multiple counties, it can take longer
- Name mismatches between your license, registration, and insurance
- Expired documents (insurance or registration)
- High application volume in your market during peak sign-up periods
What to do while you wait:
- Use the time to set up your car (phone mount, charger, dashcam)
- Research your local market to understand peak hours and busy areas
- Read through Uber's driver policies and community guidelines
- Download Gridwise and start exploring earnings data and peak hours in your area so you are ready to hit the ground running
What If You're Denied or Waitlisted?
Not every application gets approved. Here is what you need to know if you run into issues.
Common denial reasons:
- Felony conviction within the past seven years
- DUI or major driving offense on your record
- Too many moving violations
- Suspended or revoked license
- Vehicle does not meet requirements
- Failed vehicle inspection
How to appeal through Checkr:
If your denial is based on your background check, you have the right to dispute the results directly with Checkr. Checkr will send you a copy of the report, and you can file a dispute if you believe any information is inaccurate. The dispute process typically takes 30 days.
You can start a dispute at Checkr's candidate portal (candidate.checkr.com). You will need the report ID from the email Checkr sent you.
Waitlisted — what it means:
In some markets, Uber places new applicants on a waitlist when they have enough drivers in the area. This does not mean you were denied — it means your market is temporarily saturated. Waitlists can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. There is no way to speed up the process, but you will be notified by email and in the app when a spot opens.
If you are waitlisted for rideshare, you may still be able to start with Uber Eats in the meantime, since delivery has separate capacity limits.
How Much Does It Cost to Become an Uber Driver?
Signing up for Uber is free — there is no application fee. However, there are real costs associated with getting started, and it helps to know what you are getting into financially.
Startup cost breakdown:
- Vehicle inspection fee: $20-$50 (rideshare only; free at some Greenlight Hubs)
- Insurance upgrade (rideshare endorsement): $0-$50/month extra depending on your provider and state
- Phone mount: $10-$25
- Car phone charger: $10-$20
- Dashcam (optional but recommended): $50-$150
- First tank of gas: $40-$70
- Car wash and interior cleaning: $10-$30
Estimated total to get started: $50 to $300, depending on your market and what you already own.
If you are signing up for Uber Eats delivery only (especially by bike or on foot), your startup costs are essentially zero beyond what you already have.
What Uber provides vs. what you need:
- Uber provides the app, navigation, payment processing, and supplemental insurance while you are on a trip
- Uber does not provide a vehicle, phone, phone mount, dashcam, or personal auto insurance
- Uber does not reimburse gas, maintenance, or any startup costs
One thing to keep in mind: all of these expenses, plus your gas and car maintenance costs, are tax-deductible as business expenses since you are an independent contractor. Keep your receipts from day one.
What to Expect Your First Week
Getting approved is just the beginning. Your first week driving for Uber or delivering for Uber Eats will involve a learning curve, and knowing what to expect will help you avoid common mistakes and start earning faster.
Navigating the app for the first time:
The Uber Driver app can feel overwhelming at first. Before you go online, spend 10 to 15 minutes exploring the interface. Familiarize yourself with how to go online and offline, how to view and accept trip requests, where to find your earnings summary, and how to contact rider or customer support.
Choosing your first rides or deliveries:
For your first few trips, stick to areas you know well so you are not relying entirely on GPS navigation. This reduces stress and lets you focus on the pickup and drop-off process. If you are doing rideshare, shorter trips close to home are a good way to get comfortable before tackling airport runs or long highway trips.
Understanding surge pricing and promotions:
Uber uses dynamic pricing (called "surge") that increases fares when demand is high — think Friday and Saturday nights, morning rush hour, or during bad weather. The app shows you a heat map of surge areas in real time.
As a new driver, you may also qualify for sign-up bonuses or guaranteed earnings promotions. These vary by market and change frequently, but they can be worth hundreds of dollars if you hit the required trip count within the specified timeframe. Check the "Promotions" tab in the Uber Driver app to see what is available in your area.
Setting realistic earnings expectations:
Your first week will probably not be your highest-earning week. You are still learning the best times to drive, the most profitable areas, and how the app works. Most new Uber drivers earn between $15 and $30 per hour before expenses during their first week, depending on their market. For a detailed look at what you can expect to make, check out our guide on how much Uber drivers make.
Do not compare your earnings to what full-time veteran drivers post online. They have optimized their strategy over months or years. Focus on learning the patterns in your market during week one.
First-Week Tips from Experienced Drivers
Here are tips that experienced Uber drivers wish they had known during their first week:
- Drive during peak hours first. Friday and Saturday evenings (7 PM to 2 AM) and weekday morning rush (6 AM to 9 AM) are consistently the busiest and highest-paying times in most markets. Start there.
