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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. Dana says

    October 5, 2017 at 4:11 am

    Can my husband drive around in the car with me in the front passenger seat? As a woman, I am scared for my safety as a lone Lyft driver.

    Reply
    • DougH says

      October 5, 2017 at 12:58 pm

      No, you can’t do that. Lyft will deactivate you when passengers complain. If you’re feeling worried, start by doing daytime shifts only. And consider keeping some form of legal protection, like pepper spray. Most drivers never have a problem, but if you ever feel uncomfortable, pull over, get out of the car, and call 911.

      Reply
  2. Kiarah says

    September 28, 2017 at 1:36 pm

    Do you know if lyft accepts rebuilt title cars?

    Reply
    • DougH says

      September 28, 2017 at 5:06 pm

      No, they don’t

      Reply
  3. Dan says

    September 12, 2017 at 11:54 am

    It states that you need a car…..is a crossover/small SUV (Chevy Trax, Mazda CX-5, Rav4) ok?

    Reply
    • DougH says

      September 12, 2017 at 1:26 pm

      Yes, those are great for ride share

      Reply
  4. kat says

    August 31, 2017 at 2:13 pm

    Can you apply without adding a vehicle to begin with, just to get approved?

    Reply
    • DougH says

      September 1, 2017 at 4:55 pm

      Yes. On the normal application (my referral link), scroll down to the “Don’t have wheels?” section. If you apply there, you’ll be able to proceed without entering vehicle info.

      Reply
  5. ROBINSON E OCAMPO says

    August 5, 2017 at 9:37 am

    I have a 2001 ford expedition XLT(9 seater)..can I use it to drive lyft? thanks

    Reply
    • DougH says

      August 6, 2017 at 12:42 pm

      No, Most Lyft cities are 2003 or 2006 and newer. None accept 2001

      Reply
  6. Barry Smith says

    August 3, 2017 at 2:05 pm

    I’m trying to become a lyft driver. I live just across the river from St. Louis, Mo. In East St. Louis, IL. The vehicle inspection in near Chicago, IL. That is 300 miles away from my location. What do I do to complete this process?

    Reply
    • DougH says

      August 6, 2017 at 12:54 pm

      You shouldn’t have to go to Chicago to do the inspection. Go to help.lyft.com and find their instructions for getting an inspection. In short, you can print out the inspection form and go to any state-certified mechanic in your area.

      Reply
  7. Tina says

    July 27, 2017 at 6:16 pm

    my car is older than 10 years old but the previous driver did not use it so it only has 20,000 miles on it. can I get an exception and drive it for lyft?

    Reply
    • DougH says

      July 28, 2017 at 11:28 am

      They don’t make exceptions on the model year requirement, even if the car is in great condition.

      Reply
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