Uber Background Check Requirements Change for New Teen Rider Service

Once labeled an industry disruptor, today it would be more accurate to describe Uber as one of the dominant players in the transportation industry. Though it still faces competition from Lyft, even regular taxi companies have adopted many of the same features that ridesharing services pioneered. After years of litigation and controversy over elements such as lax Uber background check requirements, the service no longer faces sustained levels of heavy criticism.

Some of that stems from the normalization of ridesharing services. However, the company has also made many public commitments to safety and has rigorously overhauled its background check processes several times. Now, the company seems confident enough in its capabilities to roll out a new service in some cities that are raising eyebrows: Uber accounts made specifically for teenagers.

Teen accounts aren't uncommon—consider that banks often have such programs—but sharing a vehicle with a stranger is much different than opening a bank account. The announcement that the new teen accounts has raised many questions.

How will Uber keep younger ridesharing users safe?

Uber says it developed its new program by working with a nonprofit organization created to advocate for child safety. Several new features have been added to the app for teen accounts to provide riders with more safety options. These include:

• Only parents can invite teens to make an Uber account through their family plan.
• Secure, private in-app recordings of ride audio for accountability.
• GPS and phone sensor data trigger alerts if the ride deviates from the planned course or another anomaly occurs.
• Real-time trip monitoring ensures parents can always see where their child is.
• For users of Uber Eats, non-age-appropriate products won't be available for purchase.

Alongside these added safety features, Uber has also said it is significantly expanding the amount of screening such drivers experience beyond their typical pre-employment driving record check.

What are the Uber driver background check requirements?

To even undergo consideration for driving teenagers, Uber users will need to have very high user ratings and a proven history of providing high-quality rides through the service. Users must pass the company's usual screening policy, which disallows drivers with many felonies, violent criminal charges, and other concerns. Uber will also scrutinize the driver's record through state MVR reports.

Uber will also conduct unspecified "local screening" forms that are even more in-depth than their usual background check. Drivers who pass this screening will need to set and provide a unique PIN code every time they want to accept a ride from a teenage user, and they will also face continuous ongoing monitoring for any new or pending criminal charges.

The Future of Ridesharing Safety

Will enhanced Uber background check requirements and extra safety measures be enough to protect teens looking for ridesharing services? That remains to be seen, but parents have many reasons to explore this new service offering. With accountability and parental controls built in, Uber has demonstrated a strong effort to protect younger riders, at least on the surface. Parents should review the solutions available in the app carefully should this service roll out nationwide or into more test markets.