How many times each day do you see a UPS truck or Uber driver on the road?
My neighbor is a Lyft driver, and he comes and goes all day long.
Have you ever wondered about the requirements for these jobs?
As more people need to transport themselves and goods across the country, job opportunities are everywhere for those willing to drive professionally.
While many driving jobs require a CDL, some do not.
So what are some non-CDL driving jobs, and how can you apply?
We will look at four popular occupations and how you can get started as soon as possible.
Table Of Contents
What Are the Basics of a CDL?
CDL is short for Commercial Driver’s License, a certification that a driver can operate commercial vehicles such as a truck with multiple trailers, a tank, or hazardous materials.
Commercial vehicles also include passenger vehicles like buses, and professional truck drivers need a CDL.
A CDL is required for most truck driving jobs and is an invaluable asset for those looking to enter into a career with a trucking company.
But non-CDL drivers can still find plenty of work driving vehicles for a living.
While CDL drivers can operate trucks with removable trailers, it is legal for non-CDL drivers to drive a straight truck.
Straight trucks are vehicles that cannot have their trailers removed, such as UHaul trucks or other moving trucks.
Most local delivery vehicles such as UPS, USPS, and FedEx use straight trucks, and movers and furniture delivery companies also use straight trucks for deliveries.
Non-CDL drivers can also work for rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft.
Since you will be using your vehicle for the job, you do not need to get any additional certification like a bus driver might need.
A CDL driver certification opens up many opportunities, but non-CDL drivers also have many avenues.
What Kind of Jobs Does Not Require a CDL?
Now that you know the difference between a CDL driver and one without a commercial license, it is time to look at some specific jobs you can apply for today.
How Do I Find Non-CDL Driving Jobs?
Before we talk about the various jobs available to non-CDL drivers, we should briefly discuss the places you can find these jobs.
While you may have some local options, these four places are a surefire way to find a job fast.
Indeed
Indeed has been the most popular job-searching website since 2010 and is the gold standard.
Indeed aggregates listings from across the internet to give you the most options of any service.
Indeed lists jobs from across the country, so you will not have trouble finding jobs from New York to San Francisco to South Carolina.
Indeed has several built-in features that make it easy and convenient to use.
You can list your experience and qualifications on the website and see what companies have an immediate opening for a delivery driver.
Indeed also shows a position’s salary if the company has it listed and provides an average if it does not provide that information.
Rideshare Apps
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have exploded in popularity in recent years.
The best part is that non-CDL drivers are free to start driving for either company.
Beginning with a rideshare company is as easy as downloading the app and filling out an application.
Applications for rideshare apps will typically require you to upload a few documents as proof of insurance and a driver’s license, so make sure you have those on hand.
Glassdoor
Though Glassdoor is often first thought of as a place to review companies, it is also a place to find employment with relative ease.
Glassdoor offers many of the same perks as Indeed, allowing qualified applicants to find excellent career opportunities.
Since Glassdoor specializes in company reviews, you will be able to get a feel for the company.
You can better understand the company’s culture, responsibilities, and salary before applying.
ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter is one of the newer job-hunting websites on the market, but it comes with its benefits.
Ziprecruiter specializes in allowing employers to hunt for qualified applicants directly.
This feature means you will spend less time looking at job ads and more time getting job alerts when companies are interested in you.
What Driving Jobs Do Not Require a CDL?
Any of these avenues will be sufficient to find you a job listing that does not require a CDL.
Whether you want to be a van driver with a load of passengers or drive a box truck, you will have options.
But it is essential to find the right job for a non-CDL driver before applying.
We have the four best non-CDL jobs to consider in your job search.
UPS
UPS is one of the top three delivery services in the United States.
A UPS truck driver will pick up parcels from a central hub and deliver them to businesses and residences on a typical day.
UPS drivers use supplied vehicles, so they do not have to purchase additional car insurance, though some openings exist for those who want to use their vehicles.
Full-time drivers will work eight or more hours a day delivering packages.
UPS recommends its drivers be able to carry packages weighing up to 70 pounds.
Drivers will frequently interact with customers, so being comfortable with some customer service is preferred.
Salary can vary greatly depending on your location.
A driver in a rural North Carolina neighborhood can expect a different wage than someone delivering in a city in New Hampshire.
Glassdoor lists the average salary as $49,831 a year, but it can range from $31,000 to $101,000.
You can apply for a job with UPS through their website or find listings on any of the popular online job boards.
Uber
Uber is the most popular rideshare app and has many contractors providing rides for the company.
Those interested in driving for Uber need to have a driver’s license for one year if over 25 years old and for three years if under 25.
You will also need a four-door vehicle for consideration.
Before applying, you will need to gather several documents.
Ensure you have your driver’s license, proof of residency, proof of insurance, and a photo to use as your profile photo.
Once you have submitted these documents, Uber will do a driver screening to see if you have a clean driving record.
Once you’ve begun your Uber career, you can sign in and make yourself applicable for riders to request you.
Once requested, you will head to the pick-up location and drop the client off at their desired destination.
Uber drivers make anywhere from $5 to $26 an hour before expenses.
Rates will depend on how much driving you do, the time of day you drive, and your location.
All Uber drivers are contractors and will have to pay taxes separately, and you will also be responsible for buying your gas.
Lyft
Lyft works similarly to Uber, but each company has its benefits.
Applying to Lyft is similar to Uber and applications are available on Lyft’s website or through the app.
Applicants should provide their driver’s license, insurance information, and the type of car they have.
You can use your car or a rental, but it must be an approved four-door model.
The application takes about 30 minutes, and then Lyft will conduct a background check that takes a few days.
Once those formalities are out of the way, you are ready to get started.
Workflow is just like Uber, where you make yourself available and clients request you for transportation.
Lyft drivers make approximately $15 an hour, but this income does not include costs like car maintenance, gas, tolls, or taxes.
Delivery Driving
Local delivery companies always look for non-CDL drivers to transport goods across the United States.
Furniture companies or grocery stores often need drivers to deliver products to customers’ houses.
Unlike jobs from Uber or Lyft, these jobs will often be on an employment basis and may include benefits.
Salaries will range depending on location and the company but Indeed lists the average base salary as $22 per hour.
The best place to find delivery driving job is through a job board like Glassdoor, Ziprecruiter, or Indeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s take a look at a few common questions non-CDL drivers have about jobs.
What are the pros of getting a non-CDL driving job?
Non-CDL jobs are easier to get than those that require a commercial license and include less training.
They often pay relatively well and are a great way to get your foot in the door for a driving job.
Non-CDL jobs are also plentiful and have you home daily instead of on the road for days.
What are the cons of getting a non-CDL driving job?
Having a CDL opens up many job opportunities.
Non-CDL driving jobs do not pay as well as those requiring a CDL and they jobs typically do not offer benefits for employees.
Conclusion: Non-CDL Driving Jobs
While a CDL is required for many freight jobs, prospective drivers will find many opportunities available without one.
Many non-CDL drivers find work doing local deliveries or providing rideshares through Uber and Lyft.