- Keep your car clean and stocked. For rideshare, a clean car with a phone charger available for riders goes a long way toward better ratings and tips.
- Do not chase surge. By the time you drive to a surge area, it often disappears. Instead, position yourself near bars, restaurants, or event venues where you know demand will spike.
- Accept most trips your first week. Your acceptance rate matters less than you think long-term, but early on, every trip is a learning opportunity. Get your first 20 to 30 trips under your belt before you start being selective.
- Track everything from day one. Your mileage, gas receipts, car washes, and any other driving-related expenses are all tax-deductible. Start a tracking system now so you are not scrambling at tax time.
- Download Gridwise alongside the Uber Driver app. Gridwise shows you real-time earnings data, peak demand times, and airport queue information for your specific market. Having that data from your first day gives you an advantage most new drivers do not have.
How to Maximize Your Earnings from Day One
Use Gridwise to find peak hours in your market. Gridwise aggregates earnings data from thousands of drivers in your area and shows you exactly when and where demand is highest. Instead of guessing, you can plan your shifts around proven peak windows. This alone can increase your hourly earnings by 20% or more compared to driving at random times.
Stack Uber Eats with rideshare during slow periods. If you are approved for both, toggle on Uber Eats delivery during times when rideshare requests slow down (typically mid-afternoon on weekdays). This keeps you earning instead of sitting idle.
Take advantage of new driver promotions and bonuses. Uber frequently offers sign-up bonuses, guaranteed earnings, and quest promotions for new drivers. These can range from $100 to $1,000+ depending on your market. Check the Promotions tab in the Uber Driver app and make sure you understand the requirements (usually a specific number of trips within a set timeframe). For a full breakdown of current promotions, see our guide on Uber driver bonuses.
Learn your market's patterns. Every city is different. In some markets, airport rides are the money maker. In others, it is bar close on weekends. Pay attention to where your best fares come from during your first two weeks, and build your schedule around those patterns.
Download Gridwise alongside the Uber Driver app to track your earnings, find peak hours, and maximize your income from day one.
FAQ
Can I drive for Uber and Lyft at the same time?
Yes. There is nothing preventing you from being active on both platforms simultaneously. Many drivers toggle between Uber and Lyft (and even Uber Eats and DoorDash) to maximize their trip volume and reduce downtime. Just make sure you only accept one trip at a time and that you are not double-booking rides.
Do I need a special license to drive for Uber?
In most U.S. cities, no. A standard driver's license is all you need. However, some cities have additional licensing requirements. New York City, for example, requires a TLC (Taxi and Limousine Commission) license. Check Uber's requirements page for your specific city.
Can I drive Uber with a rental car?
Yes, but only through Uber's approved rental partners. You cannot use a personal rental from Enterprise or Hertz. Uber partners with companies like Avis and Hertz through specific programs designed for rideshare drivers. These rentals typically cost $200 to $350 per week and include insurance.
How old do you have to be to drive for Uber Eats?
You must be at least 18 years old to deliver for Uber Eats. This is lower than the 21-year minimum for Uber rideshare. If you are between 18 and 20, Uber Eats delivery is your only option on the Uber platform.
Do I need my own car to deliver for Uber Eats?
No. Depending on your market, you can deliver using a bicycle, electric bike, scooter, or even on foot. Car delivery is available everywhere, but alternative modes of transportation are only available in select cities — usually larger urban markets. Check the Uber Eats section of the Uber Driver app during sign-up to see which options are available in your area.
Can I sign up for both Uber and Uber Eats at the same time?
Yes, and this is actually what Uber recommends. During the sign-up process in the Uber Driver app, you can select both rideshare and delivery. You will go through one application and one background check. Once approved, you can switch between driving passengers and delivering food at any time from within the app. There is no extra fee or separate application for adding Uber Eats to your driver account.
Curious how much you will actually make? Download Gridwise to see real-time demand in your market so you can plan your first week strategically.
Uber Deactivation: What Triggers It and How to Avoid It
Uber can deactivate your account with almost no warning, and when it happens, your income stops the same day. Most drivers don't take the risk seriously until they're already close to a threshold, and by then the options are limited.
Deactivation isn't random. It's tied to a small set of specific numbers Uber tracks on every driver: your rating, your cancellation rate, and in some markets, your acceptance rate. Serious safety incidents run on a separate track and are effectively permanent. The rating and cancellation triggers are the ones you can see coming and protect against.
This post walks through what triggers deactivation, the warning signs Uber sends before it happens, what the appeals process looks like if you're already there, and what to check regularly so you never need the appeals section.
