What Does Uber Look for in a Background Check?

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6 Sep, 2024
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uber's driver standing near his care

If Uber background checks have you worried, we can help. The first step is learning what Uber is digging for.

Understanding Uber’s background check is crucial to becoming a driver. From driving records to criminal history, we explain what Uber looks for and what might disqualify you. Errors in your report can harm your chances, but you have the right to dispute them. Protect yourself—know your rights and take action if you’ve been unfairly disqualified.

When considering becoming an Uber driver, the background check can feel like a nerve-wracking step. After all, it’s not just about getting a job—it’s about ensuring your record reflects who you are today. We know how important this opportunity is to you and how disheartening it can be if something from your past or even a simple error gets in the way. However, understanding Uber’s background check process can help you feel more prepared and give you peace of mind. Uber looks at key areas such as your criminal record and driving history. They run these checks during the initial hiring process and regularly to ensure ongoing compliance.

If you’re worried about passing the check or if errors show up that you know are wrong, don’t panic. You have the right to dispute inaccuracies, and legal options are available. Errors happen more often than people realize, but they don’t have to stop you from working. The background check attorneys at Consumer Attorneys are here to help you navigate this process, providing support and expert advice every step of the way. Your future shouldn’t be derailed by background check mistakes, and we’re ready to stand by your side.

Understanding the Uber Background Check

Uber’s background check is a thorough vetting process designed to ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers. Whether you're a new applicant or a current driver, understanding the Uber background check requirements is crucial to avoid any surprises.

The background check is performed by third-party companies, such as Checkr, one of Uber’s main partners. It is typically conducted online and requires you to provide personal information such as your full name, Social Security number, and consent to the check. Once the check is complete, Uber will review the results to determine if you meet their background requirements.

Uber’s background check process is generally transparent, but it is important to know what they’re looking for and how they evaluate your history. If your background check status says “consider,” it means Uber is reviewing specific aspects of your history that may need further evaluation before making a decision. Understanding what “consider” means on a background check for Uber can help you prepare for any follow-up questions or actions. (What does consider mean on a background check? It means Uber needs to take a little harder look.)

How Often Does Uber Do Background Checks?

Uber doesn’t just perform a background check when you first apply; they regularly conduct these checks to ensure ongoing compliance with their safety standards. While the initial check is required for all new drivers, Uber also conducts annual background checks for existing drivers. This helps the company stay informed of any changes in your driving record or criminal history that could impact your eligibility.

In some cases, Uber might conduct more frequent checks if they have reason to believe there’s been a change in your record or if a specific issue arises, such as a passenger complaint. Keeping your record clean and staying informed about background requirements for Uber will help you maintain your driving status with the company.

What Does Uber Examine in a Background Check?

Uber’s background check examines two main areas: your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) and your criminal history report. These reports help Uber assess your driving record and ensure that you meet their safety standards.

Motor Vehicle Report

A Motor Vehicle Report is a detailed account of your driving history. Checkr looks at and compiles public records from places you’ve lived to find anything relevant to you in order to build this report. Uber then uses this report to evaluate your driving behavior and ensure you’re safe and responsible. They’ll check for any driving violations, such as speeding tickets, DUIs, or reckless driving. Uber typically reviews your driving history for the past seven years, though this can vary depending on state laws.

To pass the motor vehicle portion of the Uber background check, you generally need to have a clean driving record, free from major violations. Minor infractions, like a parking ticket, may not disqualify you, but multiple violations or serious offenses could result in disqualification.

Criminal History Report

Uber also conducts a thorough review of your criminal history. This criminal history report covers many offenses and is typically sourced from national, state, and local databases. Uber checks for both misdemeanor and felony convictions, focusing on crimes that may indicate a risk to passenger safety.

The Uber background check disqualifier list includes severe offenses such as violent crimes, sexual offenses, and theft. Even if a crime is non-violent, certain offenses, such as fraud or driving-related crimes, may still disqualify you from becoming a driver.

Uber typically looks at criminal records from the past seven years, but this timeframe can vary depending on the nature of the offense and local regulations. If your report includes any pending charges, Uber may place your application on hold until the matter is resolved.

Uber Background Check Disqualifiers

Uber has specific disqualifiers that will prevent you from driving for the platform. These disqualifiers are in place to protect passengers and maintain Uber’s reputation as a safe service. Knowing the Uber background check disqualifiers can help you understand what might impact your application and what to expect during the review process.

  • Major driving violations. Any major driving violations within the past seven years, such as DUIs, reckless driving, or driving on a suspended license, will likely disqualify you. These offenses are considered indicators of risky driving behavior, which Uber wants to avoid.
  • Criminal convictions. Felony convictions, particularly those related to violence, sexual offenses, or theft, are serious disqualifiers. Even certain misdemeanors, especially those related to drug offenses or fraud, can disqualify you from driving for Uber.
  • Multiple minor offenses. While a single minor violation, such as a speeding ticket, might not disqualify you, accumulating several minor offenses over a short period can raise red flags. Uber looks for patterns of behavior that could indicate you’re not adhering to safe driving practices.
  • Pending charges. If you have pending charges for any offense that would disqualify you if convicted, Uber may suspend your application until the case is resolved. This ensures that only individuals with a clean legal standing drive for the company.

