Bloomberg Second Measure data shows that Lyft currently holds ~24% of the total rideshare and taxi sales in the United States.
Are you aiming to become a part of this thriving company but don’t know how? We’ve got you covered!
In this post on how to become a Lyft driver, we’ll reveal all the trade secrets and underwater stones you’ll need to pass before getting your first paid drive with Lyft.
An Overview of Lyft Driving: A Primer
Similar to an Uber driver, a Lyft driver is responsible for delivering a client from point A to point B.
As a Lyft driver, you’ll have to maintain your car in ideal technical conditions, complete rides while ensuring maximum safety for your clients, and respect all the traffic laws in your state.
Besides driving, all Lyft drivers must also ensure that their vehicle is filled with gas and ready for use during their shift.
To add, they must be punctual and always interact with clients in a polite and professional manner.
How Much Do Lyft Drivers Make?
A driver can make $5 to $25 per hour with Lyft.
Your monthly income as a Lyft driver will depend on how much time you’ll spend on making rides and how many clients you’ll drive.
Also, don’t forget about tips, which are 100% yours and are usually given in cash.
According to Salary.com, a Lyft driver makes a yearly average of $38000. This number can vary from state to state, years of experience, and more.
What You’ll Need to Become a Lyft Driver [& Associated Costs]
Here’s a complete list of the items required to become a Lyft driver:
1. Driving License
It is mandatory to get a driving license to become a Lyft driver. The cost of getting a driving license varies from $10 in Missouri to $90 in Washington. So, it’s important to do your research depending on what state you live in.
2. Vehicle
Taxis and limousines can’t be used on Lyft. You’ll need a regular, four-door vehicle to start getting customers on Lyft. As long as it meets the vehicle requirements of Lyft and the technical requirements in your state, you can get a used car for as low as $8000.
However, keep in mind that you can rent a car with Lyft Express Drive. Based on the region and the type of car you’ll choose, the cost can vary from $200 to $475 per month.
3. Mobile Phone
You need a mobile phone to get your Lyft driver app on it. There’s no need to get the latest iPhone to drive with Lyft; your phone should just meet the minimum software recommendations. You can also get an Android smartphone for as low as $300-400.
4. Insurance and Plates
You need valid insurance for your car and valid plates (commercial plates are also fine.) Also, some cities and states have different required documents for drivers.
Depending on your age and state, your monthly insurance policy can get to an average of $168 monthly, according to Bankrate.
5. Cellular Connection
The Lyft driver app works only when connected to the Internet. Hence, you’ll be required to have a permanent cellular connection. Internet-only plans can range from $20 to $300 per month, depending on how much bandwidth you want.
Keep in mind that, besides the Lyft app, you can use other apps for Lyft drivers that also need a cellular connection.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Lyft Driver?
Becoming a Lyft driver can cost $10000 to $25000 — sometimes more — depending on which type of vehicle you’ll choose to purchase.
However, you can also choose to rent a car. In this case, it will only cost you around $500 to rent a car and around $600 to meet the other requirements.
Is It Hard to Become a Lyft Driver?
No, becoming a Lyft driver is not hard. If you meet all the requirements set by the company, there’s nothing to worry about when applying for the job.
Just have all the needed documents prepared for the time you want to apply. Also, keep in mind that Lyft also accepts electronic applications.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Lyft Driver?
From the moment you complete the application process, you should be able to start driving within two to nine business days provided, of course, that you pass the background checks, have a clean driving record, and meet other requirements.
How to Become a Lyft Driver in Five Simple Steps
Becoming a Lyft Driver is easy if you follow the five simple steps below:
1. Getting a Driver’s License
If you don’t have a driving license already, getting one is a must. To get one, you’ll have to pass three tests: a vision test, a written test, and a driving test.
If you pass all three of them, you’ll get your driving license in 1-3 months. Only after you get this document can you start your application process for Lyft.
2. Meeting the Requirements
Before even starting your application, make sure you meet all the requirements for both the vehicle and the driver.
Depending on the state you live in, you should be above the age of 21-25. You must have a current driving license, plates, and insurance.
