Deliveroo for beginners: how to get started step by step

By FastBuySale Newsroom · 9 Nov 2026 · 34m ago

Who this guide is for

Deliveroo is one of the UK's best-known food delivery apps, and becoming a rider is a common way to earn flexible income around studies, another job or family commitments. For beginners, the application is straightforward, but the first sessions can feel confusing: how offers work, what to do at a busy restaurant, what happens if a customer does not answer. This step by step guide walks through the whole process from applying to understanding your first fee statement. It does not promise any level of earnings, which depend on your city, the times you ride and how many riders are online. Features change, so check the rider app for current details.

Step 1: apply

Start your application in the rider app or on Deliveroo's rider website. You will enter your name, contact details, city and the vehicle you plan to use. Some cities only accept certain vehicle types at certain times, depending on demand. If your area has a waiting list, you may be contacted when places open. Make sure the email address and phone number you use are ones you check regularly, because updates arrive there.

Step 2: right to work and identity checks

Riders must prove they have the right to work in the UK. Depending on your status, this could involve a passport, a share code from the Home Office or other accepted documents. You will also verify your identity, often with a selfie that is matched to your documents. Deliveroo may ask for further identity checks when you log in later, to make sure the registered rider is the person working. Upload clear, valid documents to avoid delays.

Step 3: set up your vehicle

Add your vehicle type in the app. For cyclists and legal e-bike riders, there are no licence or insurance documents to upload, though your bike must be roadworthy. For mopeds, motorbikes and cars, you will need to provide a valid driving licence and insurance that covers food delivery, often called hire and reward cover. Make sure your vehicle meets UK legal rules; privately owned e-scooters cannot be used on public roads.

Step 4: get your kit

You need an insulated delivery bag big enough to keep food level, a secure phone mount, a power bank, lights for riding after dark, a helmet and high-visibility clothing. Waterproofs are essential in the UK. Riders can usually buy kit through Deliveroo or use their own suitable equipment. Test everything on a short ride before your first session.

Step 5: add your bank details

Enter your bank details in the app so fees can be paid. Use an account in your own name and check the details carefully. Consider a separate account for delivery income to make records easier.

Step 6: learn the app

Before your first session, explore the app. Find the button to go online, learn how offers appear, where to see the restaurant and customer details for an accepted order, how to contact customers and support, and where your fee statements are. Look at the map to see busy areas in your zone. The more familiar you are with the app, the less stressful your first orders will be.

Step 7: log in at a busy time

Choose a busy time for your first session, such as a weekday evening between six and nine or a weekend lunchtime. Head to an area with plenty of restaurants. Log in and wait for offers. Keep your first session short, perhaps two hours, so you can learn without pressure.

Step 8: accept an offer

When an offer appears, the app shows details such as the restaurant, the trip and the fee. You have a short time to accept or reject. As a beginner, start with offers from restaurants near you and with shorter trips. Once you accept, the app guides you to the restaurant.

Step 9: collect the order

At the restaurant, follow any pickup instructions, such as a specific door or counter for riders. Give the order number shown in the app. Check that the order is complete and sealed, with drinks and sides included, before you leave. Place food carefully in your bag, keeping it level and separating hot and cold items. Confirm collection in the app.

Step 10: deliver to the customer

Follow the app's navigation to the customer, read their delivery notes and ride safely. At the address, follow instructions such as ringing a buzzer or leaving the order at the door. Hand the order over politely and confirm delivery in the app. If you are delivering alcohol or other age-restricted items, check the customer's ID following the age verification rules.

Step 11: handle problems

If you cannot find the address, the customer does not answer or the restaurant is very late, use the in-app options to contact the customer or support and follow the steps shown. Do not leave food in unsafe places or keep it without following the process. Calm, clear handling of problems protects you from complaints.

Worked example: a first evening

Sophie rides an e-bike for her first two-hour session on a Friday evening. She completes five orders, earning 22.50 pounds in fees plus a 5 pound boost and 4 pounds in tips, a total of 31.50 pounds. She spends about 1 pound on charging. Her profit is 30.50 pounds for two hours, or 15.25 pounds an hour before tax. She sets aside about 20 percent for tax, roughly 6.10 pounds. The percentage calculator on this site makes this easy.

Step 12: read your fee statement

The app shows a statement for each pay period, listing each order's fee, boosts and tips. Check it against your own notes and report any errors promptly. Download or screenshot statements for your records.

Step 13: plan for tax

Riders are self-employed. If your trading income in a tax year exceeds the 1,000 pound trading allowance, register for Self Assessment by 5 October after the end of the tax year, file your return and pay Income Tax and National Insurance by 31 January. Allowable expenses, such as bike repairs, fuel, phone costs and kit, reduce your taxable profit.

Step 14: build good habits

Ride safely and follow the Highway Code, never use your phone while moving, keep your bag clean, be polite at restaurants and doors, and keep records of earnings and costs. Review your sessions each week and focus on the times and areas that pay best.

Step 15: choose your regular sessions

After your first week, look at which sessions gave you the most orders per hour. Many riders find weekday evenings, Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday evenings the busiest, with rainy days busier still. Lunchtimes can be good in business districts and university areas. Mid-afternoons are often slow. Build a weekly routine around your best sessions, and leave quieter times for rest. Consistency also helps you learn which restaurants are quick and which addresses are tricky.

Step 16: keep your vehicle in shape

Regular checks prevent breakdowns that end sessions early. Check tyre pressure, brakes, chain and lights each week, charge e-bike batteries fully before sessions and service mopeds and cars on schedule. Keep a small repair kit with you. Note maintenance costs in your records as allowable expenses.

Common questions in the first week

Many beginners wonder whether rejecting offers will hurt them, whether they must wear branded kit and whether they can ride for other apps. As self-employed riders, you can usually reject offers, choose your own kit as long as it is suitable and work for other platforms at the same time, following each platform's rules.

Staying safe on every session

Plan routes that avoid dangerous junctions, use lights after dark, wear a helmet and high-visibility clothing, and stop riding if you feel tired or unwell. No delivery is worth an accident.

Reader questions

Have a question about delivery work? Send it through the Ask page on this site.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and is not legal or tax advice. Requirements, fees and features vary by city and change; check the rider app and official guidance for current details.

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