How to Become an Uber Driver in London: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you interested in becoming an Uber driver in London? In this step-by-step guide on how to become an Uber driver in London, we’ll take you through the entire process. From signing up with Uber and meeting the driver and car requirements to attending an onboarding session. We will also explain all the documents you need to upload and how to obtain them.

First things first, to be able to drive for Uber, you need to be at least 21 years old, hold a full DVLA, Northern Ireland, or other EEA state driving license for at least 3 years, and have the right to work in the UK.

Step 1: Sign up with Uber in London

To begin your journey and become an Uber driver, you first need to sign up with Uber through their online platform. Visit the Uber website and navigate to the driver section. Follow the instructions to create an account and provide the necessary personal information.

Uber Ignition Session
After you have registered your interest in driving with Uber (known as Uber partner), you will be invited to book an Uber Ignition Session.

This is an information session. Uber will guide you through the process of becoming an Uber driver in London. They will help you set up your Uber driver app and upload basic documents, such as your driver’s license and bank statement.

To book an ignition session, visit Uber Ignition

From my personal experience, Uber assigns a dedicated support person who will assist you throughout the process. They can be contacted through text messaging service. They will be there with you until you complete your first trip. If this service is still available, make sure to utilise the person and ask anything you need related to licensing or other Uber-related questions you might have.

During the ignition session, you will start your application, so you will be required to bring some documents with you. These documents will include your passport, driving license, bank statement, national insurance number, and a utility bill (no older than 3 months).

Step 2: Download the Uber Driver App

Once you’ve signed up with Uber, you’ll need to download the Uber Driver App on your smartphone. This app is essential for managing your account, and uploading documents and when your account is active you will receive ride requests that you can accept and earn money as an Uber driver.

Step 3: Meet the Uber Driver Requirements

Once you have signed up with Uber and downloaded the Uber Driver App, the next step is to start adding all the required documents. I will go through each document and explain what they are and how to obtain them.

You will be required to upload your documents on Uber Driver App. To meet the Uber driver requirements you will need five documents for this section and they:

1. DVLA Electronic Counterpart Check Code

You are required to share your driving record with Uber. Uber will check the vehicles you are eligible to drive, as well as any penalty points or disqualifications you may have.

To share your driving record, you will need to create a ‘check code’ for your license. You can do this by visiting Gov.uk and entering your driving licence number, national insurance number, and postcode to retrieve the code.

After obtaining the check code, download the PDF document containing your driving record and upload it to the Uber Driver app.

2. DVLA Plastic Driving Licence

Uber requires a copy of your DVLA Driving Licence for verification purposes. To provide this document, you can easily take a photo of your physical driving licence using your smartphone and upload it directly to the Uber driver app.

3. Driver Photo

Your profile picture or driver photo is a picture of your face that every rider will see during their trips. This photo must be clear and visible so that the rider can easily identify you as the correct driver.

Please note that your driver photo can only be uploaded by Uber directly, and this is typically done at an Uber Greenlight Hub. During the Uber onboarding session (see below), an initial driver photo is usually taken to set up your profile.

Additionally, Uber may periodically request you to update your profile photo every few years. If such a request is made, you will need to schedule an appointment with Uber to change your profile picture accordingly.

4. Private Hire Driver Licence (PCO)

A Private Hire Driver License, also known as a PCO License, is a permit required to operate as a private hire driver in London, UK. It is issued by Transport for London (TfL) and allows drivers to provide pre-booked taxi services using licensed vehicles.

If you already hold a PCO license, you can upload your license to the Uber driver app. However, if you are not yet licensed, you can follow the step-by-step process outlined below:

To obtain a Private Hire Driver License, applicants must meet certain requirements set by TfL. These include passing a medical examination, obtaining a criminal records check, passing a SERU assessment, passing an English language test, and completing a topographical skills assessment to demonstrate knowledge of London’s streets and routes.

