What is uber & bolt driving?
Rideshare driving is one of the fastest ways to start earning in the UK. Flexible hours mean you can work evenings and weekends without affecting your main job. Peak hours on Friday and Saturday nights and early morning airport runs consistently yield £18–£25/hr. Signing up to both Uber and Bolt gives you more work and lets you switch between whichever has surge pricing.
Uber — the top platform to get started
UK's largest rideshare platform. Start today and earn your first income this week.
Get started →
How to start uber & bolt driving in 4 steps
-
1Register on multiple platformsSign up to both Uber and Bolt simultaneously. More apps mean more work, especially during quieter periods when one platform is slow.
-
2Sort your licensingIn London, you need a PCO licence from TfL (around £180 plus a medical exam). Outside London, requirements vary by council — check your local authority.
-
3Maximise peak hoursFriday and Saturday nights 9pm–2am, and early morning airport runs, consistently deliver the highest hourly rates. Surge pricing can double standard rates.
-
4Track mileage for tax reliefYou can claim 45p/mile in HMRC tax relief. On a full week of driving, this can save you £30–£80 in tax — significant over a year.
Ready to start? Uber is the best place to begin
UK's largest rideshare platform. Join thousands of UK earners already using it.
Start now →
Pros and cons
✓ Pros
- Local work
- Earn £400–£2,000 per month
- Start within 1–2 weeks
- Startup cost: Free
- Low effort required
× Cons
- Requires consistent effort to build
- Income may be variable initially
- Competition exists in this space
- Takes time to reach full earnings
- Requires self-motivation
Frequently asked questions
Uber requires a car from 2012 or newer with at least 4 doors. Executive and Comfort tiers require newer premium vehicles. Check each platform's requirements as they differ.
Yes — standard personal car insurance doesn't cover rideshare work. You need hire and reward (H&R) insurance, which costs £800–£2,000/year depending on your car and record.
A typical Friday/Saturday evening shift of 6 hours in a city can earn £80–£150 after platform fees. Rural areas earn less than city centres.