Work at Uber Step by Step – Taxi Driver Without Secrets

Work at Uber has become one of the most popular forms of flexible earning in large Polish cities. An Uber driver is a person who completes passenger rides on behalf of the Uber app, using their own car or a vehicle rented from a fleet partner. For many, it serves as an additional income alongside a full-time job or business, while for others, it’s the main source of earnings with real income potential. The work model is based on flexibility: the driver decides on their own hours, number of rides, and intensity of work, and the pay is directly linked to the number of completed trips.

This guide shows what everyday work in taxi looks like – from registration, through first log-in, to earning strategies and settlements. It’s a combination of urban logistics, passenger service, and managing your own finances, especially when you cooperate with an experienced fleet partner such as Avalon Logistics Group.

BECOME
A TAXI DRIVER

Work and earn right away!

BECOME A TAXI DRIVER

Work and earn right away!

Who is an Uber driver and what does taxi work in Uber involve?

An Uber driver is a person responsible for the safe and comfortable transportation of passengers from point A to point B, in accordance with Uber app requirements. On a daily basis, they face challenges related to city navigation, handling different types of passengers, and managing time in street traffic. An Uber driver is not employed on a typical contract – they operate in a B2B model or through a fleet partner, receiving payment for each completed trip, not for hours “on the schedule.”

The most important features that distinguish work in Uber taxi:

• complete flexibility – the driver turns the app on and off, deciding when to work,
• paid per ride, not simply for being online,
• possibility to cooperate with the fleet partner Avalon Logistics Group, who handles all formal, tax, and settlement matters,
• earning potential up to PLN 12,000 gross per month with full-time hours.

This model makes Uber attractive to those seeking freedom from rigid schedules and those who want full control over their working hours, while also offering real income potential.

Requirements to become an Uber driver – what do you need?

Starting as an Uber driver requires meeting a few formal conditions, but the procedure is not complicated. Key elements are age, driving license, documents, and a suitable vehicle.

Personal requirements for a driver:

• be at least 18 years old,
• hold a valid category B driving license issued in Poland, valid for at least 1 year,
• possess a valid ID card or passport,
• submit a profile photo (frontal, without sunglasses or hat),
• pass medical and psychological examinations allowing passenger transport,
• have a certificate of no criminal record not older than 30 days (available at ekrk.ms.gov.pl).

Vehicle requirements for Uber drivers:

The vehicle is the heart of Uber taxi work. It must meet strict requirements set by both Uber and Polish regulations on passenger transport.

Technical requirements:

• have at least 4–5 doors (required by Uber),
• have left-hand drive (right-hand drive cars are not allowed),
• be registered in Poland or another European Union country,
• not be older than year 2005 (in Warsaw the requirement may be stricter – 2015 or newer for certain categories),
• have at least 5 seats (registered in the registration document),
• have a valid technical inspection,
• have a current third party liability (OC) insurance policy,
• have a TAXI sign on the roof (mandatory),
• have a TAXI entry in the vehicle registration document,
• be clean, well-maintained, and free from visible damage.

Vehicle Documents:

• vehicle registration card (registration certificate),
• third party liability insurance policy (OC),
• valid technical inspection,
• taxi excerpt (so-called taxi ID) – a document issued by the city office confirming that the vehicle is approved for passenger transport in the taxi system.

First Step – Creating an Account and Registering with Uber

The Uber driver registration process is mainly carried out online, but also requires in-person visits for verification.

Registration Stages:

1. Creating an account on the Uber website

The driver goes to uber.com or downloads the Uber Driver app. In the registration form, they provide their personal and contact information, upload required documents: driving license, ID, certificate of no criminal record, results of medical and psychological examinations, and a profile photo.

2. Initial verification by Uber

Uber checks the submitted documents and confirms that the driver meets the basic requirements. At this stage, Uber informs the driver of the next steps to take.

3. Obtaining a TAXI license

The driver must obtain permission to transport passengers – i.e., a TAXI entry in the vehicle registration document. The procedure varies by city but generally requires:

• submitting an application to the city or municipal office,
• having the vehicle undergo a technical inspection (TAXI check),
• confirming that the car meets all requirements.

4. Medical and psychotechnical examinations

The driver must undergo medical and psychological examinations to be cleared for passenger transport. Certificates must be sent to Uber.

5. In-person driver verification

The driver visits an Uber verification center (or designated location), where an Uber employee checks their documents and identity, takes a photo for the system, and confirms everything is in order.