Here are the steps you need to take to obtain a private hire driver license:

1. Register Online: The application process for a PCO license starts with registering online with Transport for London. Applicants must create an online account and provide personal details and security information.
2. Start Application Process: The application form requires applicants to submit a recent photograph of themselves that meets the specified guidelines. They also need to confirm their understanding of HMRC tax requirements and obtain a HMRC Tax Check Code. Additionally, they must provide a driving license check code obtained from DVLA.
3. Enhanced Criminal Check: As part of the licensing process, applicants are required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to assess their criminal record. They can initiate the DBS check using First Advantage and complete the process by verifying their identification at the Post Office.
4. Medical Declaration: Applicants also need to complete a medical declaration form, which is usually done by a medical practitioner, such as a GP. This may involve a sight test conducted by an optician.
5. Submit Application: Once all the necessary steps are completed, including uploading all required documents, applicants can submit their application online. They need to pay the application fee, and TfL will review their application. If there are no issues, applicants will be contacted to schedule their assessments at one of the TfL centres.
6. Three Assessments: There are three tests or assessments that applicants need to pass. The topographical skills assessment evaluates their knowledge of London’s geography and navigation skills. The speaking and listening assessment tests their English language proficiency, and the SERU assessment assesses their understanding of safety, equality, and regulatory obligations.

If applicants meet all the requirements, pass all three assessments, and have paid the necessary fees, they will be awarded a PCO license. This license allows them to drive for any licensed operators in London, providing flexibility in their choice of work.

5. Bank Statement

Uber requires a copy of your bank statement to verify your account details and facilitate payment. Ensure your bank statement shows your full name and account information.

Step 4: Meet the Uber Car Requirements

Now that you have completed your license application and have been awarded a license, the next step is to obtain a car that meets the requirements for driving with Uber and start earning. In this section, we will briefly explore the car requirements.

I have written a detailed post about the car requirements that you can read: Uber Car Requirements in London

Hiring a car:
For all new drivers, my personal advice would be to consider hiring a car that meets the requirements. Cars can be very expensive and require a significant investment. By hiring a car first, you can get a feel for driving and the Uber experience before committing to purchasing a vehicle.

When searching for a car to hire, using Google can provide you with a list of Uber partnered companies that offer comprehensive packages, including the PHV license, insurance, MOT, and other servicing. However, these packages tend to be more expensive.

Alternatively, you can explore smaller companies through your personal contacts and social media searches. These options are often more affordable and can provide a cost-effective solution for getting started as an Uber driver.

Buying a car:
There are several basic requirements you need to fulfill when buying a car:

• Is the car 10 years or newer?
• Does it have 4 doors that open independently?
• Can it carry four passengers?
• Is it full electric car which is zero emission?
  • If not, does it emit 50g/km CO2 or less and be capable of being operated with no (zero) exhaust emissions for a minimum range of 10 miles (16.093 km);
  • Or, does it emit 75g/km CO2 exhaust emissions or less and be capable of being operated with no (zero) emissions for a minimum range of 20 miles (32.187 km)?
• Is it in good condition and has no cosmetic damage or branding?

If your answer to all the above questions is ‘Yes,’ then the car might qualify for driving with Uber. However, it is recommended to check with Transport for London (TfL) before purchasing the car to ensure it meets their specific requirements.

As part of the licensing process, your vehicle will need to undergo an inspection to ensure it meets the necessary standards. TfL authorized inspection centers will conduct this inspection. Schedule an appointment for the inspection and make sure to bring your vehicle along with all the required documents.

Gather necessary documents:
Before applying for a PHV licence, you’ll need to gather and validate the required documents. The documents typically include:

• Vehicle Logbook (V5C): This document confirms your ownership or permission to use the vehicle.
• Vehicle Insurance: Provide proof of appropriate insurance coverage for private hire use. The insurance policy should include Hire and Reward coverage.
• MOT Certificate: Ensure your vehicle has a valid MOT certificate that meets the required standards for roadworthiness.

Step 5: Attend an Uber Onboarding Session in London

The final step is to upload all your documents to the Uber driver app. These include your PCO license, PHV license, insurance, MOT certificate, and any third-party lease agreements.

Onboarding Session:
You will need to attend a final onboarding session with Uber. This session will take place in-person at the Uber Greenlight Hub in London. During this session, they will review and approve your driver account, as well as take a profile picture for your Uber Driver App.

Frequently Asked Questions