Understanding Uber Services – A Complete Guide for Drivers

January 10, 2025

With increased demand for ride-sharing services, Uber has become a popular choice for PCO drivers in London. It has a wide range of ride types that allow drivers to offer a reliable service to passengers according to their preferences.

Whether you are a new driver or have been in the ride-hailing industry for some time, understanding Uber ride types can help you maximise your earnings, as each ride type has specific vehicle requirements and earning potential.

From economical Uber X to premium Uber Lux, drivers can decide which service they want to offer depending on their goals and vehicle type. Once you have all the information you need about Uber ride types, you will be able to offer a better service, improve your ratings, and ultimately, the income.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Uber ride types and more.

What Will You Learn In This Article?

A brief look at different Uber ride types
Difference between Uber X and Uber Taxi
Where to find the best Uber-ready cars in London

A Brief Look At Uber Ride Types

Uber X

The most popular ride type offered by Uber! Although this service has low fares, the high demand from riders means you will get a lot of bookings. Also, with Uber X Priority, the drivers get to earn 10% extra in return for a faster pickup.

To be able to offer Uber X rides in London, you must have a PCO car that can carry up to 4 passengers, a TFL licence, and insurance. Also, the car you are driving must be less than ten years old.

The average fare with this ride type is £22.14.

Uber XL

This ride type is ideal for those who are travelling with a group of up to six people or have a lot of luggage.

So, if you want to work as an Uber XL driver, your vehicle must be licenced to carry six passengers excluding the driver. The other car requirements are pretty similar to Uber X. A great benefit of driving for Uber XL is that it is mostly popular among passengers who need rides to and from airports. This means the rides are usually longer, and you can earn more money in a single ride with Uber XL than you would earn in multiple rides with Uber X.

The average fare with this ride type is £33.52.

Uber Pet

There are many people in London who cannot bear to travel without their cats or dogs. For such people, Uber has a special ride type called Uber Pet. As a driver, you will get a small extra payment every time you ride with such passengers. What’s more, Uber charges these passengers an extra cleaning fee if their pet makes a mess in your car.

There are no special car requirements for this ride type. For instance, if your car is eligible for Uber X or any other ride type, it should be eligible for Uber Pet as well.

The average fare with this ride type is £29.36.

Uber Comfort

Some people are generally willing to pay extra for added comfort. This is where Uber Comfort comes in! The service lets you earn about 20% more than Uber X or Uber XL. To qualify, you must have completed at least 500 Uber trips with an average rating of 4.85. Moreover, your car must be no more than 7 years old and have decent legroom.

With Uber Comfort rides, the passengers have 12 minutes to get to the car before their ride is cancelled automatically. This means the riders will be paying higher costs both in terms of wait times and cancellation fees, enabling drivers to earn more.

The average fare with this ride type is £27.05, which means it’s priced higher than Uber X but cheaper than luxury options like Uber Exec or Uber Lux.

Uber Exec

Uber Exec is the preferred choice of many PCO drivers due to the high earning potential. However, the requirements are strict to qualify. Firstly, your car must not be more than six years old. Secondly, your car must be a mid-tier luxury vehicle. Thirdly, you must have completed at least 1,000 Uber trips with a minimum rating of 4.9. Any driver who meets this criteria automatically qualifies for Uber Exec rides.

The average fare with this ride type is £39.93. However, please remember that while the fares are high, the cost of maintaining these cars is also high while the demand for the rides is relatively low.

Uber Lux

This is the most luxury tier available that lets you earn almost thrice the amount of fare you earn with Uber X. The basic requirements are pretty much similar to Uber Exec. However, your car must be a high-end one.

This ride type is usually preferred by people who are seeking a luxurious experience in a fancy car. So, if you have a suitable car, you can make a good amount of money through Uber Lux.

Uber Assist

This ride type is for people with special needs who require extra support while travelling. These people may include older riders, pregnant women, and those with disabilities.

To qualify for Uber Assist, you must complete the free online disability equality training. Also, you must have completed at least 150 Uber trips with an average rating of 4.7 or above. The fares are pretty similar to Uber X. However, the drivers get to keep an extra 15% for every Uber assist trip they offer.

Uber Access

Uber Access is for people who are wheelchair-bound and want to travel in a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV). Similar to Uber Assist, the drivers get to keep a 15% bonus per ride.

There are some other financial perks as well such as:

A weekly incentive starting from £150 (for drivers who complete at least 50 or more trips within a week.)
£5 incentive per trip
Extra rewards for any trip longer than 12 minutes

Uber Access has the same qualification criteria as Uber Assist. The only difference is that your vehicle must be suitable for wheelchairs.

Uber Green

Uber Green is for people who are environmentally conscious and prefer to travel in cars with lower carbon emissions. To serve such customers, your car must be fully electric.

One way drivers can benefit from Uber Green is that Uber has a programme called Green Curb. This programme encourages passengers to book Uber Green at the best locations at the airport. It is an extension of Uber’s efforts to make London a sustainable city.

Uber is also making it easier for drivers to get an EV with their EV assistance programme.

UberX vs Uber Taxi - What’s the Difference?

UberX and Uber Taxi are two different services. UberX focuses on providing everyday rides in regular cars while Uber Taxi connects passengers with traditional black cabs. The main advantage of the Uber taxi is to hail a black cab through the Uber app while enjoying the fare transparency. Their main differences include:

Cost

UberX is typically more affordable than traditional taxis. This is because Uber Taxi fares are based on meters which can vary by area and the route the driver takes to reach your destination while UberX has a fixed price range.

Driver Regulations

The driver regulations also differ for both services. In general, Uber X drivers must have a PHV licence from the local council. To obtain a PHV licence, you must have a valid driver’s licence, insurance, and pass a background check.

On the other hand, Taxi drivers need to have a Hackney Carriage (Taxi) Licence, except for London, which is also issued by the local council. To obtain the licence, you must complete the training process known as “the Knowledge of London”.

Choose Your Preferred Vehicle Now!

Are You a PCO Driver Searching for Uber-Ready Cars in London? Fleeto Can Help!

If you are looking to drive with Uber, choosing the right vehicle is the key. At Fleeto, we have a range of Uber-ready cars in London, including Kia eNiro, MG 5, Mercedes E300 2025, and more, helping you hit the roads within hours. Contact us today and get your favourite car on simple terms.

Suggested Blogs

Need a PCO Car For Hire in London?

Rent a Fully Insured Uber-Ready PCO Car & Start Earning Right Away!

Experience the hassle-free on-demand driving with Fleeto! Our expert team is available to support you 24/7, providing tailored solutions every step of the way!