You're ready to drive. You've got the car, the insurance, and the desire to start earning some extra cash on the South Carolina roads. But then you hit that one annoying wall: the Uber inspection form SC requirement. It feels like a chore. Honestly, most people dread this part because they think it's going to be a massive headache or a way for a mechanic to rip them off for a new set of tires they don't actually need.
Getting your vehicle inspected in the Palmetto State isn't just about ticking a box for Uber's corporate office in San Francisco. It's actually a safety hurdle that keeps junkers off the road. If you're driving in Charleston, Columbia, or Greenville, you know how those roads can be. Between the potholes and the summer heat, your car takes a beating.
Here is the thing: South Carolina doesn't have a mandatory state vehicle inspection for regular drivers anymore. That went away years ago. Because of that, Uber (and Lyft) had to step in and create their own standards. If the state isn't checking your brakes, Uber definitely will.
What the Uber Inspection Form SC Actually Requires
So, what is on this mysterious piece of paper? Basically, it’s a 19-point safety check. You aren't getting an emissions test. Nobody cares if your car is "green." They care if it can stop in an emergency and if the lights work.
You’ll need to download the official TNC (Transportation Network Company) vehicle inspection form. You can usually find this right in the "Documents" section of your Uber Driver app. It covers the basics. Headlights. Tail lights. Turn signals. The "big three" of visibility. If one bulb is flickery, you’re done for the day. You’d be surprised how many drivers fail because of a $5 bulb they didn't notice was out.
Then there’s the tires. This is where most people get caught. You need at least 4/32-inch of tread depth. That’s more than the "Lincoln's head" penny test most people use. If your tires are balding, don't even bother showing up. Just go buy the tires first.
Steering and Suspension Are Not Optional
The mechanic is going to get under the car. They’re looking at the steering linkage and the suspension components. If your car rattles like a tin can full of marbles when you hit a bump on I-26, you might have a problem. They check the muffler and exhaust system too. Why? Because carbon monoxide leaks are no joke when you have a passenger in the backseat for a 45-minute ride.
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Wait, did you check your windshield?
In South Carolina, Uber is pretty strict about cracks. A tiny chip might pass if it’s not in the driver’s line of sight, but a "spider web" crack is an automatic fail. It’s a safety hazard. Simple as that.
Where to Get Your Inspection Done in South Carolina
You’ve got options. Some are free, some cost a bit of money.
If you want the easiest route, look for a Greenlight Hub. There used to be more of them, but they’ve consolidated a lot. Often, Uber partners with big chains like Firestone, Goodyear, or Pep Boys. These places usually charge a flat fee—somewhere between $20 and $40—to fill out the Uber inspection form SC.
But here is a pro tip: call ahead.
Don't just roll up to a Firestone in North Charleston on a Saturday morning and expect them to drop everything. Some locations have a specific "Uber guy" who does the inspections.
The Independent Mechanic Route
You can technically go to any ASE-certified mechanic. If you have a guy you trust in Spartanburg or Sumter, ask him. Just make sure you print the form first. Do not expect the mechanic to have it. They won't. They’ll look at you like you have three heads. Bring the paper, hand it to them, and pay for thirty minutes of their time.
Some drivers try to use remote inspection services. These are companies where you video chat with a mechanic, and they watch you test your lights and show them your tire tread. Uber usually accepts these, but keep your receipt. The app can be finicky about digital signatures sometimes.
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Common Reasons for Failing the Inspection
It’s rarely the big stuff. People rarely fail because their engine is about to explode.
It’s the "dumb" stuff.
- The Seatbelt Click: Every single seatbelt has to click and retract. If your kid jammed a piece of Lego into the backseat buckle three years ago and it doesn't lock, you fail.
- Wiper Blades: If they streak or squeak, replace them. It’s $20 at AutoZone and takes two minutes.
- The Horn: When was the last time you actually used your horn? Try it before you go. If it’s a pathetic little wheeze, the mechanic might mark it as a fail.
- Body Damage: Uber says the car should be "free of cosmetic damage." Now, a small door ding from a grocery cart is fine. But if your bumper is held on by duct tape and a prayer, you aren't passing. South Carolina drivers are notoriously "expressive" with their driving style, but your car can't show the scars of it.
The Paperwork Shuffle
Once the mechanic signs that Uber inspection form SC, you aren't done. Now you have to deal with the app’s AI.
You need to take a photo of the form.
Make sure you are in a brightly lit room.
No shadows.
No blurry corners.
The AI that scans these documents is incredibly picky. If it can't read the mechanic's license number or the date, it will reject it instantly. You’ll get a notification saying "Document blurry" and you’ll want to throw your phone across the room.
Save yourself the stress. Lay the form flat on a table, stand over it, and use flash if you have to. Ensure all four corners of the page are visible in the frame.
Why This Form Matters for Your Business
Think of this as your "license to operate." Without a valid inspection on file, the Uber app will simply toggle you offline. You can't see requests. You can't make money.
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In South Carolina, the gig economy is competitive. You’ve got college kids in Clemson and professionals in Greenville all vying for the same Friday night surges. If your inspection expires on a Thursday and you didn't realize it, you’re missing out on the most profitable days of the week.
Check your document expiration dates once a month. Uber usually sends a reminder 30 days out, but don't rely on them. They’re a tech company; glitches happen.
A Note on Vehicle Age
Keep in mind that the form is only half the battle. Your vehicle also has to meet the age requirements for South Carolina. Generally, for UberX, your car needs to be 15 years old or newer. If you’re trying to get an inspection for a 2007 Camry in 2026, you're wasting your time. The form will be valid, but the car won't be.
Getting it Done Fast
If you are in a rush, look for "Openbay" or similar services that partner with Uber. They often have "Uber Inspection" as a specific button you can click to book an appointment. It streamlines the pricing so you don't feel like you're being upcharged for a simple safety check.
Most inspections take about 20 to 30 minutes. It’s a great time to clean out your car. If you’re going to be a 5-star driver, you might as well vacuum the floor mats while you wait for the mechanic to finish checking your brake pads.
Actually, check your brake pads yourself first. If you can see they are thin, get them swapped before the inspection. It saves you two trips.
Actionable Steps to Pass Today
Don't overthink this. It's a checklist. Treat it like one.
- Download the latest version of the inspection form from the Uber website or driver app. Do not use an old one you found on a random blog from 2019.
- Conduct a "pre-inspection" in your driveway. Test every light, the horn, the wipers, and the seatbelts.
- Check your tires using a tread depth gauge. You can buy one for $3, and it's more accurate than a penny.
- Find a certified shop in your city (Charleston, Columbia, etc.) and confirm they specifically do TNC inspections.
- Clean your car. Mechanics are human. If the car is a disaster inside, they might look closer at other things. A clean car suggests a well-maintained car.
- Upload the photo immediately after the inspection. Don't wait until you get home. Do it in the parking lot of the shop so if the photo is bad, you still have the physical paper right there to retake it.
Once that document is uploaded and approved—which usually takes 2 to 24 hours—you are officially cleared to hit the streets. Stay safe out there on those SC roads.