Uber and other rideshare services are growing in popularity as a way for people to earn extra cash or find flexible employment, but these companies have strict background check procedures for hiring contractors. If you are convicted of reckless driving, this will likely prevent you from becoming a rideshare driver.

What Background Checks Look For

Background checks vary slightly according to the company you wish to drive for. Uber, the most popular rideshare service, looks for the following:

  • A minimum of one year licensing history in the United States, or three years of driving history if you're under 23
  • A clean Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) with no major moving violations, such as a DUI or reckless driving, and no more than three minor moving violations, such as a speeding ticket, in the past three years
  • A clean criminal record with no convictions for prior offenses specified by local law

Uber does not charge for a background check or request a copy of your credit report to determine if you'll be accepted as a driver.

Background checks typically take less than seven days to complete. Often, drivers who are initially denied maintain the option to reapply at a later date.

How a Reckless Driving Attorney Can Help Potential Uber Drivers

Don't simply pay your reckless driving ticket and hope for the best. A reckless driving attorney can investigate avenues of defense to have your charge dropped or reduced to a lesser offense such as speeding. If successful, this would allow you to still earn money as a qualified Uber or rideshare service contractor. 

If you've already been convicted of reckless driving, an attorney can help you appeal the conviction. This will result in a new trial with a different judge, but you must file an appeal within 10 calendar days of your conviction date.

 T. Kevin Wilson is committed to investigating every possible avenue of defense for Virginia drivers charged with reckless driving. Call today to schedule a free, no-obligation initial consultation.