How To Become An Uber Eats Driver In The UK
You can sign up to deliver for Uber Eats in the UK using a car, motorbike, scooter, or bicycle. The process takes one to two weeks from application to your first delivery.
You need to be at least 18 (for bicycle deliveries) or 19 (for motorised vehicles), hold the right licence, and pass a background check.
This guide covers every step of the sign-up process, what documents you need, vehicle requirements, insurance, and how much you can expect to earn.
You can start delivering for Uber Eats within one to two weeks of signing up, using a car, motorbike, scooter, or bicycle. If you use a motorised vehicle, you need hire and reward or food delivery insurance before your first order.
Compare Uber Eats insurance quotes to get the right cover before you start.
- How do you sign up to deliver for Uber Eats?
- What are the requirements to deliver for Uber Eats?
- What vehicles can you use for Uber Eats deliveries?
- What insurance do you need for Uber Eats?
- How much can you earn delivering for Uber Eats?
- What are the benefits of delivering for Uber Eats?
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How do you sign up to deliver for Uber Eats?
The sign-up process is handled entirely online through Uber’s delivery portal. Most applicants are approved and making deliveries within one to two weeks.
Step 1: Create your account
Download the Uber Driver app or visit the Uber website and select ‘Deliver with Uber’. Enter your name, email address, phone number, and city.
Step 2: Upload your documents
You need to provide proof of identity, your right to work in the UK, and a valid driving licence if you are delivering by car, motorbike, or scooter.
Bicycle riders need a valid photo ID (passport, driving licence, or national ID card) and a bank statement from the last three months.
Step 3: Pass the background check
Uber runs a background check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This can take one to two weeks and checks for relevant criminal convictions.
Step 4: Add your vehicle and insurance
Upload your vehicle registration and proof of insurance. For motorised vehicles, you need hire and reward cover or a policy that specifically covers food delivery.
Step 5: Start delivering
Once approved, you can go online in the Uber Driver app and start accepting delivery requests. You choose when and where you work.
Uber pays weekly into your bank account. You can track your earnings, completed deliveries, and ratings directly in the app.
What are the requirements to deliver for Uber Eats?
Uber Eats has a set of minimum requirements that every delivery partner must meet before they can accept orders.
| Requirement | Car / motorbike / scooter | Bicycle |
| Minimum age | 19 | 18 |
| Driving licence | Valid UK driving licence | Not required |
| Photo ID | Driving licence (counts as both) | Passport, ID card, or driving licence |
| Right to work | Proof of UK work eligibility | Proof of UK work eligibility |
| Bank statement | From the last 3 months | From the last 3 months |
| Insurance | Hire and reward or food delivery policy | Optional (cycling liability recommended) |
| Background check | DBS check via Uber | DBS check via Uber |
| Vehicle age | Under 15 years old | N/A |
| Vehicle condition | No major damage or missing parts | Roadworthy |
Rental vehicles are accepted, but only when rented through an Uber-approved rental partner. Your vehicle must also be able to carry at least 30 pounds of food.
What vehicles can you use for Uber Eats deliveries?
You can deliver with a car, van, motorbike, moped, scooter, or bicycle. Each vehicle type has different insurance requirements and earning potential.
Car or van
Cars are the most popular choice outside major cities because they allow you to cover longer distances and carry multiple orders at once.
You need a valid MOT, road tax, and courier insurance or a hire and reward policy. Standard car insurance does not cover commercial delivery work.
If you use a van, you can compare specialist van insurance quotes that include hire and reward cover for food delivery.
Motorbike or scooter
Popular in cities for their ability to cut through traffic. You need a valid CBT or full motorcycle licence and motorbike insurance that covers food delivery.
Bicycle
No driving licence required and no mandatory insurance, though cycling liability cover is recommended. Bicycles are ideal for short-distance deliveries in busy city centres.
What insurance do you need for Uber Eats?
If you deliver by car, van, motorbike, or scooter, you need a policy that covers commercial food delivery. Standard personal motor insurance will not cover you while delivering for Uber Eats.
Read our full guide on what insurance you need for Uber Eats for a detailed breakdown of cover options by vehicle type.
Hire and reward insurance
Hire and reward insurance covers you for carrying goods or passengers for payment. It is the most common policy type for Uber Eats drivers using motorised vehicles.
Food delivery insurance
Some insurers offer specialist food delivery insurance designed for gig economy drivers. These policies are often cheaper than full hire and reward cover because they exclude passenger transport.
What happens if you deliver without proper cover?
If you are involved in an accident while delivering without the correct insurance, your insurer will refuse the claim. You could face penalty points, an unlimited fine, and personal liability for any damage.
Uber may also deactivate your account if your insurance does not meet their requirements.
How much can you earn delivering for Uber Eats?
Uber Eats drivers in the UK earn between £7 and £14 per hour, depending on location, vehicle type, and time of day.
Pay is calculated per delivery based on a pick-up fee, drop-off fee, and a per-mile rate. Batched orders from the same restaurant increase your earnings per trip.
| Delivery schedule | Estimated weekly earnings | Estimated monthly earnings |
| Part-time (15 hrs/week) | £105 to £210 | £420 to £840 |
| Standard (25 hrs/week) | £175 to £350 | £700 to £1,400 |
| Full-time (40 hrs/week) | £280 to £560 | £1,120 to £2,240 |
These are gross figures before expenses. See how much Uber Eats drivers make for a full breakdown including tips, peak hours, and costs.
What are the benefits of delivering for Uber Eats?
The biggest draw is flexibility. You choose your own hours, accept or decline delivery requests, and work as much or as little as you want.
Be your own boss
There are no fixed shifts or minimum hours. You go online in the app when you want to work and log off when you are done.
Low start-up costs
If you already own a car or bicycle, the only major cost is insurance. Uber does not charge a sign-up fee or require you to buy branded equipment.
Combine with other platforms
Many drivers deliver for Uber Eats alongside Deliveroo and Just Eat to maximise their earnings. You can also combine food delivery with Uber passenger driving if you hold a private hire licence.
Discounted perks
Uber offers delivery partners discounts on gym memberships, phone plans, and vehicle servicing through its partner programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
The application process typically takes one to two weeks. Most of that time is spent waiting for the DBS background check to complete.
No previous delivery experience is required. You do need to meet the minimum age and have at least one year of driving experience if using a motorised vehicle.
Yes, bicycle delivery is available in most UK cities. You must be at least 18 and provide a valid photo ID and recent bank statement.
Drivers using a car, van, motorbike, or scooter need hire and reward or food delivery insurance. Bicycle riders do not legally need insurance but cycling liability cover is recommended.
Yes, you can register with multiple delivery platforms and switch between them. Many drivers use two or three apps to keep busy during quieter periods.
You can compare hire and reward and food delivery insurance policies from multiple UK providers on SimplyQuote to find the best cover for your vehicle.