Being an Uber driver is an amazing opportunity that offers huge potential as a source of income. On the one hand, you’re entering into a job with endless flexibility and opportunity where you can decide your own time and earnings. On the other, there are a ton of things to keep track of, from wrangling your passengers to making sure you don’t end up in the wrong section of town while balancing the technical aspects of running an app. So, preparation is important before you begin, either as a full-time job or a side hustle.
Here are some pointers that will help you get ahead and prevent newbie mistakes.
Familiarise Yourself with the App
There are many incidents where drivers don’t understand the app completely and end up in a fix. The Uber driver app is not just for accepting rides, but it also helps you navigate the roads, keep track of your earnings, and even tell you the hotspots where demand is high. Therefore, it’s always better to familiarise yourself with the app before taking the rides. Many drivers find it difficult to understand how to switch from online to offline mode, customise the navigation, or see trip details. The more familiar you are, the easier it’ll be for you to take rides and maintain your ratings.
Keep Your Vehicle in Shape
Your car is the most important aspect when you become a Uber driver. It is like your business card to riders, and they notice how well you keep it clean. Before each shift, make sure it’s clean, inside and out. And also stay on top of maintenance; oil changes, tire pressure, and your brakes. Even mundane problems like squeaky wipers or dim lights can hurt ratings. And don’t forget, a pleasant drive leads to good reviews and maybe even tips.
Keep You and Your Riders Safe
Safety should always come first. Leverage Uber’s in-app tools like GPS tracking and sharing trip status with a friend or family member if you’re driving late at night. Always verify the passenger’s name before allowing them into your car, and never give out personal contact information. A dashcam is also a good idea just for peace of mind. Routine actions such as locking the doors and steering clear of dubious areas should be a priority when travelling.
Understand Peak Times and Hotspots
You can multiply your income several times by driving in hotspots and at peak hours. The peak hours usually tend to be weekday mornings and evenings when people are commuting. While on weekends, late-night rides are more lucrative as riders head out or return from events. Uber app pinpoints the surge pricing zones, using them to your advantage. Occasionally, driving slightly outside of a surge zone will score you more consistent trips without the wait.
Yes, you’re driving, and so is everyone else! A smile, a hello, and neatness could be very kind to your parameters. Give thoughtful touches like charger cables or temperature adjustments when requested. You might not engage in conversation with each rider, but responding to the mood and adjusting your actions demonstrates a professional attitude. Friendly customers leave better ratings and might even tip you.
Budget for Expenses
It’s tempting to let your gross income serve as your mental measuring stick, but don’t forget that driving isn’t free. You have car expenses, including gas and maintenance (and, of course, insurance), not to mention snacks for those long shifts. Always track your costs so you are aware of just how much you’re really making at the end of the day. Some drivers find that it helps to separate a percentage of each week’s earnings for maintenance and another portion to be put aside for taxes.
Plan Out Breaks
Hours of constant driving can be exhausting. Sneak in some breaks a couple of times during the whole day. Do a light stretch, grab a snack, or just rest your eyes for a few minutes. Hydration is also important, so keep a water bottle with you at all times.
Maintaining good posture, ensuring power assist at the seat level, and taking regular breaks are important ways to keep comfortable but also stay charged-up. Your health is a critical factor for both safety and passenger satisfaction.
Keep an Eye On Your Ratings
Your ratings are a key to gaining more rides. The better ratings you have, the more chances riders have to pick you over the other drivers. It is only natural that riders want to be safe; your past reviews and ratings assure them that your ride will not cause them any issues. So, it is important to keep an eye on your ratings at all times.
However, it is sometimes impossible to have a 5-star rating. All riders are different, and so is their situation. You may get a couple of minutes late due to traffic, and a rider can give you a 3-star. But remember that one negative review is nothing. Don’t be put off by it. Keep yourself optimistic.
The Bottom Line
Being an Uber driver is exciting initially, but like every other job, it is not a walk in the park. You’ll be taking all kinds of people to and from teh cities, so expect it to be hectic. To top it off, staying behind the wheel for long hours can be tiring for you mentally and physically. So, be mindful of the ups and downs and follow the tips for a smoother experience as an Uber driver.
