In the context of the current job market, it’s not hard to see why becoming an Uber driver is such a popular option. Being able to choose your own hours, work from the comfort of a car and not fear being laid off from a zero-hours contract is very appealing to a lot of people, but how do you actually go about achieving this goal? Let’s take a look.
Get a PCO license
The first and most time-consuming step to becoming an Uber driver in London is to get your PCO license. This license is what allows you to work as a private hire driver in the capital city, and it’s managed by Transport for London.
Prerequisites
The basic requirements are that you are at least 21 years old, and have held a UK/EEA driving license for at least 3 years. You must also have the right to work in the UK.
Tests
If you match these basic requirements, you will then need to pass a few basic tests. These include an enhanced DBS check, a DVLA group 2 medical exam, a topographical assessment, an English test and a SERU assessment.
The time it takes to pass these tests and receive your license varies, but it’s not uncommon for the whole thing to take over a year. If you’re considering becoming an Uber driver, it’s worth at least getting the process started as soon as possible, so that you’re not left waiting for any longer than necessary.
Find an appropriate vehicle
Once you have your license, the next step is to find a vehicle. Importantly, it will need to meet both TfL and Uber’s vehicle requirements, and be licensed as a private hire vehicle (PHV).
Which vehicle you go for will also depend on the kind of passengers you want to carry. For example, if you just want to get as much work as possible, then a hybrid hatchback like a Toyota Prius would work well.
If, however, you want to offer Uber Exec or Uber XL services, you’ll want to go with a more luxury-oriented saloon or SUV. There are plenty of specialist car hire services like Westgate Hire that solely service private hire drivers, and it’s a great option for those looking to get started with Uber.
Choose your area, hours and start working
With your license and vehicle, all you need to do is decide where and when to do your first shift, and you can get started. There are all sorts of things to consider in this area, such as whether you want to do airport runs or morning commutes, and you’ll find that you get your approach more and more dialled as time goes by.
Becoming an Uber driver does take a bit of work, but once you’ve got your license sorted, the rest should all slot into place. Make sure you take your time to get all the different parts of the application process just right, and you’ll be on the road in no time at all.
