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Quickstart Guide to Becoming a Lyft Driver

Driving with Lyft is a flexible way to earn part-time or full-time income.

If you’re interested in driving for Lyft, these are the resources at RidesharingDriver.com that will help you understand the job and get started as a driver.

Drive for Lyft! Click here to apply

Getting started as a driver: Steps to drive for Lyft

Learn the Lyft driver requirements and see all of the steps you’ll need to take to get started.

  • Lyft driver requirements: Do you qualify?
  • A look inside the Lyft background check
  • How to get your vehicle inspected for Lyft
  • Rejected by Lyft: Can you reapply?
  • Too young for Lyft: Other driving gigs to try

All about cars: Vehicle requirements and how to rent a car

Having a qualifying vehicle can be the biggest barrier to driving for Lyft. Learn the vehicle requirements, and how to rent a qualifying car.

  • Lyft vehicle requirements
  • How to rent a car for Lyft: Express Drive review
  • Other rideshare rental options
Rent a Car for Lyft! HyreCar has rental cars for Uber and Lyft drivers.

Life as a Lyft driver: Driving strategies, app features, and how to earn more

Once you get started as a Lyft driver, it might feel like you’re being thrown into the deep end.

Here’s how you can make the most of your time on the road, and how to get help when things go wrong.

  • How drivers can contact Lyft
  • $1000 per week! See amazing Lyft driver pay
  • How Priority Mode works
  • Lyft Streaks: How they work, and how to get more
  • A guide to every Lyft bonus for drivers
  • The best gas rewards for Lyft drivers
  • Get more scheduled rides with the Skeddy app
  • What is Lyft delivery? Is it worth it for drivers?
  • Don’t make these tax mistakes!

What is Lyft like for passengers?

To be the best driver that you can be, you need to understand how Lyft works for your passengers.

Learn about the different Lyft ride types, and strategies that customers use to optimize their Lyft experience.

  • What are the differences between the Lyft ride types?
  • How much does Lyft cost? How pricing works
  • Overcharged by Lyft? What to do
  • How to do round trips and multiple stops on a Lyft ride
  • Lyft promo codes for existing users? How to save

Lyft Driver FAQ

How much can you make driving with Lyft?

Ridesharing drivers can expect to make around $15—$25 per hour, on average. Check out the latest income data from the top resources.

How do I get started as a driver?

Your first step is to apply. Lyft will ask you to enter basic personal information and consent to a background screening.

While you wait for background screening, you can upload your registration, license, and insurance documents.

You can sign on and drive after Lyft accepts your documents and clears your background screening.

How does auto insurance work?

Lyft offers a ($1,000,000) liability policy, and a high-deductible ($2500) contingent collision insurance policy. You will also need to show Lyft that you’re covered by a personal auto insurance policy.

  • What drivers need to know about rideshare insurance

Does Lyft reimburse me for any of my costs, like gas?

No, Lyft does not reimburse you for any expenses. You must pay for your own gas, maintenance, personal insurance, and any other expenses.

As an independent contractor, you can write off some of your expenses to reduce your taxable income.

The application is taking a long time. What should I do?

If more than 10 days have passed since you began the background screening, contact Lyft and ask for an update.

Comments

  1. Lisa says

    December 2, 2016 at 8:44 am

    can i bring my husband with me when I drive for lyft? I want to do it but am a bit leery to go by myself

    Reply
    • DougH says

      December 2, 2016 at 3:13 pm

      Hello Lisa. I understand why you’d want your husband to come along, but he can’t. You could get fired for doing that. If you’re uncomfortable, I recommend doing your first week of shifts in safe areas during the middle of the day. Then as you get more comfortable you can move on to night shifts if you want. Keeping protection is smart too, I recommend pepper spray if it’s legal in your area.

      Reply
      • Roberta Tate says

        January 30, 2017 at 4:36 am

        What if my husband is also a Lyft driver? Can he come with me? Downtown is the busiest area but unsafe.

        Reply
        • DougH says

          January 30, 2017 at 12:34 pm

          No, you can’t drive with anyone else. If you’re not feeling too safe, drive during the day to get comfortable with the job. Once you’re used to driving strangers, try night driving. But don’t let your husband join you. Eventually you’ll get deactivated for that.

  2. Rosangela Anjos says

    November 21, 2016 at 12:38 pm

    i do not have social security, can i use my tax id number to apply for lyft driver?

    Reply
    • DougH says

      November 22, 2016 at 11:21 am

      You need a social security number to perform the background check.

      Reply
  3. Gwen says

    November 19, 2016 at 12:07 pm

    I can’t seem to get an answer to this question anywhere. Lyft won’t process your application until a car is specified. But the car rental places ask that you be an approved Lyft driver. It’s a Catch 22. There is no human you can speak to about this at Lyft. My car is too old. I want to start driving asap. How can I do this?

    Reply
  4. Erick says

    November 9, 2016 at 1:48 pm

    Can I drive for Lyft if I don’t have a SSN?

    Reply
    • DougH says

      November 10, 2016 at 11:29 am

      No. You’ll need the SSN to do the background check.

      Reply
  5. Mubashira Sulman says

    November 3, 2016 at 9:36 pm

    I was lyft driver and was unaware of the rules of lyft that stars metter alot …but now I want to be a lyft driver again what’s the process to be a driver again of lyft

    Reply
    • DougH says

      November 6, 2016 at 10:59 am

      You can try to re apply in 3 – 6 months. But Lyft does not usually re-activate drivers who have been deactivated.

      Reply
  6. Judy says

    October 18, 2016 at 1:54 pm

    I live in Florida. Can I drive for lyft ?

    Reply
    • DougH says

      October 20, 2016 at 2:54 pm

      Lyft is in many Florida cities. See if yours is on the list: http://lyft.com/cities

      Reply
  7. Richard C says

    September 7, 2016 at 6:00 am

    I have a car that is a 2004 and I really am a fine driver. Are there any ways to overcome this?

    Reply
    • DougH says

      September 7, 2016 at 11:49 am

      Lyft accepts 2004 or newer in many cities. Check out Lyft.com/help for the specific requirements in your city.

      Reply
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