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Rideshare and delivery driver COVID-19 sick pay: Are the gig-services companies delivering on what they promised

May 12, 2020

For most drivers, the idea of actually being unable to work because they’ve been exposed to COVID-19, or are already sick with it, is something they worry about, but haven’t yet faced. For others, it’s real … very real. 

Since the middle of March, most rideshare and delivery companies have made public announcements about their intentions to provide sick pay for drivers affected by COVID-19. When this all started, companies stated that sick pay would only be awarded to drivers who test positive for the virus, as well as those who have been quarantined by a physician for being exposed to COVID-19.

For obvious reasons, this didn’t always work so well. What if you can’t be tested for the virus, or you’re so sick you’re unable to submit the documentation needed to “qualify” you for sick pay? The companies have made some effort, it appears, to put the focus more on those drivers who are out there still working through the crisis. Still, in many cases, it’s still necessary to get the proof of your COVID-19 situation before you can get their attention.

It sounds simple enough. You either get exposed to the virus, are individually ordered to self-quarantine, or (worst of all) are diagnosed with COVID-19; then the company gives you money. What happens, really? 

We took a look at companies’ policies and got reports from drivers who have been in this situation, and found that things are not going quite the way they’re supposed to.

The plight of the independent contractor

Why is it so hard to get sick pay to begin with? 

When you sign up to drive for rideshare or delivery, you’re told in no uncertain terms where you stand with the company. You are not an employee, you don’t get benefits, there will be no paid holidays, and there’s no such thing as sick time. It’s all part of the agreement with which we’re all familiar; part of being gig workers. 

The importance of sick pay in a pandemic

When you’re first signing on, it doesn’t seem so bad. You drive and you get money for it—but that’s when everything is normal. 

If there ever was a time when everything was far from normal, it’s now, with the COVID-19 crisis. All kinds of situations we could never have expected are upon us. On top of the “Closed” signs on the doors and windows of most every business your passengers once frequented, you risk becoming infected with a serious virus that can be deadly. 

Even in the delivery game, you won’t have a parade of riders to worry about, but you’ll still be exposed to workers in restaurants and stores, plus the people waiting for you to bring groceries, beverages, and/or dinner to their doors. In all these cases, doing your job forces you to take your life in your hands.

If you know you’ve been exposed to the virus, and you still have to work to put food on the table and a roof over your head, would you stop driving or delivering? That’s the question companies should ask when they consider the questions of providing independent contractors with sick pay of this nature during the pandemic.

If they fail to offer compensation to drivers who have been exposed to the virus, or who are at high risk due to their age or health problems, they could be contributing to the pandemic by forcing these people out into a workplace that’s extremely dangerous to them and the people with whom they come into contact. 

Perhaps out of prudence - or the desire to avoid being held liable for such catastrophe - companies have formulated sick pay policies, even for independent contractors. Let’s see what they bring to the table.

Companies to the rescue … sort of

It makes sense that the companies, who are making even more money than you are by completing your rides and deliveries, would help you out. Just what are they doing, and is it enough?

On the rideshare side, Uber and Lyft have policies that give drivers one-time payments. Here are the programs they offer, in a nutshell:

Uber

Recognizing that their first efforts at providing compensation for drivers affected by COVID-19 were woefully inadequate, Uber updated their financial assistance program in mid-April. It applies both to rideshare drivers and delivery workers for Uber Eats. Their policy was expanded to encompass those who were told to isolate because they have pre-existing conditions that put them in the high-risk category for COVID 19.

This is a sign of somewhat more compassion, and that’s the good news. The not-so-great part is that, at the same time, Uber decided to set a maximum payment per person. This gets tricky, because Uber says there is no one set amount. It will vary by location, and will be based not just on your earnings, but on the average earnings of drivers in your area. 

How payments are calculated:

Your basic payment will be figured based on the three months prior to the date of your application for assistance. There will be up to 14 days’ compensation, but this amount will start at $50 minimum, even if you did just one ride, and top off based on the average earnings of drivers in your area. Uber gives these examples:

Los Angeles: $459

Coloumbus, OH: $244

Rio Grande Valley, TX: $136

What you must do to apply, and qualify:

  • Have an active case of COVID-19, or
  • Be individually ordered to self-quarantine because you are suspected of having the virus, or
  • Be individually ordered to self-quarantine because you have pre-existing, underlying health conditions that place you in the high risk category.

