Looking to start earning with Uber Eats in London? Whether you’re planning to deliver by car, motorbike, or bicycle, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about becoming an Uber Eats courier in the UK’s busiest delivery market.
Who Can Deliver for Uber Eats in London?
To qualify as an Uber Eats delivery partner in London, you must meet these basic requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have the legal right to live and work in the UK
- Own a smartphone capable of running the Uber Driver app
- Possess a valid bank account for receiving payments
The specific documentation you’ll need depends on your chosen delivery method.
Car Delivery Requirements
Delivering with a car offers the most flexibility for larger orders and longer distances. Here’s what you need to get started:
Essential Documents
- Valid UK or EU driving licence – Must be current and valid throughout your delivery period
- DVLA electronic counterpart check code – Required for UK driving licence holders to verify your driving record
- Motor insurance certificate – This is crucial: your policy must explicitly cover food delivery and cannot exclude commercial hire and reward or delivery activity
- Vehicle registration proof – Documentation showing your vehicle ownership or right to use
- Bank statement – Must be dated within the last 3 months
- Profile photo – A clear photograph for your Uber Eats account
Vehicle Specifications
Any 2-door or 4-door car, truck, SUV, or van qualifies for Uber Eats delivery. While there’s no strict age limit on vehicles in most UK cities, some locations require vehicles to be 20 years old or newer.
Insurance Considerations
Standard personal car insurance won’t cover you for food delivery work. You’ll need specialised food delivery car insurance, which typically costs around £2,500 annually. This is a non-negotiable requirement, so factor this into your earnings calculations.
Motorbike and Scooter Delivery Requirements
Motorbikes and scooters are popular choices for London delivery, offering easier navigation through traffic and lower running costs than cars.
Required Documentation
- Valid UK or EU driving licence with appropriate motorcycle category
- Certificate of motor insurance covering food delivery activities
- DVLA electronic counterpart check code (for UK licence holders)
- Bank statement from within the last 3 months
- Profile photo for your account
Motorbike and scooter riders must ensure their insurance specifically covers commercial food delivery, just like car drivers.
Bicycle Delivery Requirements
Bicycle delivery is the most accessible entry point for Uber Eats, requiring no driving licence and having lower running costs.
What You Need
- Valid photo ID – Acceptable forms include passport, EU or UK driving licence, ID card, or EU citizen card
- Bank statement – Dated within the last 3 months
- Bicycle in good working condition – Must have fully functional brakes, lights, and reflectors for night deliveries
- Profile photo
Bicycle Standards
Uber Eats doesn’t mandate a specific type of bicycle, but your bike must meet basic safety requirements. E-bikes are permitted and must comply with local regulations. Regular maintenance is essential – ensure your brakes, tyres, and lighting are always in perfect working order.
The Sign-Up Process: Step by Step
Getting started with Uber Eats is straightforward:
- Download the Uber Driver app from your smartphone’s app store
- Submit your documents through the app – photographs have to be clear and information is current
- Complete the background check – Uber’s partner firm Sterling will verify your identity, basic criminal record, driving record (if applicable), and right to work in the UK
- Wait for approval – The background check and account activation can take anywhere from 24 hours to a few weeks
- Get your equipment – Once approved, you’re ready to start accepting orders