Everything You Need to Know About Uber: A Comprehensive Guide
Discover the complete overview of Uber, including its history, global reach, services, and the driver onboarding process. Learn how Uber has transformed urban mobility and what it takes to become a driver, ensuring safety and compliance. This guide covers essential requirements, vehicle standards, and the company's broad range of offerings. Perfect for prospective drivers and users alike seeking comprehensive insights into Uber's operations and opportunities in the mobility industry.
Everything You Need to Know About Uber: A Comprehensive Guide
In 2008, two friends faced difficulty catching a cab in Paris, inspiring the idea of hailing rides via a smartphone app. A year later, they developed UberCab, which launched in 2010, revolutionizing urban transportation. Founders Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp initiated this innovative concept, which was renamed Uber in 2011. Going global in 2012, Uber now operates in over 700 cities across 63 countries. Users can book rides via website or app, making mobility more accessible worldwide.
Uber's impressive statistics as of December 2018 include:
91 million active monthly users
14 million trips completed daily
10 billion trips globally
Available in 63 countries and 700+ cities
Approximately 22,000 drivers employed
50,000 military personnel earn through Uber Military
Uber offers diverse services:
UberCab – varied vehicle classes for transportation
UberPool – shared ride options
UberEats – food delivery service
UberFreight – logistics for trucking
UberHealth – healthcare transportation solutions for providers
Jump – e-bike and scooter rentals
Becoming an Uber Driver: With ongoing expansion, new drivers are welcomed to join Uber’s network. To ensure passenger safety, Uber enforces a three-step screening process, including minimum requirements, documentation submission, and background checks. Although specifics vary by location, the general process remains consistent.
Requirements to Drive:
Minimum age of 21
At least 1 year of driving experience
Valid US driver’s license
Owning a vehicle from 2006 or earlier, with a clean title
Passing a thorough 19-point vehicle inspection
Documents Needed:
Valid driver’s license
Insurance proof for the vehicle
Vehicle registration from DMV
Background Check: Applicants submit their paperwork online. The process reviews driving history for violations, criminal records, and offenses such as felonies or violent crimes, aligning with state laws.
Vehicle Requirements:
Drivers choose cars compatible with Uber’s standards—ranging from UberX to UberLUX, UberBLACK, and UberXL—each with specific criteria to ensure smooth operation and passenger comfort.
Acceptance & Disqualification: Successful completion of all steps qualifies a candidate, while failures, especially in background screenings, lead to disqualification. Violations like reckless driving, license issues, or criminal records are grounds for disqualification.
Drivers can own their vehicles or work as part of a partner fleet. Once paperwork is verified, drivers complete the onboarding process by signing up online and awaiting background verification.
