Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are incredibly popular options for those looking for a convenient way to get around town. For some, becoming an Uber or Lyft driver is an even more attractive option. With the potential to make a fairly substantial income, many people dabble in ridesharing services as a form of job. Becoming an Uber or Lyft driver is not a difficult task, but there are a few steps you’ll need to take before you can begin. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about becoming an Uber or Lyft driver, from the requirements to get started to the tips and tricks for maximizing your earning potential.
What You Need to Become an Uber or Lyft Driver
Before you can start ferrying riders around, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements set in place by Uber and Lyft.
Age Requirement
The Uber and Lyft requirements clearly state that you must be a minimum of 21 years of age before you start driving with either company.
Driving Record
Uber and Lyft look carefully at your driving record to make sure you are safe on the road. Both companies require that you have at least three years of driving experience, and that your driving record is clean of any major violations like DUIs, reckless driving, hit and runs, etc.
Vehicle Requirements
The vehicle requirements vary based on the city in which you plan to drive, but generally speaking, Uber requires a newer four-door car that typically isn’t more than nine years old. Lyft’s requirements are a bit more lenient, allowing drivers to use cars that are 16 years old or newer.
Setting Up Your Profile
Once you’ve met all of the requirements, the next step is to set up your profile.
Signing Up
Signing up for either service is quite easy, simply visit their website, select the “become a driver” button, and follow the directions from there. You’ll need to enter in basic information about yourself such as your name, address, and phone number.
Other Essential Information:
- Background information: You’ll be asked to provide background information such as your SSN and driver’s license number as well as insurance information.
- Driving History: As noted earlier, you’ll need to provide your driving history.
- Vehicle information: You’ll be asked to provide the make and model of your car, as well as the year it was made and the license plate number.
All of this information is necessary and will be kept secure by the company.
Uploading Your Documents
Once you’ve entered in all the necessary information, you’ll need to upload documents to verify your identity. These documents may include your driver’s license and proof of insurance if applicable. Make sure you upload high-quality pictures of these documents so your profile isn’t denied.
Once your documents are submitted, it can take several days to a week for your profile to be approved. You’ll receive a notification on your phone when your application has finally been approved.
Getting On the Road
Once you’ve been approved and are ready to hit the road, there are a few more things you’ll need to do to get started.
Vehicle Inspection
Before you can begin driving, you must have your vehicle inspected. The inspection must be done by the company you plan to drive for and usually takes place at a designated facility. During the inspection, your car will be checked for safety features and should not have any damage such as dents and scratches.
Downloading the App
Once your vehicle has passed inspection, you’ll need to download the associated app for the company you plan to drive for. This is where you’ll Sign in, take rides, and be paid.
Turn On the App and Start Looking for Passengers
Once you’ve downloaded the app and logged into your account, you can begin looking for passengers. On the app, you can toggle the “driver mode” feature to let potential passengers know you’re available to pick them up.
Tips & Tricks for Maximizing Your Earning Potential
Once you start driving, it’s time to think about how to maximize your earning potential. Here are a few tips to help you maximize your earnings with Uber and Lyft:
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Choose high-demand times: By picking high-demand times, such as rush hour, you can maximize your earning potential since you’ll likely have more passengers to fill your car.
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Stay in high-traffic areas: Since high-traffic areas tend to have more passengers, it’s best to stay close to them.
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Increase your rating: Passengers often assign a rating after each ride. A higher rating ensures that you’ll have more passengers in the future.
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Drive for more than one company: It’s best to take advantage of driving for more than one ridesharing company so you can maximize your earning potential.
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Offer extras: An easy way to increase your earnings is to offer extras to passengers, such as water bottles and snacks.
Ultimately, driving for Uber or Lyft is a great way to make extra money on the side. As you can see, it’s not a difficult process to become an Uber or Lyft driver, you just need to meet a few basic requirements and follow the steps outlined in this article. Plus, if you know the right tips and tricks, you’ll be able to maximize your earning potential while on the road. Good luck!
