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The RidesharingDriver.com Guide to Cars in the Gig Economy

By Doug H, Updated April 7, 2023 32 Comments

Cars! As an Uber and Lyft driver, your vehicle is your biggest asset, your office, and at the end of the day, your ride home.

Driving the right car can make your ride fares higher, keep your fuel and maintenance costs low, and make your job a lot more enjoyable.

In the collection of posts below, you’ll learn:

  • Which cars qualify for Uber and Lyft
  • How to access an affordable car if you don’t already have one
  • How to handle all of the vehicle-related challenges you’ll face as a driver

Vehicle Requirements for Uber, Lyft & delivery apps

Find out what kind of cars qualify for Uber and Lyft.

  • Uber Vehicle Requirements: Can You Drive for Uber with Your Car?
  • Lyft Vehicle Requirements
  • Vehicle Requirements for Delivery Services

How to rent a far for gig apps

There are many options available if you need a car for Uber, Lyft, and delivery apps. Many drivers choose rentals through Uber and Lyft, or through third-party rental services.

  • How to Rent a Car for Uber, Lyft, and Gig Apps
  • Every EV rental option on Uber & Lyft

How to apply to drive when you don’t have a car

If you don’t currently have access to a qualifying car, you can still apply to drive.

Visit the driver applications for Uber or Lyft and select “I need a car.” That option will allow you to complete the screening process without having access to a vehicle.

Vehicle inspections

Both Uber and Lyft require that you complete a vehicle inspection. Learn what the inspections cover, how to pass, and what to do if you don’t pass the first time.

  • The Uber Vehicle Inspection
  • The Lyft Vehicle Inspection

Track your miles to lower your tax bill

Did you know that the miles you drive while you work for rideshare and delivery apps are tax deductible?

The standard mileage deduction can significantly reduce your tax bill, but only if you properly track your miles.

Fortunately, there are tons of free mileage tracking apps that can help you track every deductible mile.

  • The top mileage tracking apps, head to head

Helpful gear to use while you’re driving

Every driver needs a good phone mount, chargers, and accessories. Here are the best.

  • The Essential Gear for Uber Drivers

Originally Published September 25, 2015
Filed Under: Lyft, Ridesharing, Uber

About Doug H

Gig economy driver, writer, and expert since 2013. I created Ridesharing Driver to help drivers navigate all of the challenges we face in the on-demand world! Read more about my story!

Comments

  1. Jasmine says

    April 27, 2018 at 9:31 am

    I have a license but my wallet was stollen it cost 40 dollars for a new one an I can afford it until I make some money I do have an ID an if u run my number it will show i have a valid license can I still drive for uber or lyift?

    Reply
    • DougH says

      April 27, 2018 at 11:32 am

      You will need the physical license or a temporary license document to qualify.

      Reply
  2. Kenny says

    November 22, 2017 at 6:22 am

    Whom it May Concern:

    There is something I have to tell you. I plan to fill out Lyft or Uber driver job application as soon as possible. But I don’t have a car. I need a car to drive for Lyft or Uber. I have a a question. Should I buy, rent, or lease? But I really hate fees, interest and APR. What do I do? I need your help. Thanks.

    Reply
    • DougH says

      November 22, 2017 at 12:20 pm

      Buying is the best option if you can afford it, but if you can’t lay down that much money up front, renting is the next best way to go. The rentals are expensive but short term, so if you decide you don’t like ridesharing, you can get out cheaply.

      Reply
  3. Rayshawn says

    May 24, 2017 at 4:50 pm

    I’ve recently started driving my own car for Uber, but now I’d like to use a car rental service affiliated with Uber. How do I go about making this change, without having to re-register as a driver? Was extremely difficult trying to contact them via email, and there aren’t any options within my account to make this change.

    Reply
    • DougH says

      June 16, 2017 at 3:17 pm

      Log into partners.uber.com, click the menu icon, and look for ‘get a vehicle.’ That’s where you can access a rental or lease from within your current profile.

      Reply
  4. Ben says

    May 2, 2017 at 6:15 am

    I live in Virginia where can I take my car to be inspected to drive for uber.

    Reply
  5. TONY FIORENZA says

    August 31, 2016 at 6:17 am

    I OWN A 2016 HONDA ACCORD V6L.THIS MODEL IS THE TOP OFTHE RANGE IN THE HONDA SEDAN RANGE IN AUSTRALIA.MY QUESTION IS DOES IT QUALIFY FOR UBER SELECT.

    Reply
    • DougH says

      August 31, 2016 at 11:36 am

      Most likely not, but you can email Uber and ask.

      Reply
    • Jose says

      August 17, 2018 at 2:19 am

      No, it’s a HONDA.

      Reply
  6. Kevin says

    August 15, 2016 at 8:53 am

    My wife drives for lyft and uber .we work different hours . If I apply can I use her car too cause mine doesn’t qualify?

    Reply
    • DougH says

      August 15, 2016 at 8:35 pm

      Yes, you can use her car as long as you’re insured on it.

      Reply
  7. Ron says

    July 6, 2016 at 8:30 am

    Can a vehicle that qualifies for UberSelect be used as UberX as well to get both rates at any given time?

    Reply
    • DougH says

      July 7, 2016 at 1:44 pm

      Yes. If you drive a Select car, by default you’ll be able to get both X and Select requests. If you find that Select is busy enough, you can email Uber and tell them to make it so you only get Select requests.

      Reply
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