Becoming a Just Eat driver is a popular choice for individuals looking for flexible work that fits their lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to earn extra cash or take on a more consistent role, the process of becoming a Just Eat driver is straightforward.
This guide will walk you through the steps to get started, including the requirements, application process, and insights into what you can expect once you hit the road.
How to Become a Just Eat Driver?
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
To qualify as a Just Eat driver, you must meet specific essential criteria:
- Age Requirement: You need to be at least 18 years old if delivering by bike, and at least 21 if you want to use a moped.
- Valid License and Insurance: For those using a car or moped, a valid driving license and appropriate insurance (commercial vehicle insurance for moped/car users) are required. Cyclists are exempt from insurance but should use a reliable bike.
- Vehicle: The vehicle should be in good working condition. For cars, Just Eat prefers vehicles that are no older than eight years and that meet local standards for emissions and maintenance.
- Smartphone: You’ll need a smartphone capable of running the Just Eat Courier app, which is essential for managing deliveries and schedules.
Step 2: Sign Up for Just Eat
Once you’ve ensured you meet the minimum requirements, you can begin the application process:
- Create a Profile: Head to the official Just Eat website or app and create your driver profile. You’ll be required to submit your driving license details, insurance, and proof of eligibility to work in the UK (such as a passport or visa.
- Background Check: Just Eat will conduct a background check on your driving history and criminal record. This is a standard procedure, and you’ll be notified if any additional documents are needed.
- Application Fee: Just Eat charges a one-time application fee, usually around £20, which will be deducted from your first paycheck.
Step 3: Getting Set Up
Once your application is approved, it’s time to get set up for your deliveries:
- Delivery Gear: You are responsible for obtaining your own gear, such as a delivery bag and vehicle maintenance equipment. Just Eat offers discounted options on these essentials.
- Insurance: For car or moped drivers, obtaining commercial vehicle insurance is critical. Cyclists won’t need to worry about insurance, but having proper safety equipment (like a helmet) is highly recommended.
Step 4: Start Delivering
Once your setup is complete, you can begin delivering:
- Flexible Shifts: Just Eat allows you to choose your own hours. You can work as little or as much as you like, making it an ideal job for people with other commitments.
- Earnings: The average salary for Just Eat drivers depends on whether you are a contracted employee or self-employed. Self-employed drivers typically earn between £7 and £13 per hour depending on location and time worked.
Contracted employees, however, earn a steady hourly wage ranging between £9.30 and £10.20 per hour.
Step 5: Boost Your Income
To maximise your earnings as a Just Eat driver, focusing on peak hours (like lunch and dinner times) can greatly boost your delivery volume. During these times, more customers order food, leading to increased delivery opportunities. By working during these high-demand periods, you can complete more deliveries in a shorter span of time, which translates to higher earnings.
Additionally, Just Eat offers fee boosts—extra pay for each delivery completed during busy times like weekends or holidays. These incentives allow you to earn more for the same amount of work during select shifts.
By combining peak hours with these fee boosts, you can maximise your earnings with strategic scheduling rather than simply working longer hours.
Conclusion
Becoming a Just Eat driver offers flexibility, decent earning potential, and the chance to work when it suits you. Whether you’re using it as a side hustle or making it a full-time gig, following these steps will get you on the road in no time. With a bit of planning, you can manage the start-up costs and quickly begin to enjoy the benefits of working with Just Eat.