6. Account activation

After successful verification, Uber activates the driver’s account, who then gains access to the Uber Driver app and can log in to start working.

Cooperation with the fleet partner Avalon Logistics Group:

• handles most of the formalities (TAXI license, documents, registrations),
• supports the driver at every stage of registration,
• enables faster account activation (sometimes within a few hours),
• takes care of taxes, contributions, and settlements,
• offers vehicle rental if the driver does not own one.

For someone just starting out with Uber, cooperation with Avalon Logistics Group means less bureaucracy and a faster path to earning real income as a taxi driver.

Vehicle for working in Uber taxi – the role of transportation

The vehicle is the foundation of a driver’s work with Uber. It is both the main work tool and the largest cost item that the driver must consciously manage.

Vehicle options for Uber drivers:

Owning your own car

• full control over the vehicle,
• no rental payments,
• total responsibility for maintenance, repairs, fuel, and insurance,
• high depreciation and service costs.

Vehicle rental from a fleet partner

• fixed weekly fee (usually 500–1000 PLN),
• the vehicle is adapted to Uber requirements,
• the partner handles insurance and technical checks,
• less flexibility – the vehicle can be taken back if the driver stops working.

Avalon Logistics Group offers vehicle rentals specially prepared for working with Uber taxi – an ideal solution for drivers without their own car.

Logging in to the Uber Driver app – starting work

The Uber Driver app is the main tool for drivers. After logging in, the driver sees an intuitive interface with a map, job requests, and work status.

Key elements of the Uber Driver app:

• map with current location – shows the city, available zones, and work areas,
• “Go Online” button – switches the driver into the job assignment system,
• earnings history – shows earnings from the current session, day, and week,
• driver rating – the average from all rides (important for receiving further orders),
• promotions and challenges – access to bonuses and additional earnings,
• access to support – Uber assistance in case of problems.

After pressing “Go Online,” the driver:

• becomes available to the order assignment system,
• appears on the map (for the algorithmic system, not for passengers),
• waits for the first ride proposal,
• can watch how the map “pulses” depending on the ride demand.

Dynamic pricing and surge pricing – how to earn more

Uber uses a dynamic pricing model that adjusts to supply and demand. For the driver, this means the potential for higher earnings at selected times and locations.

What is surge pricing?

Surge pricing is an automatic price increase when there is higher demand for rides than there are available drivers. Uber uses a base price multiplier, such as 1.5x, 2x, or 3x. A driver in high-demand zones earns more per ride.

When does surge pricing occur?

• peak hours – morning (7–10 AM) and evening (5–8 PM),
• weather – rain, snow, frost – passengers prefer Uber over waiting for the bus,
• special events – concerts, parties, matches, corporate events,
• weekends – especially Friday and Saturday evenings,
• city outskirts – sometimes peripheral areas generate more demand than the city center.

Surge pricing map – Heatmap

The Uber Driver app shows a heatmap with colors indicating high demand zones. Red = highest earnings potential. A driver who knows when and where surge occurs can strategically plan their work.

Practical implications of surge pricing for Uber drivers:

• a ride that normally costs 40 PLN at 2x surge costs 80 PLN,
• the driver earns more while the passenger pays more – both sides accept the higher price due to urgency,
• a driver who works during “hot” hours can increase their daily earnings by 30–50%.

What a single ride looks like – a trip from A to Z

A standard Uber driver ride follows a repeatable pattern that becomes natural after a few days.

Ride proposal

The app displays a ride proposal containing:

• pickup point – where the driver is to pick up the passenger (street, building, landmark),
• destination – where the passenger wants to go (masked until accepted to protect privacy),
• approximate distance – how many kilometers the ride will be,
• approximate compensation – how much the Uber driver will earn for this trip,
• service type – UberX, Comfort, Black (depends on the vehicle and category).

The driver has just a few seconds to decide whether to accept or decline the ride.

Driving to the Passenger

The app guides the driver to the pickup point using GPS navigation. Experienced drivers rely on their own knowledge of the city – they know shortcuts, avoid traffic jams, are aware of “passageways” between streets. Reaching the passenger quickly is a good start to the relationship and earns a higher rating.

Practical tips:

• before accepting the ride, check if the pickup point is accessible (not inside a mall, not behind a gate),
• if the location is unclear, contact the passenger via chat before arrival,
• try to reach the passenger in 2–3 minutes (this is what the algorithm sets as a target).

