Almost anyone can become an Uber driver in the UK. As long as you’re aged 21 or over, all you need is a valid driving licence, an appropriate private hire licence, and several other basic documents, then you’re good to go.
You don’t even need your own vehicle to become an Uber driver, as Uber will let you rent one from one of their partners.
As registering as an Uber driver is so straightforward, it should come as no surprise that there are so many Uber drivers in the UK. But just how many are there?
How Many Uber Drivers in the UK?
According to Uber’s “The Impact of Uber in the UK” report, as of September 2023 there were over 100,000 Uber drivers registered in the UK. This represented a 70% increase in drivers since 2021, so it’s very likely that the figure has grown even further in the past year.
Uber does not currently operate across the whole UK. Uber needs official approval from the local council in whichever area it wishes to operate in. However, Uber’s website lists hundreds upon hundreds of towns, cities, and villages across the UK in which it’s possible to find a ride, from Abberley to Ystradgynlais.
If Uber does not currently operate in your area, it probably won’t be long until it does.
How Many Uber Drivers in London?
Transport for London figures show that there are more than 108,000 licensed minicab drivers in London. How many of these are Uber drivers?
The figures vary from source to source. In 2022, The Standard suggested that Uber could have around 45,000 drivers in London. The figure will almost certainly be much higher now.
Plus, the figure is sure to grow significantly in the coming years. In September 2024, Transport for London granted Uber a new 30 month operating licence, “with conditions”.
It’s not clear just what these conditions are. But the last time Uber received a London operating licence in 2022, it was followed by a major recruitment drive “to meet surging demand”. Expect them to do the same in the coming months and years.
Want to Start Your Own Uber Fleet?
The Uber Fleet system allows you to rent your car to Uber drivers. It’s possible to invest in multiple vehicles so as to set up your own Uber Fleet business.
You might be wondering where’s the best place in the UK to set up an Uber fleet. You might be looking to set yourself up in an area with comparatively few Uber drivers, to give yourself a competitive advantage.
However, as we’ve seen, Uber already has a substantial presence across the UK, and demand only seems to be growing. It’s likely that, no matter where you establish your fleet, you’ll find multiple drivers looking for work, and multiple customers looking for rides.
So, start by focusing on your local area. Over time, you might discover that you get more rides in some areas than in others. These are the areas you should focus on for future growth.
Read our full guide to starting a fleet with Uber.
Get The Right Insurance Cover For Your Uber Fleet
Whether you are registering a single vehicle to the Uber Fleet, or multiple vehicles, we can help you ensure you have the cover you need at the best price.
For more information, call our dedicated team on 0208 290 9099, or email CM@AnthonyJones.com.
