Uber drivers are not employees. They are self- employed independent contractors who provide transportation services to individuals.
This means that Uber drivers are not afforded statutory protection as employees and they cannot form unions or be part of Unions. They are allowed to work full time or part time and have a flexible work schedule. Most Uber drivers work part time to make extra income..
Uber drivers are allowed to work up to 100 hours a week. They are required to take a 6 hours break after every 10 hours worked. To ensure the implementation of this rule which commenced in 2018, Uber has an App and has placed a cap to monitor and regulate the number of hours drivers work. As a driver, you are notified close to your 10 hours work time.
Uber drivers are paid every Thursday and the average earnings of an Uber driver is $18 an hour, $1800 monthly or $37000 a year depending on the work hours you put in. If you earn $400 weekly, you must file a tax return at the end of the year.. The IRS (inland Revenue Service) considers Uber drivers as independent contractors who must pay tax from their rideshare income.
When applying for a loan, Uber is regarded as an employment on your loan application.
To apply as an Uber driver, you must:
Meet the minimum driving age requirement in your cityHave one year driving experience in the United States of you are under 23 yearsPossess a valid driver’s licenseHave your social security numberHave a 4 door vehicle which can take a minimum of four passengers and must not be older than 15 years. Submit proof of residencyHave Auto insurance and proof of car registrationHave a Profile photo
To register as an Uber driver, you are required to:
Sign up online, create your profile, name and type and make of car you will be usingSubmit your documents – ID, drivers licenceActivate your account
After approval, you have to take your car to their offices for inspection.
Other options available to you to be an Uber driver if you do not have your own car are:
Rent a car: Uber lets you rent a car from one of their partners and you will pay rental fees. Cars offered by Uber partners are fully insured. Uber has partners with companies like Avis, Hertz and Get around car rental services. Hertz offers cars for rental to persons who are 21 years and above and whose profile has been approved by Uber. You are required to rent the vehicle at a weekly rental rate of $260 and must pay a refundable security deposit of $200 weekly. The rental fee covers for taxes, fees, gas, insurance and maintenance.
Join a fleet – Uber connects you with individuals who have fleet of cars and you ride for them.
The following are reasons why your application as an Uber driver can be declined:
If you have a criminal record – felony, violent crimes, sexual offencesIf you have a case pending and have not been cleared by the court.
Deactivation of your Uber account
Your Uber account can be deactivated for the following reasons:
If the company received series of serious complaints about youIf you put your life and the lives of the passengers in danger – driving while drunk or making calls, being distractedAllowing someone under 18 use your Uber account or drive unaccompaniedDiscriminatory behavior – racial or gender based.
Summary
Uber is a mobile service provider who has over the years built a reputation for itself in the rideshare transport sector. Their drivers are self-employed and have flexible work hours. Ubers main competitor is Lyft. However, Lyft does not have as much presence and name brand as Uber.
Are Uber drivers taxed?
Yes. They must file their tax at the end of each year.
Does Uber pay it’s drivers for sick leave?
Uber does not pay it’s drivers for sick leave. However, during the pandemic they offered some relief to drivers who were diagnosed with covid-19 and were quarantined or in self-isolation.
Can someone else use your profile on Uber?
If someone else uses your Uber account who does not match your profile, your account can be suspended pending an investigation
