Buzz
If you're looking to earn extra income, driving for Lyft is an excellent choice. You'll have interesting conversations with passengers as you drive around town. During peak seasons and busy hours, it's possible to make a great income even if this is just a side job. To become a Lyft driver, you need to meet a few basic requirements, submit an online application, and pass a driving test.
Steps to Take
Check the Requirements
Meet the requirements. To drive for Lyft, you must be at least 21 years old. You also need to pass a background check and a driving record review.
- In the past 3 years, you cannot have more than 3 moving violations, such as running a red light. You should also avoid serious offenses like speeding or reckless driving.
- In the past 7 years, you cannot have violations related to substance abuse or driving under the influence. Additionally, you should have no history of serious crimes such as hit-and-run accidents.
- In the past 7 years, you must not have a criminal record involving violence, sexual offenses, theft, property damage, felonies, or drug-related crimes.
Your driver's license must be valid. You need a valid driver's license from your state, along with at least one year of driving experience in the United States. If you've recently moved and want to drive for Lyft, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to get your certification.
- If you have a new state driver's license, you'll need to show proof of one year of driving experience. You can take a picture of your old license before switching to your new state-issued one.
Purchase car insurance in your state. Your car insurance must be valid within your state, and your name must be included on the policy. Additionally, you must have the state's minimum required coverage.
- The information on your insurance policy must match the vehicle you plan to use for Lyft.
Your vehicle must meet the required standards. To drive for Lyft, your car must be a four-door vehicle in good condition. Specifically, the car must have all the necessary safety features, be clean, and free of significant damage. The vehicle must meet the following specifications:
- Car model year 2004 or later.
- All seatbelts must function properly.
- The tread depth of the tires should be adequate. New tires and a coin should fit well in the grooves of the tires.
- All four doors must be in good condition, with handles on the outside for easy opening.
- All lights should work correctly, including turn signals, headlights, warning lights, brake lights, fog lights, and others.
- Air conditioning and heating must work.
- Windows should roll up and down smoothly.
- There should be no obstructions to your view, such as cracks in the windshield.
- The body of the car must be in good condition.
- The muffler and exhaust system must be functional.
- Adjustable seats must be in working order.
- The horn must work.
- The engine, transmission, suspension, steering, and brakes should be in good condition.
Register for the Express Drive program if you don't own a vehicle. If you meet all the requirements but don't have a car, there's still an opportunity for you! You can sign up for one of Lyft's rental car partners, such as Hertz or Enterprise. While you'll need to pay for the rental, this is a great way to get started and later decide whether to purchase your own vehicle for driving.
- The average cost of renting a car for Lyft is between $150 to $250 per week.
Download the mobile app. You'll need a smartphone to work as a Lyft driver since ride requests come through the Lyft mobile app. Specifically, you will need at least an iPhone 4 with iOS 9.0 or higher. For Android, the operating system must be version 6.0 or higher.
Sign up to work
Create a Lyft account. On your personal computer or smartphone, visit the Lyft website. You'll need to provide your full name, email address, city, and phone number. At this stage, you can also get an estimate of your potential earnings based on your city and the number of hours you plan to drive.
Fill in your basic information on the Lyft website. After creating an account, you'll be asked to provide basic details so Lyft can run background checks on your driving record, identity, and vehicle to ensure you meet the qualifications. Lyft will contact you regarding the status of your application.
Christopher Batchelor
Uber and Lyft Driver
Uber and Lyft Driver
The registration process can take about a week. Chris Batchelor, an Uber and Lyft driver, shares: "When I applied to drive for Lyft, I started the process on my phone but later switched to the website to access the links Lyft sent me. I also had to submit documents and photos of my vehicle taken from outside the windshield. The whole process took about a week before I was approved."
Pass the driving test. After completing the online registration, you will receive an email from a Lyft mentor. A Lyft mentor is an experienced driver who will assess your suitability for the role. You will schedule an appointment with the mentor and drive them around for a test run. This is a great opportunity to ask about their Lyft experiences and get valuable advice.
- The mentor will take photos of you, your car, and your certification, and send them to Lyft.
Download the Lyft app. Open the App Store on your smartphone. Use the search bar to type in “Lyft.” Click “Get” to download the mobile app. Once the app is installed, you will see the steering wheel icon appear at the top right corner. Tap on the icon to open the driver interface on the app.
Enter your bank account details into the driver dashboard. To receive payments from Lyft, you must input your bank account information in the driver dashboard on the Lyft account. While you can complete this process on your phone, it's recommended to use a computer. You will need to enter your account number and routing number.
- The routing number is a 9-digit code found at the bottom left of your check.
- The account number, which has 13 digits, is located to the right of the check.
- Lyft only deposits funds into your payment account.
Drive for Lyft
Identify peak hours. You can earn more money by driving during peak hours, so it's important to know when they are in your city. Typically, peak hours occur late at night when people are returning from bars. Early mornings are also considered peak times, as many people request rides to work.
Identify peak seasons throughout the year. The peak season for making money in your area will depend on the local economy. It’s essential to find out when tourists typically start arriving in your city or town, as well as when major festivals or large events are likely to take place here.
Learn from the local driver community. Engage with other Lyft drivers. Join local social media groups for Lyft or Uber drivers, such as Facebook groups. Seek advice from more experienced drivers, such as how to maximize your earnings.
Provide the best service to your passengers. Since passengers will rate their experience during the ride, it’s important to be friendly and offer excellent service. Lyft is known for providing a convenient and enjoyable experience, so it’s a good idea to engage in conversation while driving. A positive attitude not only leads to more tips but also boosts your ratings on the app, which is a key factor for getting more rides.
Tips
- Sign up for both Uber and Lyft. You can earn more money by driving for both platforms. While Lyft is known for having friendlier drivers, Uber is slightly more popular.
Warning
- If you consider yourself introverted and dislike socializing, you should look for another job. It’s tough to receive good ratings on the Lyft app if you're not friendly and approachable.
- You need to be realistic about the earning potential of this job. Lyft driving is an excellent side gig that you can do on weekends or during your free time, but it may not provide a livable income if you do it full-time.
