What is a rideshare driver?
The Japanese version of rideshare, with ordinary drivers using their own cars to drive customers, began in April 2024. Because rideshare must operate only when and where taxis are in short supply, being a rideshare driver is highly rewarding and socially beneficial. You are helping to meet everyone’s transportation needs.
4 attractions of working as an Uber rideshare driver
Effective use of your spare time
As you can work any day of the week and any hours you want, this is a perfect side job.
An hourly rate of 3,000 yen or higher is achievable
You can earn money efficiently by working on high-demand days and at busy hours. You can start from 3 hours per day.
Your own car and a Class 1 driver’s license
You can earn with what you love: your beloved car. Or you can rent a car from a taxi company.
Work in English
There are opportunities to speak English, as many overseas customers use Uber. Don’t worry if you are not good at English; Uber’s Driver app has an interpreter function.
Why drivers enjoy working as a rideshare driver
Self-employed IT consultant in his 40s
“I like driving a car and talking to people, so I started being a rideshare driver in my spare time. I find that driving my car around the city and talking with customers is a good way to refresh myself and I can work harder for my main business.”
Part-time cafe staff in his 20s
“My day job alone is not enough to make a living, so I started to work as a rideshare driver in early mornings and on weekends. Because I can earn more than I expected, I plan to use the money to get certifications for the job I hope to get in the future.”
Former architect in his 60s
“After retirement, I started taking English conversation classes to find a new hobby. I wanted to have more opportunities to communicate directly with tourists from overseas, so I started to work as a rideshare driver. I find it rewarding to be able to introduce the good things about Japan to foreign people.”
Generous support
Everything in the Uber app
All the process from setting a destination to getting payment is done through Uber's Driver App. You do not need to carry cash!
Well-developed training system
Taxi companies provide training for new drivers, including learning about driving etiquette and the laws related to driving with passengers. So even if you have no experience, you can start with no worries.
Directions for all routes
There’s no need to know an area well - just follow the Uber app’s navigation to pick up and drop off passengers.
Peace of mind in case of an accident
The taxi company has insurance for rideshare, and in the event of an accident, that insurance will be applied. If an accident should occur, the operation manager at the taxi company will provide full support.
Application requirements
Employer | Taxi companies partnering with Uber (please note that Uber will not be your employer) |
Type of occupation | Rideshare driver (part-time employment) |
Required qualifications | ・Must have had a Class 1 driver’s license for at least one year.
|
Salary | ・Varies from company to company
|
Place | ・Tokyo (23 wards and Mitaka City, Musashino City)
|
Working hours | Tokyo, Japan
Kyoto, Japan
In addition, there is a limit to the number of hours worked per week: (1) Those who are currently employed:
(2)Those who are currently working on their own:
(3)Those who do not work:
|
Transportation and benefits | Varies from company to company |
Apply to be an Uber rideshare driver
Attend a seminar and interview with one of Uber's partner taxi companies! We are looking forward to receiving your application.
Tokyo
Royal Limousine Group hiring contact
Web: https://rideshare.z-mobility.co.jp/
Email: rideshare-oubo@royal-limo.co.jp
Phone:03-5627-6189
Open Hours
10:00 - 17:00 (except Sat/Sun and National holidays)
Tokyo
Yamate Group hiring contact
Web: http://nrs.yamate-gp.co.jp/
Email: rideshare@yamate-gp.co.jp
Kyoto
MK Co.,Ltd. Sales division
Web: https://www.mk-group.co.jp/recruit/staff/nrs_kyoto.html
Email: e-jinji@mk-group.co.jp
Phone: 075-643-3324
Open Hours
9:00 - 17:00 (except Sat/Sun/National holidays/Bon holidays and year-end and New Year holidays)
Hiring process
2. Interview with taxi company
An interview with a taxi company is held either online or at the taxi company’s office. If both parties agree, you will proceed to the next step.
3. Sign employment contract and get training
After the employment contract is signed, training will be provided to ensure safe and secure employment.
4. Start as a rideshare driver
You will be able to get on board 2 weeks after signing the contract at the minimum.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the requirements to become a rideshare driver?