In this post:
- What triggers Uber deactivation
- The warning signs before it happens
- What the appeals process looks like
- How to protect your account before it's a problem
This video walks through exactly what triggers a suspension or deactivation, straight from Uber's platform agreement and community guidelines.
The breakdown below covers the same ground in writing, plus what to check regularly so you never need the appeals process.
What Triggers Uber Deactivation
Three things drive most deactivations: your star rating dropping below the platform threshold, your cancellation rate rising above the limit, and in some markets, your acceptance rate.
Uber's rating threshold varies by city but generally sits around 4.6. Drop below it and your account is at risk. Cancellation rate matters more than most drivers realize, and it's calculated across every trip assigned to you, not just the ones you complete. A string of declined pings can move that number faster than a driver expects.
Serious safety incidents, complaints involving passenger safety, are on a different track entirely. Those are effectively final and don't go through the same warning system as rating or cancellation issues. The good news is that rating and cancellation-based deactivations, the ones most drivers face, are the ones you have real control over.
The Warning Signs Before It Happens
Uber sends in-app notifications when your rating or cancellation rate gets close to the threshold. A lot of drivers dismiss these or scroll past them without reading the actual number.
There's a real difference between a warning and a deactivation action. A warning gives you a window to correct course, usually by driving a run of well-rated trips or being more selective about what you cancel. Once you cross the actual line, the process moves fast, and there's no window left.
Uber doesn't always spell out exactly how close you are to the threshold in plain numbers. Often you have to check your own rating and cancellation rate in the app and calculate it yourself, rather than waiting for the app to tell you where you stand.
What the Appeals Process Looks Like
If you're already deactivated, Uber has an in-app appeals process. Response times vary, and outcomes are genuinely inconsistent from one case to the next.
What tends to work: a specific, documented explanation tied to individual trips that affected your metrics, not a general statement that you're a good driver. What doesn't work: a generic appeal with no new information for Uber to consider. While you wait, document everything, dates, trip IDs, and any context that matters, since you may need it later in the process.
Rating-based and cancellation-based deactivations have a meaningfully higher appeal success rate than safety-related ones, which are generally final. If you want the full platform-by-platform breakdown of how to build a strong appeal, our deactivation appeal guide covers DoorDash, Uber, and Lyft step by step.
How to Protect Your Account Before It's a Problem
Check your rating and cancellation rate regularly, and know the threshold in your specific market. Don't wait for a notification to tell you where you stand.
Track which trip types are driving your cancellation rate up, and think honestly about whether your acceptance patterns are creating risk you haven't noticed. If you're only taking the trips you like and declining the rest, that pattern shows up in your numbers before it shows up as a warning.
Multi-apping is also a practical safety net, separate from the account-health side of this. About 24.3% of gig workers ran more than one platform in 2025. If Uber is your only source of income, a single deactivation means your income goes to zero overnight. Running a second platform doesn't prevent deactivation, but it means one platform's decision doesn't end your ability to earn.
The hard part is knowing which second platform is actually worth your time before you need it. Gridwise tracks your earnings across every company you drive for, and Opportunity Spotting shows whether Lyft, DoorDash, or another platform is paying better in your market right now. If Uber deactivates you tomorrow, you want that answer already, not something you're figuring out for the first time with no income coming in.
Deactivation Is Largely Preventable If You're Watching the Right Numbers
The thresholds aren't a secret, and the warning signs are there before the account gets cut off. Most drivers don't check their own rating or cancellation rate until something's already gone wrong, and by then the appeals process is the only option left.
Make a habit of checking your account health the same way you'd check your earnings: regularly, not just when the app tells you to. If you're already facing a deactivation, the appeals process can work, but it works better with documentation you gathered before you needed it, not after.
Keep Reading
- What Every Driver Needs: Protection From Unfair Deactivation
- Why Rideshare and Delivery Drivers Get Deactivated and How to Get Reactivated
- How To Improve Your Rideshare Driver Ratings
Want to see your rating trends and earnings across every platform you drive for in one place? Download Gridwise free and keep an eye on your account health alongside your actual take-home pay.
Is Driving for Uber Worth It in 2026
It's Friday at 6pm and your app shows $27 an hour so far. That number feels good, right up until you subtract what it doesn't show you: the twenty minutes between rides with no fare running, the gas, the oil change that's coming due, the fee that came out before the ride even hit your account.
That's the real question behind "is driving for Uber worth it." Not whether Uber pays, but whether it pays enough once you count everything the app leaves out.
