Getting online (Surge: None)

The process of signing up as a driver for Uber was actually quite simple and easy - winning! I started off on Uber's driver partner site (aka "I want to drive"), logged in to my existing Uber rider account, and started off to the races.

The information required was reasonable:

• SSN and consent for a background check to be performed. A check box was available to request the results of the background check (sure, I love data!)
• Snap a photo / upload an image of driver's license
• Snap/upload vehicle insurance
• Snap/upload vehicle registration

That's it! They already had my phone and e-mail from my consumer account, and pulled the address from my driver's license by default. I didn't have insurance and registration handy when I started the process, but that was fine as well.

At some point in there I got a link to download the Uber Partner app. It's not on the app stores so you download from them and have to trust their developer certificate. It handled some (maybe all?) of the sign up flow - my memory is terrible so I've forgotten already 😀

I consented to both texts and e-mails somewhere in there, and boy did they start flowing. I got notifications as information was updated from my license, and as my background check got started. Then I was lazy for a few days and didn't upload other docs right away - clearly there's a drop-off rate, because I got repeated (but not too excessive; I did opt in after all) reminders to upload my docs, as well as suggestions/invitations to stop by the in-person Partner Support center in downtown Boston to complete the process. 

I eventually got around to pulling up the last docs on my computer after receiving the notification that my background check had cleared. I uploaded them on a Saturday mid-day, and on Sunday evening I got the "ready to drive" e-mail, woohoo!

To be continued when I found time to actually drive...