The applicant must have a Japanese Class 1 driver's license and meet the following criteria:
- At least one year has passed since obtaining a Japanese Class 1 driver's license
- No accidents and no driver's license suspensions within the past 2 years
- Do I need to have a Class 2 driver's license to become a rideshare driver?
No, you can become a rideshare driver as long as you have had a Class 1 driver's license for at least 1 year.
- In which areas are you looking for rideshare drivers?
Tokyo (23 wards and Mitaka City, Musashino City)
Kyoto Prefecture (Kyoto City, Nagaokakyo City, Uji City, and others) - I do not have my own car. Can I become a rideshare driver?
Yes, taxi companies can rent vehicles to you that they own.
- What are the requirements for vehicles to be used for rideshare?
The following conditions must be met:
- The car must have seats for at least 3 people
- The car must have been manufactured within the last 11 years
- Kei vehicles are not allowed in Tokyo
- Can I work rideshare driving as a side job?
Yes, you can also become a rideshare driver as a side job, but there are limitations on the number of hours you can work per week.
(1) Those who are currently employed:
(a) Those who have a work contract with an employer for more than 40 hours per week: we are very sorry, but we are unable to hire you.
(b) Part-time employees: You can work as a rideshare driver for up to 20 hours per week and up to 40 hours combined with other jobs.(2)Those who are currently working on their own:
You can work as a rideshare driver for up to 20 hours per week.(3)Those who do not work:
You can work as a rideshare driver for up to 20 hours per week. - Can I decide on my own when I want to work?
Each area has different working hours. While you are required to work within those hours, you may also be asked to work a shift on short notice during extreme conditions, such as hot weather or rainy days.
【Tokyo working hours】
(1) Mon-Fri: 7:00-11:00
(2) Fri, Sat: 16:00-20:00
(3) Sat: 0:00-5:00
(4) Sun: 10:00-14:00【Kyoto working hours】
(1) Mon, Wed, Thu: 16:00-19:00
(2) Tue-Fri: 0:00-4:00
(3) Fri, Sat, Sun: 16:00-5:00 - How much income can I expect?
Rideshare drivers are paid by commission, with average take-home pay of over 3,000 yen per hour in Tokyo. Gasoline and other necessary expenses are deducted from this amount. The amount varies depending on the taxi company, so please confirm the details during an interview.
- Do rideshare drivers need to wear uniforms?
You are free to dress as you wish, but we ask that you dress to the extent that customers do not feel uncomfortable.
Uber has a mutual rating system, and cleanliness of clothing is considered an important factor in providing a good first impression. - What should I do if I have an accident?
The taxi company has insurance for ridesharing, and in the event of an accident, that insurance will be applied. In the event of an accident, the operation manager at the taxi company will provide full support.
- What is the process of becoming a rideshare driver?
(1)Contact one of Uber's partner taxi companies to schedule an interview.
(2)Participate in the seminar/interview. If you have any questions, please ask them directly to the taxi company during an interview.
(3)After you are hired, you will be required to undergo a medical examination, aptitude screening, vehicle inspection, and online training. Then you will be able to ride on your first trip. If everything goes smoothly, you will be able to start riding within 14 days of being hired. - Who is a good candidate to be a rideshare driver at an Uber partner taxi company?
The following people are highly likely suitable.
- People who like to drive
- People who want to work by themselves at their own time
- People who like to serve customers
- People who want to communicate with foreigners (many of Uber's customers are foreign nationals)
- Is there training or orientation?
Training for new drivers is available at the taxi company. You will learn about driving etiquette, service details, laws related to driving with customers, and how to use the Uber app.
- Is it a problem if I don't speak English?
No problem. Since everything from setting destination to payment is completed on the Uber app, there is often no need to communicate directly with the customer.
Also, text communication on the Uber app can be sent in Japanese and automatically translated into the language set by the customer.
- I understand that interviews may be conducted via Zoom. How can I use Zoom?
(1)Click the Zoom URL link sent by taxi company
(2)Click Join from your browser at the bottom
(3) Click Allow for "Zoom is asking for access to your microphone and camera"
(4)Enter your full name in the name field and click Join
(5)When the meeting is over, click Exit in the upper right corner, then click Exit Meeting.The display may differ from the above depending on your device.
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