The best part about working as a delivery rider or a driver for services like Uber is that you are in control of your timings and earnings. The more you work, the more money you make. You even have the freedom to choose the time of the day you want to work. There are no restrictions whatsoever. This is one of the reasons why Uber driver jobs are the most sought-after jobs in the world. They are simple, convenient, and a no-fuss deal.
So like many others, if you have made up your mind to become an Uber driver, we have put together a detailed guide for you to walk you through the entire registration process. Here’s how to become an Uber driver in London.
How to Register As an Uber Driver in London?
You will need to follow these steps to join Uber as a driver in London:
- Download the Uber Driver app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Upload all the required documents.
- Participate and finish an online Uber information session.
- Book and join an in-person session for onboarding at the Uber Greenlight Hub in the city.
Now that you know about the sign-up process let’s discuss the Uber driver requirements that you need to meet if you are in London.
Uber Driver Requirements for London Drivers
- You should be at least 21 years old.
- You should have driving experience of at least 3 years.
- You should have a valid UK driver’s license. If you have a foreign or an EU license, you need to get it converted to a UK license before registration.
- You should have a functioning tablet or smartphone. Uber requires its drivers to have Android devices with Android 6.0 or above and iOS devices with iOS 9.3 or above with a minimum RAM of 2GB, a screen size of 4.7”, and an 8-core processor.
- You should have an eligible car (more on that later).
- You should have a valid Private Hire Driver License (PCO License).
If you don’t have a valid PCO license, read on to find out how you can get one.
How to Get a PCO License in London?
Public Carriage Office (PCO) is a department of Transport for London (TfL). A PCO license is an important document that every driver will need in order to drive for a ridesharing service like Uber in London. It is a license for drivers, which is officially known as Private Hire Driver License (PCO License). However, it is commonly referred to as a PCO license.
Here’s how you can get a PCO license in London:
- Required Documents
- A passport.
- A UK driver’s license with a driving experience of at least 3 years.
- A national insurance number.
- A debit or a credit card for payments.
- Proof of address, such as a utility bill or a bank statement dated in the last 3 months.
- An English language qualification approved by the TfL — B1 or higher level.
- A DVLA Check Code, also known as an Electronic Counterpart Code.
- Additional documents in case you have lived abroad in the past three years or have changed your name.
- Completing an Enhanced DBS Check
Once you have the required documents for the PCO license, the next part of the application is to complete an enhanced background check via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This background check is a must for hiring drivers as it determines that a driver can drive in public and that their passengers feel safe when riding with them.
- Getting a Medical Exam
The next step is to fill out the Private Hire Medical form that you can print from here. Once you have filled out the form, you will need to get it signed by your General Practitioner. If they don’t provide eye test services, you will need to get your eyes tested from somewhere else.
- Taking the TfL English Test
Once you are done with the medical exam, you will need to take the TfL English test, which requires you to be fluent in the English language if you want to become a driver. If you already have these qualifications, you can submit them to TfL. Otherwise, you will need to go ahead and take the TfL English language test.
- PCO Application Submission
The final step in the PCO application submission is to sign up at the Taxi and Private Hire website for the UK and submit your PCO application by following the on-screen instructions.
- Taking the Topographical Test
After submitting your PCO license application, you will need to take a topographical test with TfL to determine your map-reading abilities so that you can easily pick and drop your riders by using the map.
Uber Car Requirements for London Drivers
Now that you have learned how to get a PCO license, let’s discuss the car requirements that Uber has in order for you to become their driver:
- You should have a car belonging to the model year 2008 or later.
- You should have a minivan or a 4-door car.
- Your car should be in good condition with no external or cosmetic damage.
- There should not be any commercial branding on your car.
- The vehicle should be licensed to carry at least 4 passengers.
Some additional requirements by Transport for London (TfL) for private hire vehicles that are licensed for the first time include:
- A car with four independently opening doors.
- A PHV License.
- If the car is over 8 months old, it should have a Euro 6 petrol or a diesel engine.
- If the car is under 8 months old, it should have zero-emission capabilities, meaning that it should either be a plug-in hybrid or an electric PCO car.
Conclusion
So that’s how to become an Uber driver in London. We hope we covered everything that you were looking for in this guide. If you don’t own a vehicle, you can call G&M Direct Hire to rent the best Pco cars in London that qualify for all Uber and TfL requirements.