Are you looking for a new side hustle this year? 

Becoming a Lyft driver is a great way to make extra money and be your own boss. Whether you’re looking for a weekend side hustle or full-time employment, driving with Lyft enables you to set your own hours, work when and where you want, and get paid quickly. 

In this article, you’ll learn the basics of becoming a Lyft driver, including qualifications, the application process, and tips on how to make the most of your experience. With ride-hailing becoming more popular than ever before, now’s the perfect time to start exploring the possibilities of being a Lyft driver!

What is Ridesharing? 

Ridesharing, or peer-to-peer ridesharing, is a relatively new concept in the transportation industry. It arose out of the need for an alternative to traditional methods of commuting, such as taxis and public transit. The concept of ridesharing is connecting riders who want a ride with drivers who are willing to offer one. 

Ridesharing first gained traction in 2012 when companies like Lyft, Uber and Sidecar began offering services in major cities around the world. In addition to providing riders with an affordable way to travel, these companies also employ innovative technologies and business models that have revolutionized how we view transportation. As of 2020, over 12.5 million people are using ridesharing. 

Lyft History 

Lyft was founded in 2012 by Silicon Valley engineers Logan Green and John Zimmer. Their mission was to create a more affordable, enjoyable, and convenient way for people to get around their cities. 

The two entrepreneurs wanted to make transportation accessible to everyone, so they created a transportation network that connected riders looking for rides with drivers who wanted to pick up passengers. Initially, Lyft employed a “suggested donation” model before moving on to the traditional ride-hailing pricing structure we know today. They also pioneered using peer-to-peer (P2P) technology and connecting riders quickly with nearby drivers through their mobile app.

Steps To Becoming A Lyft Driver 

Becoming a Lyft driver is a simple and straightforward process. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:

Step One: Meet the Minimum Requirements 

Drivers must be at least 21 years old, possess a valid driver’s license and have access to an eligible 4-door vehicle. Some states require you to be 25 in order to drive for Lyft, so check your local region to make sure you are old enough before continuing to the next step! 

Step Two: Complete an Online Application 

Submit an online application with your personal information, such as name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. 

Step Three: Pass a Background Check 

Lyft will then conduct a background check to ensure you meet safety standards before being accepted. Note: this will not affect your credit score; it is simply a criminal and driving history background check. 

Step Four: Upload Documents 

Upload proof of residency, auto insurance policy and your vehicle registration in order to complete the application process. In certain states, you will need to get your vehicle inspected as well. 

Step Five: Get Approved 

After all required documents are submitted, Lyft will review your application and notify you when it’s approved. If successful, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to proceed with setting up your profile in the Lyft Driver app.

Step Six: Start Driving! 

Once everything is set up in the Lyft Driver app, you can start working as soon as possible and begin earning money through ride-hailing!

Common Application Delays 

There are a few things that can cause your application to be delayed, so it is important to make sure you have all of your documents and information ready when you are applying to be a driver to expedite the process. 

Here are the top reasons for application delays: 

• Background Check: A background check can take several weeks to process due to the number of companies involved in the process. If you have any sort of criminal record, this will also slow down the process.  
• DMV Records: It can take upwards of a few weeks for the DMV to get Lyft individuals driving records, which will show them your driving history and any committed traffic violations before approving your application. 
• City & State Requirements: Depending on where you live, there are different requirements from the city and the state. Having an out-of-state license for the state you are trying to drive in will significantly slow down the process and may cause you to be denied. Also, make sure you know the vehicle inspection requirements for the city and state you live in. 
• Insurance Requirements: As a driver, you are required to have up to date insurance. If there is anything invalid on your policy, this could cause delays. 
• Vehicle Acceptance/Requirements: This also can vary by state, and some states require an in-person vehicle inspection before you can become a driver. Scheduling an inspection can cause delays in approval. 

Earning Potential 

Once you get past the application process and are approved as a Lyft driver, the earning potential is quite high. Lyft drivers can expect to make an average of $21 per hour, with experienced drivers making up to $30 per hour or more. 

This estimated income can vary based on the time of day, location and type of ride requested. For instance, demand for rides is higher during rush hour, so drivers may earn more during this time period. Additionally, Lyft offers various promotions and bonuses, which can increase earnings even further.

FAQS About Lyft 

Here are a few commonly asked questions about Lyft. 

How long does the application process take?

The online portion of the application takes approximately 30 minutes or less to complete. The background check from Lyft takes a few days to a few weeks. If you have to get a vehicle inspection, that can take a few days as well, depending on where you are located and the wait times in your area. 

Some applicants have received a response from their Lyft application in as little as 48 hours but still had to wait for the result of the background check. 

Can you check the status of your application? 

Yes, you can log into your account on your phone or computer and check the status of your application at any time. 

Lyft uses the company Checkr for their background checks, and you can log into the portal to check the status of your background check as well. 

How far back does the Lyft background check go?

Lyft checks your record seven years back for criminal history. You will automatically be disqualified if you have a DUI or have committed any violent crimes. Some misdemeanors will be accepted, but it is up to Lyft to decide. 

What are the peak hours for driving for Lyft? 

Lyft’s peak hours are similar to those hours with a lot of traffic on the road—think morning and evening commutes, rush hours, or during big events like concerts, sports games or theater performances. During these times, there is typically surge pricing for the riding, which results in more money for the driver. 

During peak hours, you will also have an influx of riders, which means you will make more money and not have to wait around for a lull in between rides. 

Can you use a rental car as your vehicle? 

Yes, you can, but you need to rent the car through Lyft’s Express Drive program. 

Is driving for Lyft safe?

Lyft offers 24/7 customer service and support for its drivers and their passengers. The team can be contacted via phone or email. If there is an emergency, there is also the ability to contact 911 via the app. 

Do you need different car insurance to drive for Lyft?

Lyft offers a variety of insurance policies to protect drivers and passengers. All vehicles used for ride-hailing must have personal liability insurance with at least $1 million in coverage. Additionally, Lyft provides contingent liability insurance that kicks in once the driver’s personal policy reaches its limit. 

Is there an age requirement for passengers? 

You must be 18 years old to download and use the Lyft app. If you suspect someone is younger than 18 without a guardian, it is okay to ask for ID before giving them a ride. 

What are the best cars for Lyft drivers? 

The best vehicles for Lyft drivers are ones that get good gas mileage, are safe, reliable, and have reasonably priced repairs. 

Here are a few top cars according to riders: 

• Toyota Prius 
• Toyota Camry 
• Chevrolet Suburban
• Lexus SE Sedan 
• Honda Odyssey 
• Hyundai Sonata
• Honda Accord
• Toyota Sienna

What is the furthest distance you can drive for one passenger? 

The furthest you can take a passenger is 100 miles. You cannot cross international borders with passengers, and drivers have the right to deny any requests that make them uncomfortable. 

Can you drive for both Lyft and Uber? 

Yes, both companies hire their drivers as independent contractors, so you can drive for both at the same time. 

Become A Lyft Driver

Driving with Lyft is a great way to make some extra money while enjoying the flexibility and freedom of your own schedule. 

Lyft offers various insurance policies to protect drivers and passengers, which helps ensure that drivers are protected in case of an accident. So whether you’re looking for supplemental income or just want the flexibility that comes from being a rideshare driver, driving with Lyft is definitely worth considering.