Ride-Hailing: Uber and Bolt

Uber pays around £12–£18/hour after costs in most UK cities. You need a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) licence from your local council (costs £300–£600, takes 4–8 weeks), a PHV-licensed vehicle, and to pass Uber's background check. Once set up, hours are entirely flexible, work when you want, stop when you want.

Bolt is Uber's main UK competitor and generally takes a lower commission, some drivers prefer working both platforms simultaneously to maximise bookings.

Realistic monthly earnings: 15–20 hours/week = £700–£1,200 after fuel and costs.

Food Delivery: Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat

Lower barrier to entry than ride-hailing, no PHV licence needed, can be done by bicycle, scooter or car. Pay is typically £8–£14/hour depending on location and time. Peak hours (Friday/Saturday evenings, lunch rushes) pay significantly more.

Deliveroo pays a fixed fee per delivery plus tips. Uber Eats operates similarly. Both have apps that show demand in real time so you can pick your most profitable hours.

Realistic monthly earnings: 10–15 hours/week = £400–£700.

Amazon Flex

Deliver Amazon packages in your own vehicle. Pays £13–£15/hour for blocks of 3–6 hours. Requires a car, a smartphone, and passing Amazon's background check. Less social than ride-hailing but consistent work, particularly in suburban areas.

Slots book up quickly through the app, turn on notifications and grab blocks early in the morning when they drop.

Costs to Account For

All driving side hustles come with real costs: additional fuel, increased vehicle wear, insurance (you'll need hire and reward insurance for carrying passengers or goods professionally), and potential Class 2 National Insurance contributions. Factor these in before calculating your real hourly rate.

Tax: income from driving side hustles is taxable. The first £1,000/year is covered by HMRC's Trading Allowance. See our full tax guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can you make driving for Uber in the UK?

Uber drivers in UK cities typically earn £12–£18 gross per hour. After fuel, insurance and vehicle costs, most earn £8–£12 net per hour. Working 15–20 hours per week generates £600–£1,200/month net.

Do I need a special licence for Deliveroo?

No special licence is required for cycling or using a scooter/moped. Car delivery requires standard driving licence and hire and reward insurance. Uber and ride-hailing require a Private Hire Vehicle licence.

Is Amazon Flex worth it?

Yes for many drivers, £13–£15/hour is above the hourly rate for most delivery platforms. The main limitation is slot availability, which requires checking the app frequently.