If you meet these requirements, then you need to:

  • Complete at least one trip or delivery on Uber in the 30 days leading up to the date of your documentation
  • Submit documentation containing your full name, full name of the doctor or public health official, their contact information, and the diagnosis date/start date of quarantine.
  • Submit your documents within 30 days of your date of diagnosis/start of quarantine.

Uber says they will attempt to process requests within 7 business days, but also adds the disclaimer that due to high volume (not to mention the recent layoffs of customer service personnel), it may take longer.

Note: Once you apply for assistance from Uber, your account will be put on hold! In general, the hold will be for 14 days, unless the time period stated in your documentation states it should be otherwise.

This is an audacious change in policy, and it surely doesn’t seem to be for the better. Before April 10th, all drivers were awarded up to 14 days’ compensation, based on the previous six months of earnings. There was no maximum amount set. 

As a result, drivers in California recently took legal action against Uber, and in late April they won a little more out of the company than what it was offering. According to a post from CNet,

 “The company has agreed to pay $360 -- calculated as three 8-hour work days at $15 an hour -- to all drivers who've been diagnosed with COVID-19, had symptoms of the disease or believe they were exposed to the virus. Uber is also offering the financial assistance to drivers with preexisting health conditions that make them susceptible to COVID-19, including being over the age of 60.”

Even at that, Uber doesn’t seem to be fulfilling its responsibility in terms of protecting its drivers - or the rider community with whom they are mutually exposed. Even with the 14-day pay policy, it’s hard to imagine that a person who’s sick enough to be in ICU on a respirator would be ready to go back to work in that short of a time period.

Lyft

It would be so pleasant to be able to say this company does do better, but we can’t lie to you. Yes, they have also expanded their program to support drivers who are at high risk due to age and/or underlying high-risk health conditions. Yet, they are extremely vague about how much they will compensate drivers for this or for any other reason COVID-19 would stop them from driving. The only things they are clear on is that you must present documentation to them, and it will take some time to process your application.

With all of that, Lyft’s website makes it plain they feel they are making a huge contribution to the cause of dealing with COVID-19. They state that in addition to providing safety and sanitizing equipment to drivers and the community with a $6.5 million commitment, they are providing support for affected drivers. These are their specific words: 

“We’re providing funds directly to qualifying drivers diagnosed with COVID-19 or put under individual quarantine by a public health agency — an amount determined by the driver’s previous activity on the Lyft platform.”

This tells us very little about how much Lyft will award drivers individually. Also, they seem to believe their “additional support”, namely alerting drivers to the benefits of the CARES act (unemployment for independent contractors and PPP loans) is a big deal. And oh, right - they will also suspend your account if you indicate you need help because you’ve been exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19.

 If that’s all they’ve got - a vague compensation policy and a few words about government programs, it’s evident that what Lyft has to offer is in no way commensurate with the risks drivers are taking, either.

Doordash, Instacart, Grubhub and the rest

Many delivery companies also offer help to drivers impacted by COVID-19. Recently, they have expanded coverage to include those who have been exposed and quarantined. In general, here’s what delivery drivers and Instacart workers can expect:

  • Companies that pay by the hour offer 14 days of pay. Companies that pay per delivery base their compensation on 14 days of a driver’s average earnings.
  • Instacart is offering sick-pay to in-store shoppers now, and also offering up to 14 days of pay for full-service shopper or part-time employee who is diagnosed, or placed in mandatory quarantine. 
  • DoorDash and Caviar require that drivers be on the platform for at least 60 days in order to collect benefits.
  • These companies have activity requirements: DoorDash (30 deliveries in last 30 days); Grubhub (one delivery in last 30 days); Caviar (30 deliveries in last 30 days); Wanelo (based on amount of time currently working).
  • All companies require written documentation of COVID-19 diagnosis or medical quarantine order.
  • Some companies inform you how soon payment will be received, while others do not. Grubhub says it will take two pay periods, while Postmates says you’ll get the money on the Friday of the week you’re approved.
  • Some additional information: Postmates requires you to have a Starship HSA account, which is their healthcare savings plan. Instacart says additional sick pay is available, Amazon Flex says “employees with hardships” can receive $400 to $5,000, and Wanelo is extending flextime to all employees. 

Of all these companies, Doordash is the one whose policy stands out at being most comprehensive and specific. While announcements have been made about Instacart and other companies expanding their programs, little detail is immediately available. 