Note that, in some states, the insurance should contain your name on it.
Also, you should be prepared for a criminal background check and a driving history check during your application. These are to ensure the safety of the passengers.
In the case of the vehicle requirements, it’s also simple. You should have a technically reliable car with four doors and five seatbelts. The engine, suspension, and brakes should work properly.
The passengers should be able to lock and unlock their doors. Other than that, the car should meet the requirements of the state you plan on driving in.
3. Submit Your Application
After meeting all of the requirements, you can start your Lyft application. If you don’t have the Lyft platform yet, you should download it.
Once you have the Lyft app on your phone, you can start the application by creating a Lyft account with your phone number.
At this point, Lyft requires you to provide all the documents necessary, including your name, driver’s license, and other related information.
Now, it’s time for the background check and the community safety education program. During this time, Lyft will check if you don’t have traffic light violations, reckless driving violations, and other moving violations.
If you have more than four of them in the past 3 years, you’re ineligible. Also, if you have had a DUI, hit and run, or drug-related driving violation in the past 7 years, you won’t be eligible to become a Lyft driver.
4. Inspect your Car
Once you submit your application, it’s time to get your car inspected by a certified mechanic. This step must be done as quickly as possible to speed up the application process and hit the road.
If your ride meets certain requirements set by Lyft and the city you’ll be working in, you should be good to go in no time.
However, if some safety features are missing, or something is wrong with your vehicle, you won’t have your application approved, and you’ll need to make the needed repairs to pass.
That’s why we advise you to assess your car’s situation even before the start of the application process.
5. Get the Accepted Application
If you completed all the steps correctly, passed the driving record check, and met all the driver requirements and vehicle requirements, you should receive your approval in 2-9 business days.
However, sometimes the process can take a little longer. Some Lyft drivers have complained to be waiting as long as several weeks before getting the accepted application.
If you are 100% sure you met all the requirements but didn’t receive the approval yet, you should wait a little longer.
Reasons to Consider Becoming a Lyft Driver
Why should you even consider getting a job as a Lyft driver? Here are a few reasons why:
- Always Driving: This is a dream job for car enthusiasts, especially for those who already have a car they love driving. You’ll be driving non-stop with different clients and in different locations.
- Freedom to Work When You Want: Lyft drivers don’t have a 9-to-5 job. They aren’t supposed to be at the office at a given time, every day, five days a week. You can work when you want, however long you want, and on the days you want.
- Meeting Interesting People: Being a driver means talking and meeting new people every day. If they are open to a conversation with you, you can hear many fascinating stories about practically everything and everyone.
- Working Part-Time: If you have a 9-to-5 job but want to make some money on the side, being a driver is probably the best thing to do, especially if you own a car. You can get out of the office at five and take rides until eight or nine, making more money for a future trip or holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions online:
Does Lyft Keep a Fee From Tips?
No, Lyft drivers get to keep 100% of their tips, as Lyft doesn’t retain a percentage of tips, even from those given through the bank.
How to Make More Money With Lyft?
The easiest way to make more money for the same mileage is to provide the best service and driving experience possible.
Go the extra mile by stocking your car with drinks and refreshments. Help with groceries or baggage, and make your car more comfortable with pillows, aromatizers, and more.
Similar Gigs to Check Out
- Become a Uber Eats Driver: If you are an introvert but want a driving job, becoming an Uber Eats driver is probably the best choice for you. Maybe you’re already an Uber driver and want to reprofile to Uber Eats. Anyway, this is a great gig for you to work part-time.
- Become a Dog Walker: Do you love animals and have plenty of time for a part-time job? A dog walker gig is what you need! Imagine, you get paid to stay, walk and play with them all day long. Isn’t that great?
- Become a Blogger: As a blogger, you can earn a lot of money by sharing your experience and knowledge on different topics, from finance and technology to food and sports.
Wrapping Up
Getting a job as a Lyft driver can seem hard, but it’s actually quite simple. All you have to do is meet all the requirements, and you’re in for a riveting ride!
Whether part-time or full-time, a job at Lyft allows you to earn some money while meeting a lot of interesting people and working according to your schedule.