Picking Up the Passenger

The driver arrives at the pickup location and:

• waits for the passenger (the passenger usually approaches the car themselves),
• confirms identity – may check the name in the app or ask the passenger to confirm the license number,
• the passenger gets in, doors close,
• the driver confirms “passenger on board” in the app (either automatically or manually, depending on the version).

Practical tips:

• greet the passenger politely – this affects your rating,
• if the passenger is late (over 5 minutes), you can cancel the ride and receive a wait fee,
• keep a calm, friendly tone.

Driving to the Destination

After picking up the passenger, the driver:

• taps “Start ride” in the app or the system does so automatically,
• follows the route suggested by the GPS (but the driver may use their own navigation, such as Google Maps, if they know a better route),
• talks with the passenger or listens to music (depending on the passenger’s preferences),
• avoids sudden braking and jerky maneuvers – this impacts both safety and ratings.

Practical tips:

• drive safely – this is your priority,
• in good conditions, turn on the radio or music (but not too loud),
• if the passenger wants to talk, be polite and engaging,
• if you don’t want to chat, be hospitable but keep your focus on the road.

Arrival and end of the ride

The driver arrives at the destination and:

• stops in a safe place,
• confirms “end of trip” in the app or the system does it automatically,
• the passenger leaves the vehicle,
• the system automatically calculates the fare for the ride.

After the ride:

• the passenger can rate the driver (1–5 stars) and leave a tip,
• the driver can rate the passenger (1–5 stars),
• both ratings are anonymous and affect each side’s average score.

Driver Rating and Reviews – How Do They Affect Earnings?

A driver’s rating is one of the most important tools in Uber. A low rating may mean fewer jobs, while a high one gives you priority in the assignment system.

How does Uber’s rating system work?

• Every driver has a rating which is the average of their last 500 passenger reviews,
• The rating ranges from 1 to 5 stars, but in practice most drivers have a score between 4.5 and 5.0,
• The passenger rates the driver after each ride, although they can choose not to rate,
• The driver sees their rating in the app (menu → driver profile).

What affects the driver’s rating?

Passengers rate the driver based on:

• driving safety – smooth braking, careful maneuvering,
• vehicle cleanliness – a clean car, a well-kept interior,
• friendliness and communication – a pleasant tone, willingness to chat or respect for the passenger’s silence,
• route knowledge – quick, logical arrival at the destination,
• punctuality – arriving on time, no delays,
• comfort and atmosphere – good temperature in the car, music, comfortable seating.

How does a low rating impact a driver’s work?

• Rating below 4.6 – the algorithm starts to prefer drivers with higher ratings, fewer orders,
• Rating 4.6–4.8 – normal order flow, but no priorities,
• Rating 4.8–4.95 – high rating, better access to orders during peak hours,
• Rating 4.95+ – highest rating, priority in the system, access to all orders, greater earning potential.

A driver who maintains a 4.9+ rating has a real advantage over the competition.

Practical tips for a high rating:

• be a safe driver – that’s the foundation,
• keep your car clean,
• politely greet each passenger,
• remember the passenger’s name (if it shows up in the app),
• ask if the temperature in the car is OK,
• if a passenger wants to talk, be engaged; if not, respect their peace and quiet,
• say “thank you for the ride” at the end,
• always drop the passenger off exactly at the place they indicated.

Tips – additional income for Uber drivers

Tips can make up a significant part of a driver’s income. In Uber, tips can be given directly in the app or in cash.

How do tips work in Uber?

• Tip in the app – the passenger adds it while rating the ride (1–5 PLN or more, depending on preference),
• Tip in cash – the passenger gives cash directly to the driver (not visible in the app, but increases actual earnings),
• Average tips – depending on the city, from 5% to 15% of the ride value.

When do passengers tip more?

• Longer rides – when a passenger travels for 30+ minutes, the tip is higher,
• Night rides – rides after 11:00 pm have a higher average tip,
• Good service – a driver who is polite and ensures safety gets more tips,
• Weather – in bad weather, passengers are more willing to leave a tip (as a thank you for safety).

A driver who appreciates even small tips and thanks for each one becomes more “visible” to passengers, who are then more likely to leave a tip when rating.

Uber driver earnings – how much can you make?

An Uber driver’s earnings depend on many factors. The app shows gross amounts, but actual profit requires deducting expenses.

Average Uber driver earnings in Poland in 2026:

Work models and earning potential:

Full time (40–50 hours per week)

A driver working 5–6 days a week, averaging 8–10 hours a day in a large city (Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław) can generate an income of 11,000–13,000 zł gross per month. These results are achieved with rates of around 60 zł gross per hour and frequent work during peak hours.

