How To Drive For Uber

Most people living in the Los Angeles area may have noticed a lot of Uber drivers cruising around in their Honda CRV or their Honda HRV. Not everyone has access to top-notch vehicles such as these, so it’s important to know what exactly they’re looking for when trying to pass an inspection for Uber.

What They Won’t Accept

Some of the major guidelines people need to follow when considering driving for Uber is whether they’re car meets some specific qualifications. The first thing they need to know is what they won’t take. Uber won’t consider any vehicle with less than four doors or that was made before 2006. They also won’t accept an oversized van or truck, a car that was formerly a taxi or has the markings that suggest it was used in a cab-service, or any advertisements or commercial marketing. They also, for obvious reasons, won’t accept any vehicle that’s been salvaged or rebuilt in any major way. Normal under the hood maintenance doesn’t count.

Passing The Test

After the driver has assessed their car and if they think it may be suitable for this line of work, they can have it inspected by an approved Motor Vehicle Inspection Station. They’ll check the vehicle to make sure that it’s safe on the road and will be pleasing to its passengers.

To do this they’ll look at the headlights, tail lights, and turn signals. Making sure the vehicle has all of its lights in working order will help pass this portion of the test. They’ll also check the brake pads and steering capabilities. If the steering wheel is too heavy or sticky, it could be deemed unfit for Uber’s standards. Make sure it’s lubricated and cleaned so it moves seamlessly. The brake pads, for obvious reasons, need to be in good working order as well. If not, they could impose danger among the passengers.

They’ll check all of the glass, mirrors, and wipers. If there are missing mirrors anywhere on the vehicle, it’s a guarantee that it’ll fail the test. As for the windows, some small cracks may get off with a warning, but anything too big will also result in a failing score. Finally, they’ll check the mechanics of the vehicle. This means anything under the hood, under the car (the muffler, exhaust, etc.), and the tires. If the tread is extremely worn and they have trouble gripping or breaking, then it’ll be a huge red flag. It’s best to go in for maintenance to have these issues resolved before taking the vehicle in for inspection.

If for some reason the driver feels that the car won’t pass the test, or they don’t even have a car to begin with, Uber offers a rental and leasing service. This way, anyone can drive their own new vehicle that’s up to par with the Honda CRV or Honda HRV to pick up passengers in the Los Angeles area.

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