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If you’re interested in driving with Uber, you might be faced with a dilemma: Should you drive passengers with Uber, or be a delivery driver with Uber Eats? Or should you do both?
Both delivering and driving passengers are flexible gigs that allow you to work whenever you want.
But there are some key differences between driving passengers and delivering. The type of work you do is different, and depending on your likes and dislikes, you may find that you prefer one over the other.
Read on to learn about driving passengers, delivering with Uber Eats, and how to decide which one is right for you.
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Driving Passengers with Uber
Here’s what it’s like to drive passengers with Uber: In the Uber driver app, you receive ride requests from local passengers. You are free to accept or decline any request that comes in. After you accept a ride, you drive to the passenger and pick them up.
After you pick them up, the app will help you navigate to the dropoff location. Drop off the passenger at their desired location, and you’re done!
You are paid for each ride according to a payout model that takes into account the mileage, time, and other factors. If a passenger chooses to leave a tip in the app, you keep 100% of it.
One requirement for driving passengers is that you’ll need a newer car to qualify. Click here to learn more about local requirements. If you only want to deliver for Uber Eats, the vehicle requirements may be easier.
Advantages of driving passengers vs delivering
One nice thing about driving passengers is that you don’t have to get out of your vehicle too often. With delivering, you’ll be in and out of the car frequently.
Another potential advantage of driving passengers is that there is higher potential for a big payout. A long ride with a passenger can pay out a lot more than most deliveries.
Delivering with Uber Eats
Uber Eats delivery drivers pick up and deliver local orders. Most Uber Eats orders are with restaurants, but sometimes deliveries will be with a local store.
As an Uber Eats courier, you’ll receive delivery requests in the Uber Driver app. The request will let you know the estimated payout for the order, along with the pickup location and the distance to the customer.
Advantages of delivering vs driving
The vehicle requirements for Uber Eats are typically much more lenient than Uber for passengers. So if you have an older vehicle, Uber Eats might be right for you.
Another potential advantage is that Uber Eats accepts younger drivers in many areas. Click here to learn more about local requirements for your city.
Delivery drivers might also like that delivery requests show more information up front compared to Uber for passengers. On Uber Eats, you’ll see the estimated payout and distance, which is not something you’ll always see when you’re driving passengers with Uber.
Drive Passengers, Deliver, or Switch Back and Forth!
One great benefit with Uber is that if your car qualifies, you can drive passengers and deliver with Uber Eats.
With just a simple setting in the Uber driver app you can choose to take passengers, deliveries, or both.
One potential strategy is to drive passengers during the busy morning commute, then switch to Uber Eats for the lunch delivery rush. After you get some experience, you’ll start to see which times of day are better for driving or delivering.
Which is Right for You?
Every driver is different. Some prefer driving passengers because it’s a more social experience and doesn’t require as much physical labor.
Others might prefer delivery because you get more exercise. And for introverted drivers, delivery drivers don’t have to do as much socializing.
The other thing to remember is that if you’re a younger driver or if you have an older car, you may only qualify for Uber Eats.
The smart move is to head to Uber.com to sign up, and to see more about local requirements. Start driving and see what is right for you!
Button: Sign up to Drive with Uber!