Because they’ve made the the particulars readily available, we’ll give more information about Doordash’s policy here:

The work requirements (30 days and 30 deliveries in a 30 day period) cited above still apply. The same requirements as Uber, namely, testing positive for COVID-19, being under mandatory quarantine or under a doctor-recommended quarantine (all with medical documentation), or at higher risk, or (and this is unique among the companies we could find details on)...you can prove you live with someone who fulfills one of the above-mentioned criteria.

They also help drivers secure medical documentation by offering a discount code for Doctor on Demand, which would provide a virtual visit for $4.00. Financial assistance for childcare is also available, and all this can be accessed through the Doordash support web form. 

Do companies offer realistic COVID-19 assistance, considering the risks drivers and shoppers take?

The feedback we’re getting tells us companies are getting mixed reviews so far—and that’s putting it politely. Not only are drivers reporting delays and obstacles when they apply for compensation, there are other issues companies don’t seem to have taken into account.

One of these is the issue of underlying health problems, including being over age 60, and being of increased risk. Uber and Lyft have specified they extended their policies to cover this group, as has Doordash, but other companies have not. Will they have to continue working, even though they know they should be at home?

It seems the companies really fumbled the ball over the issue of protecting their independent contractors from harm during this pandemic, and even the “band-aids” they’re applying at this stage fail to make it much better.

In this Business Insider article, an Uber spokeswoman admitted the company’s hastily rolled out policy may not cover enough people. And there are other matters the companies seem to have overlooked as well. Many drivers, for instance, are now taking care of children who are not in school, or perhaps tending to older or disabled relatives who have gotten sick. How are these drivers supposed to continue to work now that their family members are at home and in need of their care?

Even when drivers meet the companies’ requirements of being infected or exposed, some odd things tend to happen. Drivers have reported, for instance, that telling their companies about relatives who are COVID-positive has resulted in an immediate suspension of their accounts, but no compensation (or at least a long wait for it). 

This could lead to drivers who have been exposed to COVID-19 feeling forced to keep it a secret. They may continue working—which means they’re taking scary chances with their riders’ health, as well as their own. Yet they have to make a choice: either keep a paycheck or lose it after having a medical check-up.

COVID-19 war stories: delayed responses

An Uber driver in San Francisco developed COVID-19, which he believes he caught from two passengers he picked up at the airport. Wisely, the driver stopped taking trips, went to get tested, and found he was indeed positive. 

When he uploaded his doctor’s letter, which ordered him to self-quarantine, the driver was taken aback by Uber’s response. The company requested further personal information, along with several requests to accept conditions related to being an independent contractor rather than an employee.

Another driver reported having to wait an inordinate amount of time to hear back from Uber about his request for COVID-19 compensation. In both cases, these drivers got on Twitter and called out Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi in their tweets.

The social media machine did its usual thing and Khosrowshahi’s shaming was pretty effective. Uber responded rapidly to the drivers’ requests ... but unless you’re healthy enough and willing to embarrass a major executive on the Twittersphere, you could be waiting a long time for your sick pay compensation.

The companies’ side of the story

To be fair, the companies are scrambling to cope with the coronavirus pandemic as much as the rest of us. They’ve been flooded with driver requests, their own operations are severely hindered by stay-at-home orders, and it is likely that many of their employees have gotten sick or are quarantined.

Let’s remember that the companies have benefited from the government’s recent easing of unemployment regulations. With the recently enacted CARES Act, independent contractors can apply for their state subsidies and collect $600 per week from the federal government. 

If you find yourself in a situation where you’re unable to work because there isn’t enough business, or you have to care for a family member, unemployment compensation might be a good option for you. (Read more about how drivers can get unemployment compensation here.)

Be smart and stay healthy

At Gridwise, we want nothing more than for you to stay healthy and avoid catching this beast of a virus. But we want you to have the peace of mind that if you’re facing a COVID-19 diagnosis, or are threatened by exposure to it, you’ll receive the benefits you deserve.

Rideshare and delivery companies are still absorbing the shock of this situation, as we all are. Even they seem to recognize that they could be doing a better job. Let’s hope they get there before it’s too late.
Keep up to date on this situation and everything you need to know about rideshare and delivery driving when you download the Gridwise app. Still haven’t?  Do it 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:

  1. Download the Uber Driver app from the App Store or Google Play
  2. Enter your personal information including your name, email, phone number, and Social Security number
  3. Upload your required documents — driver's license, vehicle registration, insurance, and a profile photo
  4. Consent to a background check run by Checkr (takes 3-10 business days)
  5. 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

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Your weekly net. Gross earnings minus total mileage costs for every mile you drove that week, unpaid ones included.
  4. 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

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.

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