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How To Become A Lyft Driver [Step-By-Step] In 2024

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Become a Lyft Driver Now

New drivers can earn a guaranteed bonus amount, varying by city. Apply today to unlock what yours will be!

  • Getting started is simple. All that is needed to apply is a mode of transportation and a smartphone.
  • Enjoy a flexible schedule, choosing when, where, and how much you earn.

Step 1: Comply With Your State and Local Eligibility Requirements

Lyft driver requirements vary by state, depending on age, vehicle standards, and driving history.

Here’s an overview of the platform’s eligibility checklist:

  • Age: The minimum age requirement for all Lyft drivers is between 21 to 25.
  • Vehicle Standards: Lyft vehicles must have four doors and five to eight seatbelts for listing eligibility. Taxis and stretch limousines aren’t accepted.
  • Driving History: Lyft drivers must comply with their state’s minimum driving years of experience. Areas like California, Hawaii, and Minnesota require a one-year driving experience to be eligible.

Step 2: Prepare Your Vehicle Registration Documents

Car owners applying as Lyft drivers must prepare a driver’s license, current registration, current plates, and an active personal auto insurance policy under their name.

If your car insurance policy documents don’t capture your name, you’ll have to call your insurance provider for a copy of the declaration page indicating it.

Step 3: Create a Lyft Account

You can sign up for an account using its mobile app or website.

Open Lyft’s driver’s application page on your browser and provide your mobile number:

You’ll receive a verification code to proceed with your account setup. From here, you’ll need to provide your details, email address, and copies of documents you’ve gathered from Step 2.

The same process goes for mobile setup. Download the Lyft app from Google Play or App Store and provide your details as prompted.

Step 4: Consent to Lyft’s Mandatory Background Check

Lyft requires a thorough driving history and criminal background check for aspiring drivers to ensure the quality and reliability of their workforce.

Inclusions of these background checks include:

  • Reckless driving
  • Alcohol and drug-related offenses
  • Sexual offense
  • Fraud-related crimes in the past seven years
  • Theft or property damage
  • Act of terror
  • Aggravated assault, carjacking, homicide, human trafficking, and other violent crimes

Depending on your driving record, background checks can run as fast as two to four days and up to several weeks. Factors like your county’s lack of electronic records can prolong the process.

Lyft partners with Checkr Inc. to conduct the examination, and you can always check the progress of your background check through its online portal.

The ridesharing company reserves the right to decline your application, so if you suspect an error or lack of info in the background check results, you can directly contact Checkr to resolve the issue.

Here’s a guide to Lyft’s application status for more info.

Step 5: Undergo DMV Check

On top of the criminal records check, you must also pass the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) check to ensure a clean driving record.

Applicants with records of the following have higher chances of getting disqualified:

  • A serious driving-related conviction like a car felony and hit-and-run
  • Repetitive traffic light violations
  • Major moving violations in the past three years
  • Alcohol or drug-related driving violations in the past three years

Step 6: Complete Lyft’s Community Safety Education Program

As part of the platform’s advocacy to maintain a safe and pleasant environment for drivers and passengers, you must complete its community safety education program to start giving rides.

The program is around 20 minutes long, comprising six short videos covering topics like diffusing uncomfortable situations, reading passenger boundaries, and appropriate in-car conversations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Need to Own a Car to Become a Lyft Driver?

You don’t need to own a car to be a Lyft driver. The platform’s Express Drive feature allows drivers to rent a car from Lyft’s reliable partners like Hertz and Flexdrive at flexible pricing plans.

How Much Can I Make as a Lyft Driver?

Lyft driver earnings vary a lot. In a Business Insider report, drivers report up to $36 an hour in earnings, while ZipRecruiter records an average of $15 an hour. Other factors affecting your earnings include tips, which you keep 100%, and platform bonuses.

Wrapping Up

Becoming a Lyft driver is straightforward and doesn’t require a huge investment. You only need to create a Lyft account and submit your driver credentials along with other required documents for background checks.

Get the essentials ready and start earning money driving for Lyft!

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