Older Uber Drivers
Approximately one million Uber drivers operate in the United States. Of those million drivers, 32.8 percent are between 61 and 70 years old. The next biggest age bracket for a driver is age 51 to 60, which is 29.2 percent of Uber drivers. The smallest percentage is 18–30. That age consists of 1.5 percent of Uber drivers.Why Older People Drive for Uber
But why are there more older Uber drivers? It’s a flexible way to make a living or a little extra income. Many retirees either aren’t ready to slow down orneed the extra income. Uber driving is a great alternative to a full-time job, part-time job, or temp job, or seasonal employment.Other older Uber drivers are trying to put more money away before they retire. They have a full-time day jobs, but spend some evenings a week as a driver.
Disparity in Drivers’ Payments
There is a disparity between older drivers and their younger counterparts. Younger males tend to make a bigger paycheck than women or older drivers. For example, a 30-year-old makes about 10 percent more than a 60-year-old.Why Younger Uber Drivers Make More Money
On the surface, this may look a little discriminatory. But the disparity is due to the times younger and older drivers are on the road.Younger drivers tend to be on the road later. They also are the ones who stay up and drive the partiers home on New Year’s Eve. Many younger drivers will work the bar districts that older drivers avoid. And older drivers tend to be more prevalent during the day and evening.
It also comes down to how many rides a driver can pack in an hour. And many drivers benefit from bonuses and surge pricing.
For example, Uber sometimes offers incentives if, during a certain time, a driver picks up passengers in a populated area.
Why Fewer Young Drivers
There’s a reason for only 1.5 percent of Uber drivers being between 18 and 30 years old. The requirements to be an Uber driver are strict. Although 18 is the minimum age, younger drivers under 23 must have three years of driving experience with a valid license. And they must have a clean record.Many cities also have a minimum age. For example, in Boston, the minimum Uber driving age is 21.
A driver must also own a four-door vehicle that’s 15 years or newer. Younger people tend to have two-door vehicles.Some busy cities may require a newer vehicle than 15. For example, an Uber driver can’t drive a vehicle older than six years in New Your City.
How to Become an Uber Driver
The first step to becoming an Uber driver is to fill out the application. This can be done either on their website or through its app. You'll have to upload the following:- valid U.S. driver’s license
- proof of residency in your state
- proof of auto insurance
- car registration
- profile photo in a passport format, not a driver’s license photo