Part-time work (20 hours per week)

Someone driving mainly in the evenings and on weekends, on chosen days of the week, can expect 5,500–6,500 zł gross per month, while maintaining average hourly rates.

Additional income (10 hours per week)

A person treating Uber as a side job can earn 3,000–4,000 zł gross per month. This option is often chosen by full-time employees or entrepreneurs looking for flexibility.

What does actual earning potential depend on?

• Working hours – the more hours you work, the more you earn; working during peak hours means higher rates,
• Location – Warsaw and Kraków offer higher rates than smaller cities,
• Vehicle – newer, more luxurious cars may qualify for Comfort or Black category, which offer higher rates,
• Driver rating – higher ratings = more rides during peak hours,
• Season – summer, holidays, events can generate more demand,
• Uber promotions – weekly bonuses, challenges, surge multipliers – these mean extra earnings.

Uber driver costs – actual net income

An Uber driver sees gross amounts in the app, but actual profit requires deducting expenses. You need to consider, among others:

• fuel or battery charging – the biggest cost item,
• vehicle servicing – inspections, tires, brakes, fluids, repairs,
• vehicle insurance – third-party liability (mandatory), comprehensive (optional),
• vehicle depreciation – natural wear and tear, decrease in value,
• Uber commission – on average 30.75% gross of earnings,
• vehicle rental (if you don’t own one) – 500–1000 PLN per week,
• taxes – depends on the settlement method (B2B, lump sum, self-employment).

Example breakdown of earnings and costs:

The driver works 8 hours, completes 24 rides at an average of 50 PLN gross per ride.

• Gross income: 24 × 50 = 1200 PLN,
• Uber commission (30.75%): 1200 × 0.3075 = 369 PLN,
• Remaining: 1200 – 369 = 831 PLN,
• Fuel costs (8 h work, ~4 l, 6 PLN/l): 24 PLN,
• Service/depreciation cost (estimated): 30 PLN,
• Net to driver: 831 – 24 – 30 = 777 PLN for 8 hours = ~97 PLN/hour net.

The actual net earnings are usually 50–70% of the gross amount shown in the app.

Payouts and settlements – how does a driver receive money?

Uber offers relatively fast and flexible settlements for drivers.

Payout process in Uber:

• income from each ride is calculated in real time in the app,
• weekly payouts – money is transferred to the driver’s account every week (usually on Monday or Tuesday),
• access to funds – in some cities, Uber offers the Instant Pay option (on-demand payout, several times a day), but with an extra fee.

When partnering with Avalon Logistics Group:

• money from the Uber app first goes to the fleet partner,
• the partner deducts commission, taxes and any other costs (e.g. insurance, vehicle rental fee),
• Uber driver receives the net payout according to the schedule set in the agreement (usually weekly),
• settlements are transparent – the driver sees an exact breakdown of earnings and costs.

This solution is especially appreciated by people who do not want to handle accounting, invoices, and official matters themselves and prefer to focus on the work itself.

Everyday Challenges for Uber Drivers – How to Handle Them?

These are simply challenges that arise regularly. An Uber driver must know how to deal with them to avoid wasting time and exposing themselves to unnecessary stress.

The most common problems:

• the passenger gives wrong directions – doesn’t know exactly where they live, provides the wrong address or misleading information,
• the passenger does not show up at the pickup point – doesn’t answer the phone, disappears, leaves the location,
• difficult road conditions – traffic jams, construction obstacles, new areas without clear guidance,
• the passenger changes the ongoing route – asks to change the destination while already in the car,
• payment issue – the app didn’t save the card correctly, technical problem,
• passenger in a bad condition (drunk, aggressive) – safety concern for the driver,
• bad ratings without reason – sometimes a passenger gives a low rating with no justification.

Standard actions for Uber drivers:

• contact the passenger – via phone or chat in the app (in advance),
• wait up to 5 minutes – if the passenger is late, a waiting fee starts applying,
• cancel the ride – if the passenger doesn’t show up after 5 minutes, the driver can cancel without penalty,
• go to the Help section in the app – report the issue so Uber can support the driver,
• document the incident – if there was a problem (e.g., the passenger damaged the vehicle), take photos and report it.

An Uber driver working with Avalon Logistics Group can also count on support from the office team in more difficult cases. They help interpret Uber’s policies, explain settlements, and advise how to behave in disputed situations.

