How to Become an Uber Driver in London
If you aim
to become a PCO driver, you might wonder how to start working as an Uber
driver.
This is a
great move because Uber is a prime opportunity for private hire drivers in
London, boasting millions of passengers. As an Uber driver, you'll quickly find
ample PCO work.
Moreover,
Uber partners, as the company calls its drivers, enjoy additional benefits such
as earnings guarantees, holiday pay, and free insurance (including sickness and
personal injury coverage).
Despite
competitors, Uber is the only ride-hailing app that provides drivers
face-to-face support for obtaining a PCO licence. The Uber
driver app is so well-regarded that you will likely use other apps only
occasionally.
This
article outlines the requirements for becoming an Uber driver, the basics of
obtaining a PCO licence, and tips on selecting an Uber-approved car with the
right insurance.
1. Check
Your Eligibility
First, ensure you meet the basic Uber driver
requirements:
- A UK driving licence (Uber insists you convert EU or EEA licences
to UK ones)
- At least 21 years old with a minimum of 3 years of driving
experience in the UK or EU/EEA
- No serious driving offences on your record (Full list of
deal-breakers here )
- A suitable car and insurance (you can start registration without
these)
- A Private Hire Driver Licence (commonly called a PCO licence)
- A bank account in your name or a company you own
2. Sign Up
with Uber in London
Next, register your interest in becoming an
Uber driver through a short form or the
Uber driver app using just an email address and a smartphone.
You can’t start driving until all paperwork is
complete, but this initiates the process. Then, book an Uber Ignition appointment at the
Greenlight hub in Tower Hill for a detailed explanation of the process.
You can either upload basic personal
documents (such as bank statements) into the Uber system now or choose to do it
later.
Did you know?
The Uber Ignition programme guides you through
becoming an Uber driver, including free training sessions to prepare for TfL
tests.
3. Apply
for a Private Hire Driver's Licence
The key document needed is a PCO licence,
issued by the local council where you will work, handled by TfL in London.
This licence is essential for the job. If you
already have a PCO licence, skip to step five. New drivers should note that
this takes months of PCO licence process.
Here's a summary of the application:
4. How to
Get a PCO Licence
Applying for a PCO licence involves two main
parts: the checks and the tests.
The Checks:
- Medical check (This is a form
usually completed by your own doctor)
- Background check (subscribe to the DBS Update Service)*
- Right to work check (UK/Irish citizens can use basic ID documents here)**
- Register with HMRC for self-assessment tax***
*The
disclosure barring service (DBS) is a criminal record check to protect
passenger safety.
** Other
nationalities can easily apply for a share-code or use
immigration documents.
*** New
drivers must only confirm they
understand this. Renewals need a tax-check
code.
Did you
know?
Since
February 2024, all private hire drivers must pay an annual subscription to the
DBS Update Service for continuous registration.
The Tests:
- Speaking and listening test (English assessment)
- Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) test
- Topographical Skills test (London geography and map reading)
Create an
online TfL account to start the process. Complete the checks
before submitting your application, and take the tests later, often all in one
day at TfL offices.
Did you know?
From 1 April 2023, new Uber drivers must pass
all of these TfL tests before they get a PCO licence. For existing Uber drivers
who never completed them, there is still wiggle room .
|
How much
does it cost to get a PCO licence? TfL says
the full cost to apply for a Private Hire Driver Licence is £477, plus the
price of a medical check. Various private agencies now offer to help new PCO
drivers with a licence application but it’s wiser to stick to official
channels (e.g. Uber Ignition) to avoid these extra costs. |
5. Start
Onboarding with Uber
With a PCO licence, upload any remaining
documents into the Uber app at the Greenlight hub. Complete basic online
training and provide:
- Proof of identity (e.g., passport)
- UK Driving Licence (Original plastic card)
- DVLA Electronic Counterpart Check Code (Get yours here )
- Private Hire Driver Licence (PCO Licence)
- Profile photo (taken at Greenlight Hub)
- Recent bank statement
Typically, it takes
about a week for your personal information to show up in the Uber app as a new
driver. It's advisable to wait for this confirmation before you begin paying
for a PCO car and rideshare insurance.
6. Choose
an Uber-Approved Car
Your car must meet Uber's requirements and
local licensing authority standards. In London, TfL requires all private hire
vehicles to be Zero Emission Capable (ZEC) and meet Euro 6 standards for new
licenses.
Opting for an electric vehicle (EV) can
simplify this process. Uber offers incentives for EVs, like the Uber PowerUp
Package, which can save eligible drivers at least £5,000 on an electric
PCO car. Additionally, EVs avoid the London Congestion Charge until the end of
2025.
7. Arrange
Private Hire Licensing and Insurance
Capital
Hire Management Ltd., founded in 2009, has expanded to become one of London's
top PCO car hire companies. In the 13 years we have been with the company, we
have assisted more than 5000 drivers with their PCO travels. Being a company known for offering
top-notch customer service, we are devoted to helping more drivers reach their
goals as a business with a stellar reputation for providing excellent customer
service.
8. Upload
Your Car Documents
Submit your vehicle documents to Uber,
including:
- Private Hire Vehicle Licence (PHVL)
- Logbook V5C or (AFRL certificate)
- Recent MOT (not needed for new cars)
- Private Hire Insurance certificate
- Hire Agreement or Permission letter (provided by Capital Hire
Management ltd.)
Did you know?
Capital Hire Management drivers receive
complete assistance with uploading vehicle documents to Uber. If any unexpected
administrative issues arise, our team is skilled at resolving them promptly.
9. Activate
Your Uber Account
After your documents are approved, your Uber
driver status will change to 'active,' allowing you to start earning money as a
PCO driver. The Uber driver app is user-friendly, and you can begin accepting
jobs and transporting passengers immediately.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on
your way to a successful career as an Uber driver in London with Capital Hire
Management Ltd.
About Capital Hire management
Capital Hire Management Ltd. is London's best PCO car rental company,
which provides top-notch vehicles and exceptional services to professional
drivers like you! If you are looking for affordable car hire for PCO car rental
please visit our website https://www.capitalhiremanagement.co.uk/ to explore our latest fleet.
our excellence is validated by driver ratings on Trustpilot. we offer access to new or recent model cars along with comprehensive
training and support to enhance your profitability, safety, and overall
satisfaction as an Uber driver.
Visit our London Hub
located at 56 High Street Wealdstone Harrow HA3 7AF, London, reach out via email to us, or
give us a call at 0208426005 to get started.
