Uber is a popular rideshare company that has been around for quite some time. Uber drivers have become an integral part of the rideshare industry, and they do not seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. On the surface, Uber drivers and passengers seem to be a match made in heaven. With a button on your smartphone, you can order an on-demand ride from a nearby driver. But there's a lot that goes into being a great Uber driver. If you’re thinking about becoming an Uber driver, here are some of the drivers' most common mistakes.
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What are the 10 most common mistakes Uber drivers make every day?
Uber drivers could be better. They make mistakes, like any other human being; however, some mistakes that Uber drivers regularly make can be easily avoided.
1. Not asking, "What is your name?"
This is the most basic question that should be asked before picking up a passenger. The driver must ask the passenger their name and confirm with the rider that this information matches the name in the app. This ensures you pick up the correct person and saves you from asking for their name again later in the ride.
2. Picking up minors
Uber has strict rules about minors being picked up and dropped off at the front door of their house or apartment complex. If you pick up a minor without asking for their parent or guardian to be there, you risk being deactivated from Uber until your background check comes back clear, which could take weeks and cost you money. If you're going to pick up minors, make sure to ask for their parent's permission first.
3. Not using the guarantee pay feature
The guarantee pay feature allows drivers to earn a minimum amount even if they still need to fulfill their trip goal by the end of the day. This helps create more trips as customers will be willing to wait for a driver if they know they'll still get paid even if they take longer than expected.
4. Not using a schedule
Another mistake that Uber drivers make is to use a schedule. If you want to be successful as an Uber driver, you must use a schedule and plan your days accordingly. If you don’t do this, then there will be times when you don’t have any rides available for hours on end, and it can be hard to make money as an Uber driver if this happens too often.
5. Not having rideshare insurance
Rideshare insurance is vital for all drivers in most states, but many still choose to avoid getting it because it's expensive or inconvenient. If you're driving without insurance when an accident happens, you could lose everything, your car, your assets, and possibly even get jail time. In addition, if another driver gets hurt while riding with you without their insurance, they could sue you personally or even go after your assets.
6. Not locking doors at pickup
When picking up passengers, you must lock your car door as soon as they enter your vehicle. First, this will keep them safe if someone tries to attack them while getting into your car. Second, it will ensure that nothing gets stolen from your car if someone tries to break in while you're driving around town with passengers inside your vehicle.
7. Driving dangerously
Driving dangerously while operating an Uber is a very serious offense and can lead to severe consequences. This includes speeding, driving under the influence, reckless driving, passing on double lines or turning without signaling, and other offenses related to dangerous driving.
8. Not cleaning the inside of the car
It's not just about keeping your car clean; it's also about keeping your passengers safe. If you're driving around with stains and dirt on your seats, your passengers will feel uncomfortable sitting there, and they might even think you don't care about their comfort, which can lead to bad ratings. So, wipe down all surfaces inside your vehicle before each ride!
9. Need to research the market
You need to know your city before you start driving for Uber. How many people are there? Where do they live? Are there other ride-sharing services in your area? If so, how much do they charge compared to Uber? If you don’t know these things, how can you possibly succeed at driving for Uber?
10. Not having up-to-date documents
Driving for Uber requires extra paperwork like proof of insurance and registration, vehicle inspection reports, and receipts for gas and repairs. If these documents aren’t up-to-date when you submit them to Uber, they won’t approve your application until everything is complete and correct. That could cause your application to be rejected or deactivation if you are already a driver!
Is working for Uber worth it?
Uber is a great way to make money, especially if you need extra cash but don't want to work a traditional job or deal with the stress of self-employment. In addition to earning money on your own time, there are other benefits, such as flexible scheduling.
Uber pays drivers based on fares charged. The amount you earn per mile depends on the city you're driving. Some cities have surge pricing, which means that rates increase during high-traffic times. The amount Uber pays drivers is based on how many miles they drive.
As a driver, you are an independent contractor and will be driving your car. You are not considered to be an employee of Uber; instead, you can choose when you want to schedule your shifts. Since you're the one driving, you'll be able to set your hours while working on your schedule around other obligations.
Check out this video covering more on whether or not driving for Uber is worth it:
Conclusion
If you're considering driving for Uber, it's essential to be aware of common mistakes that many drivers make. This will help you avoid the same pitfalls in your endeavors. Be aware that these are not hard-and-fast rules; a little common sense will go a long way here. Look out for those simple mistakes that could otherwise lose you income if you drive for Uber part- or full-time, and see how easy it is to cut back on some of them. It's all about being smart and safe when driving and knowing what not to do!
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