Becoming a driver for Uber or Lyft isn’t as simple as you may think! While these ride-sharing platforms can be a great way to earn extra money, there’s a little more involved than downloading the driver’s app. So, what are the key requirements every Uber and Lyft driver must meet? In today’s article, we’ll cover the basics, including what can disqualify you from signing up to be a driver.
Driver Requirements
You must meet a few general requirements to become an Uber or Lyft driver. Uber’s requirements are a little more specific than Lyft's, which can determine which platform is the best fit. Yes, you can drive for both ride-share services if you meet the standards.
Uber Driver Requirements
You must have a clean driving record and carry personal auto insurance. This means your name must be listed on the insurance policy. If you’re under 25 years of age, you’ll need at least one year of driving experience. For obvious reasons, you’ll also need a smartphone to download the Uber app. Your vehicle must also meet a specific requirement of being a four-door vehicle. After all, you don’t want to make your passengers crawl into the backseat!
Lyft Driver Requirements
Lyft drivers must be at least 21 years old, though this can vary by region. Some areas may require Lyft drivers to be at least 25 years old, and you’ll also need at least one year of driving experience and can’t have more than three moving violations in a year. Lyft is the same as Uber when it comes to insurance qualifications: your name must be listed on the insurance policy, and a combined policy is acceptable. For example, your name and your spouse’s are both on the policy. A smartphone is a necessity, as you’ll need one to download and use the Lyft app. Oh, and don’t forget about vehicle requirements—Lyft requires a four-door vehicle, which doesn’t include limousines or taxis. With Lyft, you can only use a passenger vehicle or an SUV.
State Requirements for Ride-Share Drivers
All states must follow the guidelines set down in the REAL ID Act. Don’t worry, if you have a current and valid driver’s license, you’re all good. The federal act simply requires all drivers to pass an exam to obtain their license to operate a motor vehicle. If you have a valid driver’s license, you’ve met the federal requirements, now it’s time to look at state requirements. Not every state has specific requirements for drivers interested in partnering with Uber or Lyft. To find out more about your state’s requirements, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles website for your state. For example, ride-share drivers in Colorado must pass a medical exam, which helps ensure you don’t have underlying medical conditions that can potentially place you and your passengers at risk.
What Disqualifies You From Becoming an Uber or Lyft Driver
Not every applicant is accepted into the Uber and Lyft platform, and some factors can disqualify you from becoming a ride-share driver. A big one is if your license is revoked or suspended. If your license is invalid for any reason, including expiration, you can’t drive for either platform, which also applies to your auto insurance policy.
Your insurance must be valid and in your name, and there aren’t any exceptions to this. Be prepared to go through a background check before getting the okay to start picking up ride-share customers. If you have a couple of moving violations dating back a few years, no worries, this isn’t going to prevent your driver’s application from being approved. However, some convictions can automatically make you ineligible to drive for both platforms.
Uber Disqualifications
If you are convicted of any of the following, you can’t become an Uber driver:
- registered sex offender;
- pending felony charges or convictions for felonies;
- a DUI, reckless driving, fraud or theft conviction within the last seven years;
- some misdemeanours may also apply, like vandalism.
Lyft Disqualifications
Lyft automatically disqualifies anyone from becoming a driver for the following reasons:
If none of these apply to you, go ahead and apply to become a driver for Uber and/or Lyft.
- convicted of a violent crime
- any felony on your record
- sexual offence conviction
- DUI
- drug-related convictions
- theft, vandalism, and other types of property damage
If none of these apply to you, go ahead and apply to become a driver for Uber and/or Lyft.
Additional Requirements
A few other requirements to pay attention to involve your vehicle. Your four-door vehicle must be licensed, registered, and insured. The vehicle must also pass a safety inspection, have valid license plates, and have at least four functioning seat belts. Vehicle age also matters. Uber requires vehicles to be no older than 15 years. Lyft follows state guidelines.
Wrap Up: Start Your Career as a Ride-Share Driver
Meeting the necessary requirements to partner with ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can open up a fun and profitable opportunity. Imagine getting paid to meet new people and drive them to their various destinations. It's a unique way to earn income while also engaging with a diverse range of individuals and exploring different parts of your city.
What about you, have you ever been a ride-share driver? Feel free to share any tips & advice below!
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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