Key Takeaways
- Teen Accounts: Uber now allows teens aged 13-17 to create accounts for solo rides, adding convenience for busy parents.
- Safety Measures: Includes in-car audio recording, intensive driver background checks, and parental oversight with full transparency.
- Parental Control: Parents can monitor ride history, select drivers, and communicate with them during their teen’s ride.
- Driver Eligibility: Only highly-rated Uber drivers are assigned to teen rides, with the option to refuse this responsibility.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Uber?
To use Uber, individuals must be at least 13 years old. Teens aged 13-17 are allowed to create kid accounts and use Uber services, but they must do so under parental supervision.
This includes being part of a family profile controlled by their guardian, with the parent having oversight over the teen’s ride history and settings.
Once an individual is 18 or older, they can ride freely without the need for parental supervision.
It’s worth noting that drivers often exercise caution for everyone’s safety.
If you appear relatively young, don’t be surprised if an Uber driver asks to see your identification card, like your driver’s license or another valid form of ID.
This is just to ensure that you meet the age criteria for using the platform. It’s a common practice, especially for those who look younger than they are.
How Uber Ensures Teenagers’ Safety
Since some parents find Uber for teens problematic, Uber implemented several robust safety measures for teen accounts.
1. In-Car Audio Recording
As soon as the ride starts, the app on the teen account will automatically start an encrypted audio recording of the ride—an important layer of protection for both the customer and the driver.
While the primary purpose of the audio recording is to be investigated in case of incidents or disputes to offer accountability, it’s also a strong deterrent against any wrongdoings.
If there’s potential for misconduct, a malicious Uber driver will think twice if they know they’re being recorded.
2. Driver Background Checks
Before hiring, Uber runs intensive background checks into their drivers’ pasts. It first reviews their motor vehicle record (MVR) to ensure they’re trustworthy and capable drivers.
The applicant is declined if a single conviction of reckless driving or driving under the influence is found.
Also, Uber’s background check includes looking into the driver’s criminal history through third-party firms such as Checkr and HireRight.
These can go back seven to ten years, so drivers with felonies, DUIs, violent, or sexual crimes can’t make it through.
Related: Is Uber truly safe for riders?
Privileges of Parents
Since teenagers going on solo rides is undoubtedly risky, Uber takes advantage of one of the most formidable security features: parental oversight.
Most notably, for a minor to set up their account, they must be part of a family profile under the control of their guardian.
Full Transparency
Uber also offers guardians full transparency regarding their kids’ accounts to guarantee peace of mind while teens go on rides.
Parents are given the authority to review their teenager’s ride history (which you can’t delete) and adjust their settings to their comfort.
Before any ride request is confirmed, Uber sends a request to the parent’s phone, enabling them to check reviews and pick highly-rated drivers. This also ensures that parents are always aware of their kids’ commutes.
As an extra layer of security, Uber provides a live feed of the ride to the guardian’s phone, showing the route taken and journey progress.
Communication
Another comforting feature for parents is the ability to communicate with the driver and support team at any given point during their teens’ ride.
Open lines of communication further immerse parents into the process and can be used to deal with unforeseen circumstances, discuss which route to take, or provide assurance to teens during rides.
Pro Tip: Don’t want to risk it? Call an “Uber for kids” – specialty ride services created specifically to transport children.
The Driver’s Side
While Uber’s age limit didn’t allow people under 18 to create accounts, the truth is that many young teens found ways around the rule by using their parents’ accounts or those of older friends.
And when a driver arrives at the location and finds a young teen, they’re always left in a predicament: either refuse the customer and leave the teenager stranded, or break the rule and accept the ride.
Fortunately for all parties involved, the process is safer and simpler since Uber actively regulates it.
Eligibility
There are many Uber drivers, and while they’re vetted, it’s unlikely that all are trustworthy with the responsibility of minors.
Therefore, Uber takes specific measures to ensure the safety and comfort of their young customers by automatically directing teen rides to drivers with high ratings.
This ensures the responsibility is left to the most capable and experienced drivers.
The Right to Refuse
Driving around minors is a massive commitment. And while only those who consistently show good service and dedication are eligible for teen rides, they still have the right to refuse the responsibility.
Uber aims to create a comfortable environment for their drivers as well. If they wish to stick to adult rides, which are less mentally demanding, they can turn off Uber for teens.
Brett’s Take: Thoughts From an Expert
The more I talk to other drivers about this issue, the more that I am shocked to learn how many are unaware that transporting unaccompanied minors was against Uber’s policy.
Tons of drivers had previously given rides to high school students without realizing it was a violation. The whole time, they were putting themselves at risk.
Regardless, they had mixed experiences with these riders.
Some noted that the riders were quiet and courteous, yet pleasant. Others complained about added complications such as school pickups and the stess of having to deal with both teens and their parents.
Personally, I refuse to drive kids that are underage. I have nothing against them, but they simply aren’t like other riders. I prefer to take adults instead.
First of all, there’s the issue of age in itself.
When it comes to driving, I settle for nothing less than giving a 5-star ride. However, one false or inaccurate claim from a rider – especially those that are underage – can put my ratings at risk.
I am one of the many drivers who worry about liability and safety, but also false accusations, both of which could potentially lead to legal trouble or getting deactivated unfairly.
Secondly, there’s the issue of tipping.
Teen passengers rarely tip. This is frustrating to me because I believe driving is a service, and that drivers should be rewarded for good service in the form of a tip.
I’m not sure if they’re just not aware of tipping culture, or they don’t have enough money to do so. Parents should be aware of this issue and educate their kids accordingly.
At the end of the day though, I appreciate Uber allowing my to opt out of these types of rides.
Uber’s Previous Attempt at Creating Teen Accounts
This isn’t the first time Uber has tried facilitating solo teen rides.
In 2017, Uber launched an update in big cities like Columbus, Ohio, and Phoenix, Arizona, that allowed teenagers to go on rides without their parents.
The major difference was that drivers didn’t know that the rides they accepted were for minors. This naturally raised liability concerns, ultimately leading to the whole initiative being scrapped.
However, this time around, Uber is going in with complete transparency for all parties involved.
Teen Safety: A Major Uber Concern
While Uber historically didn’t allow minors to go on solo rides, this recently changed when the age limit for going on rides was set to 13.
This allows greater mobility for teens and convenience for parents who aren’t always available to drive them around to school or extracurricular activities.
If you’re a parent looking into this service, know that Uber has made several efforts to ensure these services are safe for your teen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive for Uber?
To drive for Uber, you must be at least 21 years old. There is no maximum age limit for driving for Uber, as long as you meet all other requirements.
This age requirement is in place to ensure drivers have sufficient driving experience, as drivers under 21 are statistically more likely to be involved in car accidents.
Additionally, if you are under 23 years old, you need a minimum of three years of driving experience.
What do you think of Uber allowing teenagers to ride? Are you for, or against the policy? Let us know by dropping your comments below!
