What the Uber Driver App Does and Where to Get It
The Uber Driver app is the tool you use to accept ride requests, navigate to passengers, and complete trips. It is separate from the regular Uber passenger app — you cannot drive through the passenger version. You read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store by searching "Uber Driver" (not just "Uber"). The app is free to read.
Once installed, the app connects to your phone's GPS, shows you incoming ride requests in real time, and handles the payment processing between you and Uber. It also tracks your trip history, earnings, and ratings. You will need a smartphone with a data connection — the app does not work on older phones or without internet access.
Key Takeaways
- read the Uber Driver app from your phone's app store, not the regular Uber app, and create a driver account with your Social Security number and background check information.
- Before you can accept rides, Uber must approve your vehicle, driver's license, and background check — this process takes several days to a few weeks depending on your state.
- Once approved, you toggle "Go Online" in the app to start receiving ride requests, and the app shows you the pickup location and passenger rating before you accept.
- During a trip, the app provides turn-by-turn navigation, shows the passenger's destination, and handles payment automatically when the ride ends.
- Your earnings appear in the app within hours of completing a trip, and you can cash out to your bank account or debit card multiple times per week.
Setting Up Your Driver Account and Getting Approved
After you read the app, you create a driver account by entering your email, phone number, and password. Uber then asks for your legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number. You will also upload a photo of yourself, a photo of your driver's license (front and back), and proof of your vehicle's registration and insurance. These documents must match — the name on your license must match the name on your registration.
Uber runs a background check through a third-party screening company. The check looks for driving violations, criminal history, and insurance claims. The background check takes three to ten business days depending on your state and how quickly the screening company processes your information. During this time, you cannot go online or accept rides.
Once the background check clears, Uber inspects your vehicle. You may be able to do this through the app by taking photos of your car's exterior and interior, or Uber may require you to visit a local inspection center. The inspection confirms your vehicle meets Uber's requirements: it must be four doors, registered in your name, and in good condition with no major damage. After inspection approval, you can go online and start accepting rides.
Going Online and Accepting Ride Requests
When you are ready to drive, open the Uber Driver app and tap the large "Go Online" button at the bottom of the screen. The button turns blue, and the app begins showing you ride requests in your area. You do not have to accept every request — you can decline rides without penalty, though declining too many in a row may cause the app to pause sending you requests for a short time.
When a request comes in, the app shows you the passenger's pickup location on a map, their name, their rating (out of 5 stars), and how many rides they have taken. You have about ten seconds to accept or decline. If you accept, the app shows you turn-by-turn directions to the pickup location and a timer counting down until the passenger is picked up. If you do not arrive within the pickup window (usually five to ten minutes), the passenger can cancel, and you may be charged a cancellation fee.
Once you arrive at the pickup location, tap "Arrived" in the app. The passenger receives a notification that you are there. Wait for them to come to your car — do not go inside a building or leave the pickup zone. If the passenger does not appear within five minutes, you can cancel the ride and keep a cancellation fee (usually $3 to $5, depending on your city).
Completing the Trip and Getting Paid
When the passenger gets in your car, tap "Start Trip" in the app. The app begins tracking the route and the fare. The passenger can see the route on their own app and watch the meter run. Follow the turn-by-turn directions provided by the app, or use your own GPS if you prefer — the app will still track the route for billing.
When you reach the destination, tap "End Trip" in the app. The app calculates the fare based on distance, time, and Uber's rates for your city. The passenger can add a tip through the app (they have up to one hour after the trip ends to do so). The payment is processed automatically — you do not handle cash or card payments. The fare and any tip appear in your earnings within a few minutes.
After each trip, both you and the passenger can rate each other out of five stars. Your rating appears on your driver profile and affects whether passengers accept your requests. If your rating drops below 4.6 stars in most cities, Uber may deactivate your account. Ratings are based on cleanliness, driving, conversation, and safety — not on the route you took or the fare amount.
Tracking Earnings and Cashing Out
Your earnings appear in the "Earnings" tab of the app, usually within a few hours of completing a trip. The app shows you a breakdown of each trip: the base fare, distance, time, surge pricing (if any), and tips. You can also see your total earnings for the day, week, or month. Uber takes a commission from each trip (the percentage varies by city and ranges from roughly 20 to 30 percent), and that amount is already subtracted from what you see in the app.
To cash out, tap "Cash Out" in the Earnings tab. You can transfer money to a linked bank account or debit card. Most transfers take one to two business days. Uber allows you to cash out multiple times per week, though some cities have limits on how often you can transfer (for example, once per day). You can also let your earnings accumulate and cash out in larger amounts less frequently.
At the end of the tax year, Uber sends you a 1099-NEC form showing your total earnings. You are responsible for reporting this income on your tax return and paying self-employment taxes. Keep records of your mileage and expenses (gas, maintenance, insurance) because these are deductible.
What to Do If You Go Offline or Need to Stop Driving
If you need to take a break, tap "Go Offline" in the app. You will stop receiving new ride requests when ready. Any active trip continues until you complete it and tap "End Trip." Going offline does not affect your rating or account status — you can go offline and back online as many times as you want each day.
If you want to stop driving for a longer period, you can pause your account in the app settings. Pausing your account stops all ride requests and does not count against your rating. You can unpause whenever you are ready to drive again. If you want to delete your account entirely, contact Uber support through the app — this is permanent and you will need to reapply if you want to drive again.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
If the app crashes or loses connection during a trip, the trip data is usually saved on Uber's servers. When you reconnect, the app will show the trip in progress and let you complete it. If you lose connection and cannot reconnect, contact Uber support when ready through the app — they can manually end the trip and may support you are paid.
If a passenger reports damage to your car or claims you drove unsafely, Uber will contact you through the app with details. You can respond with your account of what happened. Uber reviews both sides and decides whether to hold you responsible. If you disagree with a decision, you can appeal through the app.
If your account is deactivated (usually for low ratings, too many cancellations, or a failed background check), you will receive a notification in the app explaining why. Some deactivations are temporary; others are permanent. You can appeal a deactivation by contacting Uber support, but the outcome depends on the reason and your history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a commercial driver's license to use the Uber Driver app?
No. A regular passenger driver's license is sufficient in most states. A few states and cities require a commercial license or a special rideshare endorsement — check your local regulations before you start. Uber will tell you during signup if your state requires one.
Can I use the Uber Driver app on multiple phones?
You can log into your driver account on more than one phone, but only one phone can be online at a time. If you log in on a second phone while the first is online, the first phone will be logged out. This prevents you from accepting rides on two devices simultaneously.
What happens if a passenger leaves something in my car?
Open the Uber Driver app, go to the trip history, find the trip, and tap "Report Lost Item." The app will send a message to the passenger asking them to contact you. If they do, you can arrange to return the item. Uber does not handle lost and found — it is between you and the passenger.
How do I dispute a trip fare or a passenger's complaint?
Open the trip in your earnings history and tap the three-dot menu. Select "Report an Issue" and describe what happened. Uber reviews your account and the passenger's account and decides whether to adjust the fare or take action. Responses usually come within a few days.
Can I see how much I will earn before I accept a ride?
No. The app shows you the pickup location and passenger rating, but not the fare estimate. You only see the actual fare after you complete the trip. Some cities show an upfront fare, but this is not may provide in all areas.