Ride share service drivers, like Uber drivers, are a bit like having your own private driver who uses their own car to give people rides through the Uber app. They're not regular employees and can decide when they want to work.
This kind of work is part of the gig economy, where people do freelance jobs instead of having full-time jobs. There are lots of gig workers in the UK, around 7.25 million of them, and they have a unique work situation - not employees with regular salaries, but not independent business owners either. Being a gig worker like an Uber driver involves a wide range of skills, and it's a big part of this new way of working.
Literacy, Numeracy, Digital Skills & Personal Finance
Ride share drivers rely on fundamental skills learned in school. Numeracy and personal finance are essential for calculating their income, managing taxes, and setting passenger fares.
Literacy is crucial for reading maps, following instructions, and communicating with the Uber dispatch system effectively.
Most importantly, they need strong digital skills. For example, Uber drivers operates mainly through smartphone apps and digital connections, where drivers use their digital proficiency to connect with passengers and earn a living.
Accountability, Empathy, Being Entrepreneurial, Resilience
Ride share drivers essentially serve as customer service agents while also acting as drivers. Their primary responsibility is to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of passengers from their pickup point to their destination.
Passengers may face various challenges, such as being in a hurry, dealing with traffic, feeling lost, or having a tough day. Ride share drivers must demonstrate empathy towards passengers, as the quality of service directly impacts their tips.
Furthermore, ride share drivers operate as entrepreneurs. They must strategise to maximise their earnings by determining when and where to work, enhancing their tips (e.g., by offering a more upscale vehicle or refreshments), and making other decisions to boost their income.
Aiming High, Attention to Detail, Communication, Problem-Solving, Staying Positive, Teamwork
Many ride share drivers, like those who drive for Uber, often have other jobs. In fact, almost half of all gig workers have another full-time job, and many work extra hours due to the high cost of living. This means they bring skills from their other jobs into their role as drivers—not just skills they've learned in the past, but skills they're using at the same time.
These skills include staying positive and providing great service to passengers, as well as paying close attention to details. After all, nobody wants to end up at the wrong place because of a simple mistake like entering the wrong address.
Lastly, the best ride share drivers, are excellent at communication. They reassure passengers that they know the way, will get them to their destination on time, and use their communication skills to ensure passengers have a great experience and give them a good rating. It's all about making the ride as smooth and enjoyable as possible!
Business, Finance, Systems, Processes & Tools
Ride share drivers often work for big companies like Uber, Bolt, and Addison Lee. They need to grasp how these larger companies operate, so they can handle payments, tips, and effectively use the provided technology. They also need to be aware of broader aspects related to running a vehicle, such as fuel and insurance which is essential to their job. For instance, Uber now offers assistance with income tax and provides benefits like holiday pay, sick pay, and pensions, following a ruling in 2021.
Sector-specific elements of understanding required for the individual's role.
Ride share drivers, like those who work for Uber or similar services, need to have some special knowledge for their job. They must understand how to use the app on their smartphone because it's their main tool for finding passengers and getting ride requests. On top of that, they need a regular driver's license, just like when you drive your family car. But in some places, they also need an extra license from the local government to work as a private hire driver. This extra license makes sure they're allowed to give people rides for money. So, they need to be good with technology (the app), have a regular driver's license, and sometimes an extra license to do their job properly.
