Uber has created a Driver and Courier Learning Center. These educational videos are terrific training guides for both new and experienced drivers. I like that they are informative, quick, and to the point.
You can watch Uber’s Driver and Couring Learning Center videos here.
If you’re new to Uber (or curious about earning with Uber) I highly recommend you take a look.
For driving veterans, you might gain clarity on how earnings are calculated, along with payout options like Instant Pay and Flex Pay. And it’d be great if you left comments on the videos with your best advice for new drivers!
You are not alone, the Learning Center is here to help.
This article is sponsored by Uber, but as always, all thoughts are our own!
When and Where to Take Trips
In this short video, Uber helps you decide how to maximize your earnings.
Uber explains, “It could be quicker to find a trip when it’s busy or during what we call peak hours.”
“If you’re a driver, peak hours usually occur when people are commuting to and from work. Weekday afternoons and evenings tend to be busier with more people out and about.”
“When delivering, peak hours tend to be around lunch and dinner time.”
There are three places to consider to position yourself as a driver.
1 – “Airports tend to be busy with flights landing all the time. You’re more likely to find someone to pick up.
2 – “Concerts and sporting events can be great places to find people looking for rides. You can check the app to see if there are any events in this area. People might also be ordering food for delivery so consider keeping an eye out for both options if you’re interested.”
3 – “Hotels, offices, malls, neighborhoods with restaurants, and shops tend to have a lot of foot traffic. These locations usually have more ride and delivery requests which may mean more trips for you.”
Here at The RideShare Guy, our audience of drivers give this advice for when to drive passengers:
- 6 am to 9am on weekdays
- 3 pm to 9pm on weekdays
- All day on weekends
- Sunday night airport pick-ups
- 4 am to 9 am on Saturdays and Sundays
How Earnings Are Calculated: Time and Distance
This short video explains how much you’ll be paid for your service to your riders.
Right from the start, Uber lets you know that “the region or city you drive or deliver in will determine how your earnings are calculated.”
Another variable is the type of vehicle you drive. That is, if you’re driving passengers! That burger and fries you’re delivering aren’t as impressed with your car! Driving a “luxury” vehicle may qualify you to drive passengers for services such as Uber Premier.
Uber explains in this video how earnings are calculated: “While driving or delivering you’ll earn a base amount plus additional amounts for how long and how far you drive.”
“There are also some additional earnings you may receive if you complete any promotions.”
“In addition, your tips belong entirely to you, 100 percent.”
Here at The RideShare Guy, we’ve found you can increase the likelihood you get tipped by:
1 – Taking passengers to and from the airport. Airport riders typically are more accustomed to tipping. Helping folks with their luggage is your best bet for earning a tip.
2 – Keeping your vehicle clean and with a neutral smell. Strong perfumes and colognes can upset certain passengers. If possible, keep your car free of cigarette or food smells. Clean floormats and windows make most passengers feel more comfortable.
3 – Knowing when to chat and when silence is golden. Sometimes passengers enjoy friendly conversation. Other times they may prefer a quiet ride. For instance, a passenger who is new in town might appreciate your restaurant suggestions. But a person tapping away on a tablet or phone might not want to talk right now.
How Earnings are Calculated: Upfront fares
In this video, you’ll learn about upfront fares.
Again, Uber lets you know that “the region or city you drive or deliver in will dictate how your earnings are calculated.”
So what is an upfront fare?
Uber explains, “Upfront fares will show you how much you’ll make and where you’ll go before you accept the trip. This way you’ll be able to determine whether a trip will be worth the effort.”
This is huge.
This gives you control.
You’ll have the information you need (how much you’ll be paid and where you’ll end up) to make a smart decision. For instance, you may decide to turn down a trip that will send you far away from the busy part of town.
Or you may get a long trip that’s worth it for you because you wanted to go in that direction anyhow.
Uber continues, “The good news is, if there is traffic or a big change in destination, the fare will reflect it at the end of the trip.”
In this regard, Uber is matching what New York City taxis have done for decades. New York City yellow cabs charge passengers extra when the vehicle is stopped or in slow traffic for a certain amount of time.
So Uber is making it clear that you’ll get paid more if you get stuck in traffic while transporting a passenger.
Uber also reminds you to “Check the Opportunities section in the driver app to remain on top of available promotions.” Basically, Uber will give you opportunities to earn more money.
How a Trip Works
In this video, Uber walks you step-by-step through the process for picking up and dropping off passengers. You’ll learn about passenger expectations, safety, and what happens when a passenger isn’t at the pick-up location yet.
Uber explains the basics in 8 simple steps:
1 – The app will show you the pickup address and the rider’s location on the map.
2 – As you drive to meet your rider, approaching them from the same side of the street can help to avoid any potential safety hazards.
3 – If you cannot find each other immediately after you arrive, you can use the app to call or send a text to reach your rider.
4 – Once you and your rider have found each other and they are safely seated in your vehicle, you can start the trip.
5 – Asking your rider’s name can help ensure the right person is in your vehicle.
6 – Confirm the destination and start driving.
7 – At the end of a trip, riders appreciate if you stop or park as close as possible to their final address.
8 – Keep an eye out for safety hazards such as traffic, bus stops, and bike lanes.
Additional Things That Can Happen on Your Trip
1 – You may get a request for a multi-stop trip. This allows riders to add multiple stopping points between their pickup location and their final destination.
2 – Sometimes the trip request may be canceled by the rider or they won’t be at the pickup location when you get to the pickup location. A two-minute timer will begin counting down. If your rider doesn’t arrive in those two minutes or they cancel the trip request you may be paid extra for your time.
3 – If you ever need support on a trip, you can reach an agent by tapping the menu icon selecting help and the issue you need help with.
Next Steps
Check out Uber’s new Learning Center for Drivers and Couriers! Thumbs up the videos you like and definitely comment on the videos with your questions.
I also highly recommend you take one minute and seven seconds to watch How to Get Paid. You’ll learn about free weekly deposits, Instant Pay, Flex Pay, and the Uber Pro card.
