If you’re thinking of driving to earn an income, there are many benefits of driving for Uber. Here, I will list seven such benefits.
Uber is the leading company when it comes to flexible earning through driving. It retains the largest share of drivers by offering a wide range of benefits. Even though the drivers are self-employed, Uber provides certain rewards typically reserved for traditionally employed staff. No other competitor has been able to match this, making Uber stand out from all other private hire vehicle services.
Each driver will have their own reasons for choosing Uber. Personally, I find that these benefits of driving for Uber often tilt the balance.
7 Benefits of Driving for Uber:
1. Flexibility
This is one of the common benefits of driving for a private hire operator, but it is one of the most significant. Drivers having flexibility is the single most important benefit that the vast majority of drivers want, and Uber offers it. As a self-employed driver for Uber, you have the freedom to choose your own working hours. Whether you prefer to drive during evenings, weekends, or specific time slots that suit your lifestyle, Uber provides this flexibility for you to tailor your schedule to your needs.
I have spoken to many drivers, and they all have different driving times and reasons for it. I know drivers who only drive on Friday and Saturday nights, drivers who drive every night, and some who prefer to drive during the day.
There are many reasons why drivers choose to drive at different times. I spoke with a driver who has a full-time day job but also drives for Uber to secure a mortgage. Similarly, there are many underlying reasons why drivers want flexibility.
So, of all the benefits of driving for Uber, flexibility is a key one.
2. Increased Earning Potential
Like flexibility, increased earning potential is another common benefit. Uber offers an excellent opportunity to increase your earnings. As a driver, you have the ability to work as much or as little as you desire, providing you with control over your income.
During peak times or events, such as holidays, the demand for rides often increases, allowing drivers to capitalise on these busy periods and maximise their earnings.
The demand for Uber is very high, resulting in a high volume of rides. This also gives drivers the opportunity to find paying riders at any time of the day.
For health and safety, Uber has a restriction of 10 hours of driving time per cycle, followed by 6 hours of rest.
So, flexibility and increased earning potential are two common benefits of driving for Uber that also apply to other competitor platforms.
3. Driver Incentives and Rewards
From here on, Uber starts to dominate in terms of benefits. Uber offers all its drivers plenty of incentives and rewards.
Here are some incentives and rewards that all Uber drivers in the UK benefit from:
- Holiday Pay: A payment of 12.07% of your earnings every week.
- National Living Wage: Uber guarantees National Living Wage
- Pension Scheme: Uber contributes 3% (based on qualifying earnings) if you contribute 5% as a Worker.
The benefits of driving for Uber don’t stop there. Uber also rewards drivers based on the number of rides they complete through a points-based reward programme called Uber Pro.
To earn points with Uber, you receive 1 point for every trip completed, and during peak hours, you can earn 3 points. The points help you unlock higher tiers. The points are collected during 3-month periods (January to March, April to June, July to September, and October to December), and they reset to zero at the beginning of each new period. For more details, visit Uber Pro.
Here are some key rewards that can be unlocked across various tiers. These Uber driver benefits are available to drivers in the UK:
- Fuel and in-store savings with BPme Rewards
- Free 24/7 breakdown assistance with the AA
- Free MOT with the AA
- Priority airport rematch
- Cash reward for being a Diamond driver
- 100% tuition coverage with The Open University
These benefits of driving for Uber are exclusive to Uber drivers in the UK. Benefits may vary for different countries.
4. Better App Features
Another of the key benefits of driving for Uber is the availability of better app features, which enhance the overall driving experience. Here are some key features:
- Area Preference: Uber allows drivers to set their preferred areas where they would like to receive ride requests. This feature enables drivers to stay within their desired areas, providing them with a more convenient and efficient driving experience.
- Set Destination: With the “Set Destination” feature, Uber drivers can input their desired destination, allowing them to receive ride requests that align with their intended route. This feature is particularly useful for drivers who have a specific destination in mind, such as heading home after a driving session.
- Earning Activity: Uber’s app provides a clear breakdown of a driver’s earning activity, including information on completed trips, earnings per trip, and overall earnings. This feature allows drivers to track their income and monitor their performance, providing transparency and valuable insights.
- Uber Map: The Uber app includes a built-in navigation system. Having this means drivers don’t have to use third party maps where they have to switch between apps constantly.
These app features enhance the driver experience by offering greater control and convenience.
5. Convenient Payment System
One of the notable benefits of driving for Uber is the convenient payment system they provide. Uber has designed its payment system to be seamless and hassle-free for drivers. Here’s how it works:
- Weekly Automatic Deposits: Your earnings as an Uber driver are automatically deposited into your bank account on a weekly basis. This means you don’t have to worry about manually requesting or waiting for your payments. Instead, Uber takes care of the process and ensures your earnings are consistently and reliably transferred to your bank account.
- Instant Cash Out Option: In addition to the weekly deposits, Uber offers an instant cash out option for drivers. This feature allows you to access your earnings at any time, several times a day if needed. With just a few taps on the app, you can choose to cash out your earnings instantly, providing you with immediate access to your funds. Although there is a small cost of 50p associated with this service, it offers great flexibility and convenience for drivers who may require quick access to their earnings.
Uber’s convenient payment system simplifies the process of receiving and accessing your earnings as a driver. Whether you prefer the automatic weekly deposits or the option to instantly cash out, Uber ensures that you have a reliable and convenient payment system that meets your needs.
6. Trip Promotions
Another significant benefit of driving for Uber is the availability of trip promotions, which can boost a driver’s earnings. One such promotion offered by Uber is the consecutive ride promotion.
Under the consecutive ride promotion, drivers have the opportunity to earn an additional amount, typically around £15, by completing a set number of three consecutive rides without rejecting ride requests or going offline. The specific amount may vary based on the promotion and ride demands. These promotions are usually offered during busy periods, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights when demand for rides is high.
The consecutive ride promotion incentivises drivers to accept and complete rides consistently, ensuring a smooth and reliable experience for riders during peak times. By rewarding drivers who maintain their availability and provide continuous service, Uber encourages driver-partners to stay active and maximise their earnings.
7. Opportunity Information
The final many other benefits of driving for Uber is the access to valuable opportunity information. Uber provides drivers with various insights and data that can help them maximise their earning potential. Here are some key aspects of the opportunity information provided:
- Event Notifications: Uber notifies drivers about upcoming events or occasions that are expected to generate increased ride demand. This information allows drivers to plan their schedules and take advantage of the higher demand during these events, such as concerts, sports games, or festivals.
- Airport Trip Details: Uber shares important information regarding airport trips, including the number of flights landing and departing at specific airports. This data enables drivers to anticipate busy periods and strategically position themselves to receive airport ride requests, which tend to be profitable. Uber also provides details about the virtual queues at airports. This information helps drivers understand the current demand and queue length, enabling them to make informed decisions about whether to join the queue or explore other opportunities.
- Hourly Earning Trends: Uber offers insights into hourly earning trends based on historical data from the past four weeks. This information allows drivers to identify peak earning periods and plan their driving schedules accordingly, optimising their income potential.
By providing drivers with comprehensive opportunity information, Uber empowers them to make informed decisions, maximise their earnings, and take advantage of high-demand periods and lucrative opportunities. This valuable data helps drivers effectively navigate the rideshare environment and make the most out of their time on the road.
If the aforementioned benefits of driving for Uber have convinced you to join, then please read my comprehensive guide on How to Become an Uber Driver in London.