Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many people lost their jobs and the economy was affected, leading Brazil to a high level of unemployment. One solution that many people have used to overcome the crisis is working as an Uber driver. 

Those who choose to work with the company can earn up to three times the minimum wage in major cities like São Paulo, even with simpler cars.

This amount may vary depending on the city, work schedule, and type of car used. 

To help you earn some extra cash, we've written an article showing you how to make extra income as an Uber driver. Be sure to check it out!

The first step to start working as an Uber driver is to go to the company's website, register, and submit the necessary documentation requested by the app. 

The list of documents needed to register as an Uber driver is simple and accessible, as we'll show you now:

The documentation must be submitted online through the application's website, which facilitates the entry of drivers who wish to work and earn extra income. 

There are some specific requirements to be an Uber driver. 

You must be of legal age, have no criminal record, and possess a valid category B driver's license with the notation EAR: Performs Remunerated Activity. 

This type of notification, which is recorded on the back of the driver's license, is essential for anyone who works with vehicles. 

The company does not accept drivers with a PPD – a provisional driving permit issued by the DETRAN (Department of Motor Vehicles) for newly licensed drivers. 

To obtain the EAR (Economic Activity Registration) on your driver's license, you must request a renewal of your driver's license. 

The request can be made in person at the Detran (Department of Motor Vehicles) or through apps and websites of each state. 

You need to indicate that you wish to include the EAR observation.

For renewal, a psychological exam will be required, and after this consultation, the new driver's license will be delivered to the driver's home within 10 business days. 

Something important to mention about the delivery time for a driver's license is that it varies from state to state. 

After all the documentation has been submitted, the average driver approval time is approximately 10 days. 

Another important point to mention is that the ride-hailing company conducts background checks on drivers who register to work as drivers. 

With user safety in mind, drivers with criminal records are not approved to work as Uber drivers. 

The answer to that question depends directly on the category in which the driver wishes to work. 

To work as an Uber X driver, which is the most widely used and also one of the cheapest versions, aspiring Uber drivers need to have a car from 2008 or newer with four doors, five seats, and air conditioning. 

To be an Uber Select driver, which has prices 20% higher than Uber X, the company requires that vehicles be 2021 model year or newer, also with four doors, five seats and air conditioning. 

To work as an Uber Black driver, whose price is double that of Uber X, the driver must have a black sedan or SUV. 

The company requires specific vehicle years and models for the driver to qualify for each category.

One important piece of information that many people don't know is that it's possible to work as an Uber driver without owning a car. 

In this case, you can simply rent a vehicle from another person or from rental companies that meet the company's requirements. 

Therefore, rental prices depend on the car model and mileage, and Uber itself has partnerships with some car rental companies. 

One of the most famous car rental companies that offers a rental option exclusively for Uber drivers is Localiza Hertz. 

But if you don't have a car and want to work as a driver for the app, you can rent a car. 

Because those who choose to be company drivers don't have any kind of formal employment contract. This is because, upon starting their work, the person is considered self-employed, as they can work whenever and for as long as they want. 

The amount earned as an Uber driver varies depending on the city of operation, working hours, and the type of car they own, which are classified into different categories within the app. 

So, generally speaking, app drivers earn around R$ 600 to R$ 800 per week, after deducting fuel costs.

Furthermore, these earnings are compatible with weekly working hours ranging between 60 and 70 hours per week. 

Payment is made through weekly installments to drivers, which can be made between Monday and Friday. 

So here's a point that many people are unaware of. Both drivers and passengers are insured by the company. 

The insurance includes coverage for medical, hospital, and dental expenses up to R$ 15 thousand.

There is coverage for total or partial permanent disability up to R$ 100 thousand depending on the degree of loss or functional reduction of the affected limb. 

However, in the event of death due to an accident, the insurance value is fixed at R$ 100 thousand.

So, now that you know everything you need to know to work as an Uber driver to earn extra income, how about signing up for the app? Also, check below to see if it's still worthwhile for people to use Uber, or if they should buy a car.