The way people work is changing. In the UK, the gig economy has risen in popularity over the past decade, offering people more flexible ways to earn a living outside of traditional 9-to-5 jobs. For those looking to supplement their income, find temporary work between roles, or prefer the freedom of choosing their hours, gig economy driving apps have become an essential part of the modern employment landscape.
Quick Navigation
Why Should You Use Gig Economy Driving Apps?
If you are a student or already have a job, joining the gig economy can help you earn spending money or complement the salary you are already earning. One of the biggest advantages of this kind of work is that you can create your own schedule. Gig economy jobs can be easily combined with studies and work, with no commitment to drive on specific days or times. You choose when you want to hit the road. This type of job is usually easy to attain, with most driving apps not requiring an interview or a CV, only identity verification and a background check.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gig Economy Driving App
There are several factors you should consider when choosing the gig economy driving app for you. Start by checking if the app you’re looking at is available nationwide or only locally. Then, read user reviews to gauge its reputation in the UK. The app or apps you choose should be accessible and easy to use, offer competitive pay rates, and be transparent about their policies. Different apps offer different types of jobs, like delivery, rideshare, and tasks, so make sure the app you select offers the type of service you want to provide.
Top Gig Economy Driving Apps in the UK
Uber
Role: Ride-hailing
Requirements: To drive for Uber, you will need a private-hire license issued by the council that Uber is licensed by. If you don’t have one, Uber will help you with a personalised Ignition appointment in which they offer advice and support after you sign up. Other requirements include: a valid UK driving licence, being at least 21 years old, and providing a bank statement for the account you’ll use to receive payments. It’s recommended that you have your own vehicle.
Pay: Uber guarantees that you will earn at least the National Living Wage on your trips. Part-time drivers report earning between £20,000 and £25,000 per year (before expenses), with an average of £15.97 per hour.
Key Advantages: Flexible schedules, surge pricing periods to maximise earnings, transparent in-app earnings breakdown, and driver rewards.
Deliveroo
Role: Food delivery
Requirements: Proof of your right to work in the UK as a self-employed person, a smartphone with NFC and front/rear cameras, and your own vehicle (bicycle, scooter, cargo bike, or car) with the correct safety gear. You must have a UK bank account, be at least 18 years old, and have no unspent criminal convictions. If using a motor vehicle, you’ll need both delivery and standard motor insurance.
Pay: The delivery fee varies per order and includes a distance component. You can see the fee before accepting. Riders keep 100% of their tips. Average hourly earnings in the UK are approximately £13.46.
Key Advantages: Flexible hours, multi-vehicle support, higher pay during busy periods, bonuses for performance and referrals, and the tips go entirely to the rider.
Just Eat
Role: Food delivery
Requirements: Similar to Deliveroo. Riders must be 18+, have a valid driving licence, own a smartphone (iOS or Android), and use a properly insured moped, bike, or car.
Pay: Just Eat drivers can earn around £25.25 per hour, though this varies by city, demand, and employment type. In some cities, Just Eat offers employed positions with a fixed hourly wage, holiday pay, and sick leave.
Key Advantages: For employed roles: fixed pay, paid leave, job security. For self-employed roles: flexibility, transparent pay, bonus schemes, 100% of tips, access to discounts on partner services
Amazon Flex
Role: Parcel delivery
Requirements: Must live in an area where Amazon Flex operates. Drivers need to be 18+, have a valid UK driver’s licence, the right to work in the UK, and access to a suitable mid-sized vehicle (5+ seats, not including vans). Insurance must cover both personal and commercial use. A smartphone is required to use the app.
Pay: Drivers earn on average £14.01 per hour (gross), with reported ranges from £7.10 to £22.40, depending on time of day, demand, and area.
Key Advantages: Work when you want, guaranteed block-based earnings, easy entry requirements, large operational footprint, slick delivery app, and bonus potential during peak seasons.
Stuart
Role: Same-day local deliveries
Requirements: Must be 18+, have a UK work permit, a smartphone, and access to a bike, moped, or electric vehicle.
Pay: Couriers report earning approximately £13.97 per hour.
Key Advantages: Highly flexible scheduling, multiple vehicle support, clear pay structure, no uniform requirement, quick weekly payouts, and a well-rated app interface.
Things to Consider Before Signing Up
While gig economy driving apps offer flexibility and earning potential, it’s important to go in with your eyes open. Here are a few things to keep in mind before getting started:
Self-Employment Responsibilities: Most gig economy driving apps classify drivers as self-employed. This means you’re responsible for handling your own taxes, National Insurance contributions, and record-keeping. Tools like QuickBooks or Coconut can help you manage finances.
Running Costs: If you’re using your own vehicle, factor in expenses such as fuel, insurance (including courier or hire-and-reward insurance), maintenance, and general wear and tear. These can significantly reduce your take-home earnings.
Inconsistent Workloads: While some weeks may be busy, demand can fluctuate based on the time of day, weather, or local events. There’s no guaranteed income, so consider this work part of a broader income strategy.
Account Deactivation Risks: Most platforms reserve the right to suspend or deactivate accounts due to low ratings, missed deliveries, or terms of service breaches, sometimes without notice.
Physical Demands: Jobs involving food or parcel delivery (especially by bike or foot) can be physically demanding, particularly in bad weather or hilly areas.
Carefully assessing these realities will help you make a smarter decision about whether gig economy driving apps are right for you.
Conclusion
The UK’s gig economy continues to evolve, offering flexible, tech-driven opportunities to earn money on your own terms. Whether you’re delivering takeaways on a bicycle, dropping parcels in your car, or offering rides across town, gig economy driving apps provide a modern alternative to traditional employment.
Each platform has its strengths — some offer higher earning potential, others better structure or benefits. Ultimately, the best app for you will depend on your vehicle, location, goals, and availability. By understanding the pros, cons, and expectations before signing up, you can make the most of what gig economy driving apps have to offer and build a flexible, income-generating routine that fits your lifestyle.