Understanding these disqualifiers is essential for anyone considering driving for Uber. If you’re unsure whether something in your past might disqualify you, consulting a background check attorney can help you navigate the situation and understand your rights.

Errors in Your Background Check

One of the most frustrating aspects of the background check process is dealing with errors that can lead to wrongful disqualification. Unfortunately, mistakes in background checks are more common than you might think, and they can have serious consequences for your employment prospects.

Errors can occur for various reasons, including outdated information, mistaken identity, or data entry mistakes. For example, a dismissed criminal charge or a traffic violation you didn’t commit could appear on your report, unfairly impacting your chances of passing the Uber background check.

Disputing a Background Check Error

If you suspect there’s an error in your background check, it’s important to act quickly. You have the right to dispute any inaccuracies in your report. Start by obtaining a copy of your background check and reviewing it carefully. Look for any incorrect or outdated information, and gather any documentation that can help prove the error.

Next, you’ll need to file a dispute with the background check company that performed the check. This process can take time, and it may require you to provide additional evidence to support your claim. If the company finds that an error was made, they are legally required to correct it.

Given the complexities of disputing background check errors, working with a background check attorney can make a significant difference. An attorney can guide you through the dispute process, help you gather the necessary evidence, and protect your rights. At Consumer Attorneys, we specialize in helping individuals correct background check errors and fight wrongful disqualifications.

What You Can Do - NOW!

The Uber background check process can be stressful, especially if you fear or are facing disqualification. We understand that. We’re all human, and no one really likes it when someone investigates their past, right? It’s important to remember that you’re not alone—many people have found themselves in similar situations due to misunderstandings, past mistakes, or even errors on their background reports. And many people have relied on Consumer Attorneys for help.

It can feel downright infuriating if you’ve been disqualified from driving for Uber! And rightfully so! But you need to know that this isn’t necessarily the end of the road. Sometimes, background checks contain outdated or incorrect information that unfairly impacts your eligibility. In other cases, you might be unsure why you were disqualified and need help understanding the details.

Don’t let a background check setback stop you from pursuing your goals!

At Consumer Attorneys, we’re here to support you. Our team specializes in helping individuals challenge background check errors and fight unjust disqualifications. Whether you need assistance correcting inaccuracies or want to explore your legal options, we’re ready to stand by your side.

(or use our online intake form or virtual chat)

Contact Consumer Attorneys today, and let us help you navigate this process with confidence and clarity. We’re committed to ensuring that your rights are protected and that you get the fair chance you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Uber background checks can take longer due to several factors, including the need for detailed searches across multiple databases, delays at the county or state level, or if there are discrepancies in your information that require further investigation. Public holidays, non-responsive former employers, and high volumes of applications can also slow down the process. If your background check is taking longer than expected or longer than you think it should, it might be beneficial to contact Uber support for an update or seek help from a background check attorney to ensure no errors are causing delays.

Uber conducts a comprehensive background check that includes a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) and a Criminal History Report. The MVR assesses your driving record for any violations, such as DUIs or reckless driving, typically going back seven years. The Criminal History Report looks at national, state, and local databases to identify any convictions, focusing on violent crimes, sexual offenses, and other serious offenses. Uber partners with third-party companies like Checkr to carry out these checks, ensuring all drivers meet their safety standards. They will also check other relevant information like former employers, references, a educational institutions. 

Uber conducts background checks on all new driver applicants. Uber also does annual and ongoing checks for its existing drivers. This annual review helps ensure that drivers continue to meet Uber’s safety and background requirements. In some cases, Uber may conduct additional checks if there are specific concerns, such as a passenger complaint or a significant change in a driver’s record. Staying aware of Uber’s requirements and keeping your record clean is crucial to maintaining your driving status. You must give Uber permission to run these background checks. When you first apply, they must notify you of their background check policy. 

Uber’s background check is pretty strict, as the company prioritizes the safety of its passengers and drivers. The background check covers both your driving record and criminal history, focusing on identifying any past behavior that could pose a risk. Major driving violations, felonies, and serious misdemeanors will likely result in disqualification. While minor issues may not automatically disqualify you, multiple offenses or more severe crimes can make passing difficult. If you’re concerned about passing the check, or if you think you may have failed due to an error in Uber’s background check, a background check attorney can help you understand your options and legal rights.

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Daniel Cohen is the Founder of Consumer Attorneys. Daniel manages the firm’s branding, marketing, client intake and business development efforts. Since 2017, he is a member of the National Association of Consumer Advocates and the National Consumer Law Center. Mr. Cohen is a nationally-recognized practitioner of consumer protection law. He has a we... Read more

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