Your first trip
Start earning on Uber
Ready to make money driving with Uber? This guide will help you learn some of the basics you’ll want to know before taking your first trip, from going online for the first time to getting paid.
Preparing your car
A little preparation can go a long way toward making every trip smoother for you and your riders. Here are the essentials to keep in mind:
Cleanliness
A clean car helps create a better riding experience and may lead to higher ratings.
Uber decal
Whenever you’re online, be sure to display your Uber decal as required by your city’s regulations. If your decal is not visible during a ride, you could be subject to penalties by local authorities. If you’re waiting for your Uber decal, you can use this sticker temporarily.
Vehicle integrations
If your vehicle is compatible with the Driver app through Android Auto, CarPlay, or Tesla, consider setting it up to make going online, accepting trips, and navigating easier.
Phone accessories
If your vehicle doesn’t have an app integration, consider using a phone mount to help you navigate safely on the road. Rideshare drivers are eligible for discounted phone mounts.
Going online
After your account is active, the next steps are going online and getting your first trip.
Trying a practice trip
Before going online for the first time, you may see a message in your Inbox giving you the opportunity to try a practice trip to get comfortable with the process.
Receiving requests
Select the Go button on the homescreen to start getting trip requests from riders.
Understanding requests
In most cities, requests include information such as a fare estimate, the rider’s rating, and the trip duration. If you don’t accept or decline the offer, it will time out.
Ride types
When you’re driving with Uber, the kinds of rides you’re eligible for depend on factors like your registered vehicle type, number of trips, and rating. You can update your vehicle information at any time or rent vehicles to become eligible for additional options.
To explore exactly which ride types you’re eligible for, select the preferences icon in the top right corner of the app homescreen.
UberX
Everyday rides for up to 4 passengers
UberXL
Larger rides for up to 6 passengers, or for groups with extra luggage
Uber Comfort
Rides in newer cars with more legroom
Uber Black
Premium rides in high-end vehicles
Uber Electric
Rides in fully electric cars
Trip formats
Depending on the ride types you're eligible for, you may see requests with trip formats that include these:
Multi-stop trips
Riders can add multiple stops to a single trip. You’ll see each destination before accepting, and you’ll get paid for the whole route.
Back-to-back trips
Occasionally, you’ll receive your next trip request before your current one ends. These trips help you stay busy and avoid downtime.
UberX Share
In select cities, you may receive Share trip requests. If so, you’ll pick up multiple passengers headed in a similar direction, but likely with different pickup and dropoff points.
Airports
Trips to and from the airport require a little more planning. Here’s what to know ahead of time:
Checking eligibility
Each airport has its own rules and regulations and may have decal or other requirements. Familiarize yourself with airport operating procedures, and check your local airport’s rules.
Following signage
After you accept an airport trip request, check the Driver app for designated airport pickup and dropoff zones (they might be different from where you’d go if you weren’t driving with Uber). Also watch airport signage.
Providing great service
Some drivers find it helpful to confirm the airline and terminal with their rider to make pickup easier. Some also offer to help with luggage. Caring for your riders in ways like these might lead to a better rating or tip.
Customizing your experience
Make driving work for you. To get trip requests based on your vehicle, eligibility, schedule, and interests, select the preferences icon at the top right of the Driver app homescreen. You can choose from options like these (and update your choices anytime):
- Ride type (depending on eligibility): UberX, UberXL, Uber Comfort, Uber Black, Uber Electric
- Ride add-ons: Uber Pet, Uber Car Seat
- Other services: Deliveries (such as food and packages)
- Trip filters: Area preferences, payment preferences, and rider preferences (such as Women Rider Preference)
Star ratings
Ratings help ensure a high-quality experience for riders and drivers. They also help trips adhere to Uber’s Community Guidelines. Here’s how the system and built-in driver protections work:
- A 2-way system
After every trip, riders and drivers can rate each other anonymously on a scale of 1-5 stars. If you rate a rider below 5 stars, you can provide more information about what went wrong.
- High and low ratings
Consistently high ratings from riders can help you unlock rewards through Uber Pro. Consistently low ratings may limit your access to some opportunities and features.
- Knowing your rating
You can review your rating at any time by going to Menu, then selecting your profile picture. Your driver rating is an average of the last 500 ratings from your riders. If you improve it over time, you could access more opportunities and features.
- Rider unpairing
If you have a particularly negative experience with a rider and leave them a 1-star rating, we’ll automatically block them from matching with you in the future and provide them with feedback on how to improve their behavior. If you rate a rider 2 or 3 stars, you’ll have the option to block them manually.
- Ratings protection
We automatically exclude certain ratings from your average driver rating: ratings from riders who frequently give drivers low ratings, as well as ratings from trips affected by factors outside of your control, such as traffic. This helps ensure that your driver rating reflects the experience you provide.
Additional resources
Frequently asked questions
- How do I know when I’m ready to take my first trip?
If your account is fully approved to begin accepting ride requests, you should be able to select Go Online on the Driver app’s homescreen without seeing an error. Learn more about the onboarding requirements in your region.
- Can I practice before taking a real trip?
Before going online for the first time, you may be offered the opportunity to take a practice trip. Look for a message in the Inbox section of your app for details.
- How do I access my earnings after taking trips?
You can view your earnings in the desktop Earnings Hub or by selecting Earnings in the Driver app. Most drivers have several options for cashing out—either instantly, on a customized regular schedule, or on a standard Uber cycle. Learn more about how cashouts work.
- What should I do if I have a bad experience with a rider?
After every trip, you can rate a rider in the Driver app and provide feedback on what may have gone wrong. Additionally, we’ll ensure that you’re not matched with a rider again if you rate them 1 star. You can always contact Support and share your concerns with us anytime.
Drive your way in the app
Drive your way in the app
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