The best features of the Uber Driver app

The Uber Driver app has undergone significant enhancements since it's redesign was announced in April 2018, aiming to improve safety, fairness, and ease of use for drivers.

We recently reviewed the Uber Driver app and tested each of the features with the help of our customers.

Here's an overview of its best features:

1. Real-Time Earnings Tracker

This feature allows drivers to monitor their daily and weekly income goals and aims to offer transparency and helps drivers plan their schedules effectively.

2. Status Bar with Surge Pricing Updates

A status bar offers real-time updates on surge pricing and insights into high-demand areas. This enables drivers to position themselves strategically to maximise earnings.

3. Opportunities Nearby

Aims to highlight areas with increased demand, guiding drivers to potential hotspots and optimizing their driving routes.

4. Driver Profile Management

Drivers can easily manage their profiles within the app, including updating account information, adding or removing documents, and editing bank details.

Changes to bank information take effect within 24 hours or by the next pay cycle.

5. Night Mode

The app includes a night mode, reducing screen glare during nighttime driving, thereby enhancing safety and comfort.

6. Enhanced Safety Features

• Verified Rider Badges: Introduced in September 2024, drivers can now see badges indicating riders who have undergone additional verification steps, enhancing trust and safety.

• Trip Recording: Drivers can use their smartphone's front camera to record trips, with encrypted recordings stored on the device, accessible only when submitted to Uber for review.

7. Integration with Vehicle Displays

• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay: As of Summer 2024, the app supports Android Auto, allowing drivers to use their vehicle's display for navigation and trip management. Apple CarPlay integration has been enhanced to display surge pricing areas, helping drivers navigate to high-demand zones more efficiently.

• Tesla Integration: Later in 2024, Uber plans to enable drivers to send route information directly from the app to their Tesla's display, reducing the need for manual entry and streamlining the driving experience.

8. Improved Navigation and Alerts

The app now offers more detailed maps with specific drop-off spots, building entrance instructions, and nearby parking recommendations.

Enhanced turn-by-turn directions and alerts help drivers navigate roadwork, accidents, closures, and other congestion.

9. Earnings Trends

Insights have been updated and tailored to the types of trips selected in driver preferences, aiding in making informed decisions about when and where to drive.

10. Hands-Free Features

iPhone users can utilise Siri for voice commands, such as calling customers and going online, allowing for a hands-free experience that promotes safety.

11. Low-Battery Alerts

The app now displays a warning banner at the top of the screen when the device's battery reaches 25% and 15%, ensuring drivers are aware of their battery status.

These updates, reflecting the app's evolution up to October 2024, demonstrate Uber's commitment to enhancing the driving experience by incorporating driver feedback and leveraging technological advancements.

About Splend

At Splend, we believe in drivers. We know their vehicles need to work harder than most; that they drive more miles than most; that their insurance is hefty; their maintenance costs high and that they can face unreasonable finance rates – which is a heavy load to carry on their own.

That’s why at Splend, we exist to support rideshare drivers with a new model, that takes all those car ownership costs, and provides them for less, with lower purchase prices, better rates, lower servicing and insurance costs – all for one weekly repayment, all in one place.