How to Become a Rideshare Driver

By now, you’ve probably heard of ridesharing apps such as Uber and Lyft. If you’ve used either app before, you likely know what they entail and how convenient they are. But what if you’re looking to make some extra income on your own schedule? Becoming a rideshare driver isn’t a complicated process and depending on where you live, could be a livable income.

In this article, we’ll detail what it takes to become a rideshare driver, the major companies you can drive with, and info that could help you be a successful rideshare driver. For more information on ridesharing, refer to our table of contents.

In the most basic sense, ridesharing is the ability to get one-way transportation on short notice without looking for a taxi. In recent years, companies such as Uber and Lyft have revolutionized how we look at transportation. For many people, owning a vehicle is no longer a necessity thanks to ridesharing apps. Simply use your smartphone to select your destination and a vehicle will take you there.

What makes ridesharing unique is that nearly anyone with a vehicle and a driver’s license for at least a year can become a rideshare driver. That means if you own a vehicle that meets the requirements and you complete the background check process, you too could start picking up passengers and shuttling them to their destination in exchange for a fare. As a result, being a rideshare driver has become extremely popular for many parts of the world, allowing people to make income on their own schedule, simply by driving.

Thinking of going out for a nice dinner and a couple drinks? Use a rideshare app. Want to avoid having to fight for parking at a concert or major event? A rideshare driver will drop you off at the door and you can grab a ride back when you’re ready to go.

When signing up as a rideshare driver with either of these companies, you may want to opt for a different service if you’re eligible. This could equate to more income, but could also result in less rides if demand isn’t as high. It all comes down to what you want to use your vehicle for. In addition, food delivery apps like Uber Eats allow you to make income without having to actually drive passengers around. Instead, you’ll make stops at restaurants to pick up and deliver food.

One of the biggest benefits of being a rideshare driver is the ability to work within your own schedule. It offers great flexibility, allowing you to drive when it’s most convenient to you. You’re also your own boss, with no one to answer to. Taking a vacation and want to make some extra money in the evenings once the kids are asleep? Take a few rides that will help cover your hotel for the weekend.

For some driver-partners, there’s joy in meeting a lot of new people and having short conversations while you take them to their destination. Most riders are friendly, especially if you choose to work during the day rather than the night. If you’re tolerant of a noisier bunch or want to live vicariously through others, the late-night crowd is definitely more interesting.

Now there are plenty of cons of being a rideshare driver as well. You’ll add extra wear and tear on your vehicle simply by driving more, which means racking up miles on your car. In addition, you’ll be making a lot more stops at the gas station if you’re driving a standard gasoline vehicle. Don’t forget to budget in the need for new tires and brakes, as well as general maintenance items such as oil changes and windshield wipers.

You also always run into the risk of getting passengers who are not on their best behavior. Some could be loud and obnoxious, while others may not care much about the interior of your car. There are even similar cons for Uber Eats delivery-partners, depending on the food you’re picking up. Some cuisines may leave an unpleasant smell inside your cabin for days, and sometimes you may be waiting a while for the food from the restaurant. This means long trips delivering food for little money in return.

Just remember, you aren’t getting paid until a passenger gets into your car. So, if there isn’t a high demand for rides, you could be driving or parked somewhere for a while waiting for a passenger.

Uber has a few minimum requirements in order to be a driver-partner. First, you must be at least 21 years of age and have at least 1 year of driving experience in the U.S. If you are under 23 years old, then you must have 3 years driving experience. You must hold a valid U.S. driver’s license and use an eligible 4-door vehicle—we’ll detail some of Uber’s vehicle requirements below.

Before you can get cleared to be an Uber driver-partner, you’ll have to supply the following documentation: a valid U.S. driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance, and driver profile photo. The driver profile photo will probably need to be a forward-facing, centered photo that includes the driver’s full face and top of shoulders, with no sunglasses. No other subject can be in the frame, and it must be a well-lit and in-focus photo.

Once you’ve signed up to become an Uber driver-partner, there will be a background check process.

Requirements to drive for Lyft aren’t that much different than Uber. You must be at least 21 years old and you’ll need to pass Lyft’s free, online DMV and background checks. You’ll also need to own an iPhone or Android smartphone. Along with needing a U.S. driver’s license for at least one year, you’ll have to supply Lyft with proof of insurance and a car inspection (for most cities). Like Uber, you’ll also need to submit a photo of yourself.

Most cities will have some local requirements also in order to become a Lyft driver. You’ll want to refer to Lyft’s website so you can select your specific location for further details.

A major part of being a successful rideshare driver is the reviews you get from riders. At the end of each ride, the passenger has the opportunity to rate you and you also have the opportunity to rate the passenger. If your rating drops too low, you may start receiving notifications on how to improve your rating. If it continues to fall, the rideshare company may deactivate you as a driver-partner for its app.

To enhance the experience of your riders, you may find it helpful to grab a few accessories for your car before embarking on your journey as a rideshare driver. Some Uber and Lyft driver-partners even outfit their vehicles with TVs in the headrests and video game consoles to keep their passengers entertained. While the passenger won’t know whether your vehicle is outfitted with those amenities before getting in, they may help you earn that 5-star rating.

Here are some products we recommend to make your ridesharing experience safer and more pleasant for your passengers.*

*Uber or Lyft does not represent or warrant third party products, services, or offers. Products featured here are not selected, endorsed by, or affiliated with Uber or Lyft.