Making a little extra cash used to involve filling out applications and communicating with a supervisor about your availability. A part-time gig doesn’t have to be such a nuisance today. That’s because the gig economy allows you to be your own boss, take off time when you want, and set your own hours!
Just because it’s easier than ever to make a little extra dough doesn’t mean it doesn’t take a little forethought and preparation. If you want to be a driver for Uber, it’s important that you follow these tips before you get started.
Look for a Driver Invite Code or Bonus
Some people are able to make a sizeable income just driving people around town. However, there’s more to the story. Did you know that you may be able to get a bonus just for signing up?
Invite codes make it possible for you to make money before you even pick up your first passenger. You may be able to make a couple extra hundred dollars, but the code is not retroactive. That means you should do your homework and search for codes before you sign up.
Make Sure You Have What You Need to Sign Up
Just because you have a car doesn’t mean you can automatically become an Uber driver. Uber does have requirements for its drivers. They include:
- You must be at least 21 years old
- You must have at least 1 year of driving experience in the U.S. If you’re over the age of 23
- If you’re under 23, you must have at least 3 years of driving experience
- You must have a valid driver’s license
- You must have a clean driving record and pass a background check
- Your car must meet certain requirements
Prepare Your Driving Strategy
Driving for Uber is a lot more than just pulling up to the curb and dropping your passengers off at their location. There is some strategy involved.
How well do you know the city you’re driving in? Do you plan on asking your rider for directions, or will you be using a GPS system? If using GPS, you’ll want a car charger and a phone mount.
How friendly do you plan on being with passengers? Even if you don’t want to chat up every person who enters your car, you should at least be prepared with a hello.
Will you offer snacks or water? These are all important things to think about before you pick up your first passenger!
Consider Becoming More Than Just a Cab
There’s a lot more to Uber than driving people around in a four-door car. Uber offers a wide variety of services that include:
- UberBLACK
- UberSUV
- UberXL
- Uber Eats
Depending on your particular vehicle and how comfortable you are having people in your car, there’s an Uber for you.
Don’t just sign up for Uber and hope for the best. Prepare a little and you can get the most out of this ridesharing platform.