Knowing your vehicle is in good condition gives you peace of mind when you drive.
And when you’re an Uber driver, the ridesharing company wants peace of mind that every passenger is safe, too.
That’s where the Uber inspection form comes in.
Every Uber driver is required to complete an annual inspection to prove that their vehicle is as reliable as can be — and passing this test is simple if you know the requirements.
Keep reading to learn all about the 19-point vehicle inspection, free inspection centers, and how to upload your Uber inspection form.
What Are 19-Point Vehicle Inspections?
When you take your vehicle in for an inspection, your inspector will primarily look at 19 different areas of your car to ensure it’s both safe and functional.
These 19 elements are outlined in the Uber vehicle inspection form, which you must print out for your inspector to fill.
While the safety inspection process may vary based on your exact location, the basic 19 areas remain the same.
Your inspector will check all of the following:
1. Headlights: This inspection checks that all headlight settings — including your low beam, fog lights, and brights — are fully functional, so you’re prepared for all situations.
Your emergency button should also be able to trigger flashing headlights (same goes for your tail lights).
2. Tail lights: When your headlights are on, your tail lights should turn on, too.
In addition, your reverse (backup) lights should also be functioning.
3. Turn indicator lights: Your blinkers should be working properly upon inspection.
If your turn indicator lights are blinking faster than normal, this is a sign that they’re about to burn out.
In this case, be sure to replace your bulbs before getting an inspection since a near-broken bulb isn’t guaranteed to pass.
4. Stop lights: Your brake lights should be triggered the moment you step on your brakes.
5. Foot brakes: Your inspector will be looking for your brake’s ability to stop the vehicle, but a lack of this primary function isn’t the only disqualifying feature.
If your brake pads are too thin you’ll need to replace them before your inspection.
The most distinctive sign of a thin brake pad is a screeching noise that occurs when stepping on or releasing the brake.
6. Emergency brake: Your parking brake must be able to hold your car in place, even if your car is put into gear.
7. Steering mechanism: Your steering wheel must be in good shape and fully aligned.
Some telling signs that your steering wheel’s alignment is off: your vehicle veering to one side (even slightly) when apparently driving straight, uneven wear on your tires, or screeching tires.
8. Windshield: Even the smallest cracks can cause a failed inspection, as these can quickly grow over time.
Make sure to also check for loose seals on the edge of your windshield.
You’ll typically recognize a loose seal if you hear a whistling noise (created by air seeping in) while driving.
9. Safety belts: Driver and passenger seat belts must be available for all seats, in good condition, and functioning as expected.
10. Rear window and other glass: Much like the windshield, the most important things here are no loose seals and no chips or cracks.
11. Windshield wipers: All your windshield wiper settings should be in working order, in case of any storms or light rain.
If washer fluid isn’t spraying out when activating the corresponding setting, make sure to fill your vehicle’s washer fluid reservoir with windshield washer fluid (never plain water) before going in for your inspection.
12. Front seat adjustment: Your inspector should be able to easily adjust your front seat forward and backward, adjust the height of the seat, and lean the seatback forwards and backwards.
13. Doors: Passing this element is simple.
Your doors must be able to open, close, and lock properly.
14. Horn: If it’s ready to pass your vehicle inspection test, you’ll hear it when you press it.
15. Speedometer: Your speedometer must be accurate and clearly displayed for the driver.
16. Bumpers: Your bumpers must be present and completely undamaged.
Uber’s basic vehicle requirements don’t allow for any cosmetic damage, so having a compromised bumper is not acceptable.
17. Muffler and exhaust system: Like your bumpers, your muffler and exhaust system cannot be damaged, as a small hole in your muffler can cause a carbon monoxide leak and prevent your engine from being fully functional.
If you hear a rattling noise, notice the smell of fumes, or experience worsened gas mileage, it’s worth getting it checked out.
Any leaks should also be fixed, as this is grounds for an automatic disqualification.
18. Tires: Tires should be in good condition and have corresponding sizes and styles.
Mismatched tires can cause faster wear over time.
If your worn-down tires only have 2/32″ of tread remaining — your tread wear indicators will form a straight line across each tire — you must replace your tires.
19. Interior and exterior rear view mirrors: Your interior mirrors must be in tact and your rear view mirrors should be clear, adjustable, and able to lock in place with no damages.
As soon as you pass, your finalized car inspection form can be uploaded to your partner dashboard via the Uber Driver app or via partners.uber.com on your computer.
Once Uber reviews and approves it, you’re all set to drive without further inspections for one year.
If your vehicle isn’t approved to drive, all you need to do is fix the issue(s) noted on your Uber inspection form and get a new inspection.
You won’t be penalized for not passing the test the first time around.
Where to Get Free Vehicle Inspections
One of the biggest perks of driving for Uber, as opposed to driving for other rideshare services, is the availability of free vehicle inspections.
In most states and all major cities in the United States, Uber offers complimentary inspections to help you quickly check off your annual requirements and stay eligible to drive.
Simply head to one of these locations:
- Uber Greenlight Hubs: Greenlight Hubs are Uber’s primary in-person support centers. Most offer free inspections during business hours.
- Uber Greenlight Spots: Greenlight Spots are typically smaller than Greenlight Hubs, or are simply pop-up kiosks.
Select locations will offer free inspections during their hours of operation. - Third-party partners: Uber sometimes partners with third-party mechanics, like select Jiffy Lubes, that will do your vehicle inspection for free.
Do not visit third-party locations unless they’re listed on Uber’s website, or else you will be responsible for covering the cost.
To receive a complete list of Uber inspection locations and third-party mechanics that offer free inspections for Uber drivers, take a look at your city’s Vehicle Inspection page on the Uber website.
For reference, take a look at the pages for Los Angeles inspections and Chicago vehicle inspections.
Other Required Uber Documents
A vehicle inspection is required every year, but Uber driver requirements also include one-time uploads of a few other important documents that you’ll likely already have on hand.
These documents include:
- A valid driver’s license issued by the United States.
- Proof of current vehicle insurance.
- Proof of vehicle registration in your state of operation.
Like your completed vehicle inspection form, your documentation can be uploaded directly through your Uber app.
During the start-up process, you’ll also be asked to provide a clear head shot for your driver image.
Running into any troubles?
You can talk to experts at your local Greenlight Hub, or contact Uber support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Knowing what to expect from your 19-point vehicle inspection will ensure you pass it every year.
Here are answers to three frequently asked questions to help you have the most seamless experience possible:
1. How long will my annual inspection take?
A thorough vehicle inspection can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half.
Your inspection may end up being faster if you’ve prepped your car, ensuring everything that will be inspected is in prime condition.
Even so, it’s good to factor in additional time just in case.
2. How long do I need to wait for support at Uber Greenlight Hubs?
Wait times at busier Greenlight locations can be notoriously long, but Uber makes it a goal to keep wait times at 15 minutes or less.
If you’re located in Los Angeles or New York, you can consider scheduling your appointment through your app to reduce your wait times.
This feature will soon be available in additional cities.
3. Do Lyft drivers have to complete vehicle inspections?
Lyft vehicle inspection requirements align with Uber requirements, and the company is working on providing free inspections to drivers in more states.
State regulations are a huge factor in rideshare companies’ annual inspection rules, so there’s no skating by if you have a faulty car.
Pass Your Inspection With Confidence
Passing your vehicle inspection isn’t as daunting as it seems.
If you’re already keeping up with your vehicle’s maintenance and know what to expect on the Uber inspection form, your car should pass with flying colors.
Looking to begin your career as a new driver?
It’s easy to become an Uber driver and start earning money on your own schedule.
