Today, there are so many ways to earn outside the usual 9 to 5 office setup.
One of the more popular career paths — or side hustles — is being a rideshare driver.
Imagine being able to set your own work times…
Drive around…
Meet new people…
Well, that’s what we’re here to help you with.
In this post, we’re going to show you how to become a Lyft driver. We’ll list down all the steps from start to finish.
We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions.
So are you ready?
Let’s go!
How to Become a Lyft Driver in 5 Simple Steps
If you want to be a Lyft driver, you need to go through these 5 steps:
- Meet all the driver and vehicle requirements
- Apply as a Lyft driver
- Attend and complete Lyft’s Community Safety Program
- Go through the ‘Test Ride’
- Start booking your trips and earn money
Let’s walk you through the details of each step…
Step #1: Meet All the Driver and Vehicle Requirements
Admit it.
This is the part you’re most anxious about.
And that’s because you have to meet driver, vehicle, and even mobile phone requirements.
A heads up: there are a LOT of requirements.
These are there to make sure both driver and passenger have a great Lyft experience.
So let’s go over the requirements and see if you can fulfill them all.
Driver Requirements
NOTE: These are the general requirements for most states. Additional conditions may vary per state.
- Meet your state’s minimum age to drive for Lyft. Some states allow as young as 21 years old, while other states require at least 25 years old.
- Have a current and valid driver’s license. It should have full driving privileges, too.
- Pass the general screening process. Prepare for a criminal background check and make sure you have a clean driving history.
- Have a current auto insurance policy under your name.
- If you are residing in the following states, then you need at least one year of driving experience:
- California
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Vermont
- Washington
Vehicle Requirements
NOTE: Different states and cities have different vehicle requirements. Always research before applying.
- Your vehicle must have four doors (jump doors not included) and five seatbelts available.
- Your vehicle must pass the necessary inspection required by the state and city.
- Your vehicle must meet your state’s and city’s model requirements.
- Your vehicle must fit 5 to 8 individuals, including you as the driver.
- Your vehicle’s plates should be registered.
- Registered taxis and limousines are not allowed.
Mobile Phone Requirements
For you to be able to use the Lyft app properly, your mobile phone should be compatible with it and its services.
- Your mobile phone should have a cellular connection.
- If you use an iPhone, you need at least iOS 11 as its operating system.
- If you are an Android user, then you should have at least an Android 7 operating system installed.
Step #2: Apply as a Lyft Driver
You’ll love that it’s SUPER easy to apply as a Lyft driver.
You can even do everything through their app.
Here are the steps:
- Download the Lyft Driver app on your phone. If you want to apply from your desktop, you can head straight to their application page.
- Apply to drive. In this step, you also need to select whether you have your own car or not.
- Provide other basic information such as your complete name, mobile number, and the city you want to drive in.
- Add your vehicle’s information.
- Fill in your driver’s license information.
- Agree to a criminal background check.
- Select your vehicle inspection schedule.
- Upload all the necessary documents. Make sure you have these prepared:
- License plate number
- Driver’s license
- Driver photo
- Medical certificate indicating you’re fit and well to drive
- Proof of vehicle registration
- Proof of auto insurance
After you submit your application, wait for the Lyft team to email you to proceed with your background check and vehicle inspection.
Once this is done and Lyft has screened your application, wait for another email from them. This time, they will either approve or decline you.
If approved, then you can begin your first ride.
Plus, you get a sweet surprise from the team!
Expect to receive a welcome kit that includes the Lyft emblem sticker, placards, and a manual of what to do and not to do as a Lyft driver.
Step #3: Attend and Complete Lyft’s Community Safety Education Program
Lyft values a safe, comfortable, and professional riding experience for passengers.
To equip drivers on how to make this possible, Lyft requires all applicants to complete their Community Safety Education Program.
They have partnered up with RAINN, the leading anti-sexual violence organization in the country, to give you the right resources.
Click here to complete the program.
And when you do, Lyft will give you a $5 bonus if you get five 5-star rides in a row.
Step #4: Go Through the ‘Test Ride’
Thank God there is such a thing as a test ride!
Lyft understands that it might be nerve-wracking to start.
How does the app work?
What buttons should I press?
Where should I wait for passengers?
What should I do after finishing a ride?
This is why they set up a ‘test ride’ feature on the app, called the Ride walkthrough.
This feature will walk you through everything you need to know — from start to finish.
You get to experience driving for Lyft without pressure and anxiety about all these different things.
Step #5: Start Booking Your Trips and Earn Money
Now you know how to navigate through the Lyft Driver app, it’s time to start booking trips.
And as you do, you will also start earning.
If you need additional support throughout the day, you can always check the guide from your welcome kit or get chat assistance through the Lyft Driver app.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lyft Drivers
Okay, okay.
You probably still have a lot of questions about being a Lyft driver.
Well, let’s answer some of the most commonly asked ones…
How Much Do Lyft Drivers Earn?
There’s no specific answer to how much you can earn.
It all depends on where you are, what time you get your bookings, how long you drive, and the tips you receive per trip.
But on average, a Lyft driver can earn anywhere from $12 to $18 an hour, plus tips.
It’s important to remember, though, that Lyft automatically gets 20% of the base fare charged to the riders.
So if you have a goal amount in mind, you can compute how many rides (net the 20%) you need to complete in a day, a week, or a month.
Ohh, also — you get 100% of the tips.
How Do I Earn More as a Lyft Driver?
Since 100% of the tips go to the drivers, this is a great way to earn more.
So always make sure that your riders are satisfied.
Another way to increase your earnings is by driving during the peak or prime hours. Because there is a surge in demand, there is also a surge in pricing.
Peak or prime hours are usually early mornings when many head to work or school, and in the evening when people are coming home from work/school.
Is There a Uniform Required for Lyft Drivers?
No, Lyft does not require uniforms or dress codes for its drivers.
That said, they highly advise you to wear decent clothing to give off a professional look. This will also make your passengers comfortable throughout the ride.
What Are the Usual Reasons Lyft Applications Are Rejected?
The most common reasons for rejection as a Lyft driver are as follows:
- Incomplete or invalid paperwork (usual pitfalls are expired licenses, misspellings, misses on pertinent information, etc…)
- Criminal offenses identified in your background check
- Did not complete the Community Safety Education Program
Can I Still Be a Lyft Driver Even if I Don’t Own a Car?
Yes, you can!
Lyft offers a service called Express Drive. This allows you to rent a vehicle if you don’t own one.
They connect you to their partners, such as Hertz and Avis, to find cars that will pass Lyft’s requirements for an affordable rate.
You can also try other peer-to-peer rental companies like Hyrecar or Turo for other options.
In Summary
And that is how to become a Lyft driver.
Being a Lyft driver is one of the ways you can make money on the side, especially if you have a car and a bit of free time.
Though the requirements are a bit lengthy, the overall process is fast and straightforward.
As long as you meet the requirements, complete your paperwork, and have a clean background, you should be accepted in no time!
So what are you waiting for?
You can go and get started right away!