The honest answer isn't one number. If Uber is side income around a full-time job, the bar is low: almost any extra cash clears it. If it's emergency income between other work, the math gets tighter. If it's your main income, you need your real number, not a national average, because that's the number your rent check cares about.
Gridwise data from 2025 puts the national average at $23.88 an hour gross for Uber drivers. That's a fine starting point. It's also gross, not net, and it says nothing about how much of your time is unpaid or how fast fees grew compared to driver pay. Here's what the 2025 data actually shows, the four-step math that turns a national average into your number, and the metric, effective hourly, that Gridwise already calculates for you.
In this post:
- What Uber drivers actually earned per hour in 2025
- How platform fees and driver pay moved in opposite directions
- The four numbers that tell you if it's worth it for you
The video above runs the same four-step math against a real shift. The breakdown below goes deeper on where the 2025 numbers came from and how to plug in your own.
Uber Drivers Grossed $23.88 an Hour in 2025, Before Idle Time
Uber drivers averaged $23.88 an hour gross per active work hour in 2025. Lyft drivers averaged $22.45. Active work hour means time on a trip, not time logged into the app with the meter off.
That distinction is the whole story. Idle miles, the distance between a drop-off and your next pickup, made up about 30% of total miles driven in 2025. Trips per hour slipped too, from 1.70 to 1.67. A meaningful chunk of every shift goes unpaid, and it's gotten a little harder to fill that time with back-to-back rides.
Most mileage logs only catch pickup to drop-off. Automatic mileage tracking in Gridwise also records the idle miles in between, since that distance still wears on your car even when it isn't a paid trip.
The average Uber driver worked 21.2 active hours a week for $522 gross. Mileage runs separately: $0.94 per work mile earned in 2025, and fuel plus wear on the vehicle comes out of that before anything counts as profit.
$23.88 isn't wrong. It's just gross. Net is the number that decides whether driving for Uber is worth your time, and net is not what the app shows you.
Platform Fees Grew Eight Times Faster Than Driver Pay in 2025
From December 2024 to December 2025, customer prices rose 9.6%. Platform fees rose 33.2%. Driver gross pay per hour rose 4.1%.
Same fare, growing further from the same paycheck. That's the main reason $23.88 buys less peace of mind now than it did a year or two ago.
Tips and bonuses moved the other way. Tips hit an all-time high of $1.58 per trip in Q4 2025. Bonus pay grew 33% to $317.65 per quarter. Real gains, but they softened the fee increase without offsetting it. For most drivers, 2025 closed with a tighter margin between what a ride generates and what actually reaches the driver.
Know your real number, not the national average. Gridwise auto-tracks your pay, miles, and expenses across every gig app so you always know your effective hourly. Download for free →
Four Numbers Tell You If It's Worth It for You
A national average answers a general question. Whether it's worth it for you is personal, and it takes four numbers to answer.
- Your gross per active hour. Not clock hour. The hour you were actually on a trip. Pull it from your own trip history, not the national average.
- Your real cost per mile. Fuel plus wear and tear: tires, brakes, oil changes. Most sedans run $0.30 to $0.50 per mile; larger vehicles more.
- Your weekly net. Gross earnings minus total mileage costs for every mile you drove that week, unpaid ones included.
- Your target hourly rate. What you actually need this to pay, based on what else you could be doing with the time.
Compare step 3 to step 4. That's your answer, and it's built on your market and your vehicle, not a national average. Gridwise runs this automatically as your effective hourly: gross earnings minus logged mileage and expenses, per hour actually worked, updated every time you log a shift. No spreadsheet required.
Run Your Own Number Before You Decide
$23.88 is a useful benchmark. It was never built to answer whether driving for Uber is worth it for you specifically. It doesn't know your market, your vehicle's real cost, or how many of your miles go unpaid.
Run your own version of the math once and you'll have a number that means something. A national average doesn't know your market. Yours does.
If your number comes back lower than you'd like, that's information, not a verdict. Where to Drive and When to Drive show which zones and time blocks actually generate trips in your market, the direct fix for high idle miles. If the number still isn't clearing your bar, Earnings Benchmarking shows how you compare to other drivers nearby, and Opportunity Spotting shows whether another platform is paying better for the same hours.
Keep Reading
- How Much Do Lyft Drivers Make in 2026?
- The Best Times to Drive for Uber
- UberX vs Uber Comfort vs Uber Black
Want to see your actual effective hourly instead of guessing at it? Download Gridwise free and track your real take-home, mileage, and where to earn more, across every platform you drive for.
Work smarter. Earn more.
Whether you drive, deliver, or pick up shifts — Gridwise helps you track earnings, mileage, and performance so you stay in control of your work. Download the app and take charge today.