Promotions and Bonuses in Uber – Extra Earnings

Uber regularly offers promotions and bonuses for drivers that can significantly increase earnings.

Types of bonuses available for Uber drivers:

Hourly bonuses

• For example, a 15–20% bonus for every trip between 12:00 and 14:00 or 18:00 and 21:00,
• Depends on demand and current promotions,
• Displayed in the app as “Earn extra 15%”.

Weekly challenges

• “Complete 50 trips this week and get an extra 100 PLN”,
• Multiple challenges at once – the driver chooses which ones to play,
• Fluid bonus – the more rides you complete, the higher your bonus.

Rating bonuses

• If a driver maintains an average rating of 4.9+, they receive an additional bonus every week,
• Sometimes 50–100 PLN per week for top-performing drivers.

Surge pricing / multipliers

• Automatic fare increases during peak hours and in high-demand zones,
• This is not a bonus, but a part of the algorithm that drivers can take advantage of.

An Uber driver who monitors promotions and plans their sessions around them can significantly boost their earnings—by 20–30% above normal rates.

Seasonality and income variability

Uber driver earnings are not stable throughout the year. There are periods when demand rises, and periods when it falls.

When are earnings the highest?

• Winter – snow, frost, rain – passengers want to use Uber, demand is high,
• Weekend evenings – Friday and Saturday after 8 PM – parties, bars,
• Morning commute – 7:00–9:00 AM – employees traveling to work,
• Holiday periods – Christmas, New Year, Easter – increased demand,
• Special events – concerts, matches, festivals – local demand spikes.

When are earnings lower?

• Summer (June–August) – great weather, people walk or cycle, demand drops,
• Monday mornings – fewer rides than on the weekend,
• Weekdays during the day (10:00 AM–4:00 PM) – people are at work, in offices, less demand.

A driver who plans strategically—works intensively in winter and evenings, takes it easy in summer—can maximize their earnings throughout the year.

The role of Avalon Logistics Group in Uber taxi driver work

Avalon Logistics Group is an experienced fleet and settlements partner for Uber taxi drivers. In practice, this means that a driver interested in this kind of work:

• does not need to handle all the paperwork alone,
• sets up a Uber account, documents, and system access through Avalon Logistics Group,
• receives support with tax matters, insurance, and settlements,
• has access to vehicle rentals (Mercedes, Audi, Toyota) if they don’t have their own car.

Additionally, Avalon Logistics Group offers:

• the possibility of fast registration (even within 6 hours from application),
• operational support in case of issues with the app,
• access to benefits (e.g. MultiSport cards, fuel discounts, partner service centers),
• help with interpreting Uber rules and settlements,
• tips regarding hours and locations with earning potential.

Thanks to this, an Uber driver can treat this job seriously – as a modern, flexible profession with a logistics background, and not just a side gig.

Is working in taxi worth it?

The answer depends on several factors:

• number of hours worked – a full-time schedule brings real earnings, part-time work – additional income,
• chosen city – Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław are better options than smaller towns,
• cost management skills – a driver who keeps track of fuel and service costs earns more,
• cooperation with a good fleet partner, e.g. Avalon Logistics Group – simplified formalities and operational support,
• consistency – regular work, maintaining a high rating, strategic planning of hours.

For some people it is additional income alongside a day job or business – 3000–5000 PLN gross per month.

For others – the main source of income with real potential for 10,000–13,000 PLN gross per month.

In both cases, cooperation with Avalon Logistics Group makes it easier to get started, organizes formalities, and allows you to focus on what matters most: working effectively as an Uber taxi driver in your city.

Summary – taxi without secrets

This is a modern, flexible way to earn money, but it does require awareness, planning, and discipline. It’s not just “a few rides around town on the side,” but actual transportation activity that should be taken seriously.

Earnings with Uber are real, but they depend on effort, strategy, and the chosen city. A driver who works smart, maintains a high rating, keeps costs down, and uses the knowledge of an experienced fleet partner can build a stable, flexible source of income.

Cooperating with Avalon Logistics Group means that formalities are already taken care of and the partner will always advise you on when to work and how to maximize your income. That’s the difference between “making money on the side” and running a normal, organized profession.

If you want to earn flexibly, have the ability to decide about your own time, and have real earning potential – working in Uber taxi without secrets is exactly what you’re looking for!

BECOME A TAXI DRIVER

Work and earn right away!

BECOME A TAXI DRIVER

Work and earn right away!