At first, it might seem strange what you have to do to become a Lyft driver. Why does Lyft specifically say that you need the forms and IDs if most drivers already have them? The answer comes down to whether or not it is safe and legal.
When Lyft asks for your license and registration, they want to make sure you are allowed to drive in your state. Lyft can’t hire someone to drive for them who can’t drive on local roads because their license is suspended or their license plate is out of date. They need to know that their drivers are legal and checked out.
As part of the screening process, Lyft also checks your history and driving record. Even if you have all the necessary paperwork, if your driving record isn’t great, Lyft could be sued if something goes wrong. So that these problems don’t happen as often as possible, Lyft chooses drivers with clean records.
The first thing you have to do if you want to drive for Lyft is meet their standards. If you pass those tests, you’ll have to meet more Lyft car standards.
What You Need to Know About Lyft Driver Requirements
If you want to drive for Lyft, here are some things you should know:
1. Each state has different requirements for Lyft drivers.
There will be different standards for each state. The age of the driver is one of the biggest differences. Cities in different states are now making ridesharing drivers at least 25 years old, up from 21 years old in the past.
Lyft tries as hard as it can to hire drivers who follow state and local rules. If you’re not sure if you meet all the requirements for your state, you can check Lyft’s website for a list of requirements broken down by state and city.
2. Be ready for it When you apply
Go down the list of papers you need to have before you send in your application. So, when you go through the application process, there won’t be any shocks or delays.
Also, Lyft’s applications are all done online. Because of this, you’ll need to scan your papers so you can send them to their application team. So, make sure you have a way to get computer copies of all of your IDs and papers before you need them.
3. Do Lyft drivers have to wear masks at all times?
Because of the COVID-19 fear, everyone has had to make changes to keep things going. From July 2021 on, you will have to wear a mask when you drive for the company. Lyft’s plan to help stop the spread of the virus and let their drivers keep working was to require them to wear masks. Lyft put in place rules like mask requirements and a limit on the number of passengers to help cut down on touch and the spread of viruses.
How to Become a Lyft Driver and What You Need to Do
If you want to know more about what you need to be a Lyft driver, here are some things you should know:
Documents You’ll Need
When you apply for Lyft, you’ll need to send in a number of papers. Different states have different rules about what papers are needed, but Lyft needs all candidates to have the following:
Current legal driver’s license
Social Security information (so that the security check can be done)
License plates that are valid and are registered
Your name on a legal insurance policy
Pay special attention to the last criterion.
For example, if you’re still in college and on your parents’ insurance policy, you won’t meet the insurance rule because the policy must be in your name. Since you have to fill out a Lyft application online, having digital copies of these papers will help you a lot.
Minimum Lyft Driver Requirements
You’ll also need to be at least the minimum age to drive in your state, in addition to having legal papers.
You’ll also have to pass a Lyft police check and a check of your driving record, and you’ll have to finish Lyft’s Community Safety Education Program.
Also, you can’t use a cab or rental car that Lyft didn’t give you.
What’s the minimum age to drive for Lyft?
Lyft’s minimum age rule for drivers varies from 21 to 25 years old, depending on the state.
If you want to drive for Lyft, you have to be at least 21 years old. However, you can use Lyft as a rider if you are at least 18 years old.
How old do you have to be to drive for Lyft?
Lyft doesn’t have an age limit for drivers. You can become a driver as long as you meet the other conditions.
How Lyft Checks Your Driving Record
If you want to be a Lyft driver, you’ll need to have your driving record checked.
Lyft uses a third party to check this information, except in New York City, where the rules are different and we’ll talk about them below.
A driving record check might sound scary but don’t worry: a few parking tickets or even a small accident shouldn’t keep you from getting a job. But in most cases, you won’t be able to drive for Lyft if any of the following are found in a report from your state’s DMV:
More than three moving violations, like crashes or running red lights, in the last three years
A serious traffic offense in the past three years, like driving with a suspended license or being a careless driver
A DUI or another driving offense related to drugs in the past seven years
offenses linked to driving in the last seven years, such as hit-and-run or vehicle-related crimes
Also, remember that if your driving record changes while you’re a Lyft driver, it could affect whether or not you can continue to drive for the service.
Just because you passed the Lyft DMV check when you first applied doesn’t mean you can get as many tickets as you want.
The check is meant to make sure that you are a safe and responsible driver. If Lyft finds out that is no longer true, they can turn you off.
Needs for a Lyft Background Check
One of Lyft’s standards for drivers is that they have a clean driving record and can pass a criminal background check.
Like the driving record check, this check is done by a third-party service. Some small crimes won’t automatically get you kicked out, but Lyft will probably turn down your application if your background check shows any of the following:
Violent crime
Sexual crime
Getting rid of a crime
A drug-related crime that disqualifies
Getting kicked out for theft or damaging property
Background checks can take a few weeks to finish, so don’t worry if you haven’t heard anything right away.
To get a full background check, county, state, and federal law enforcement officials need to work together. Background checks are not these organizations’ top concern, which is understandable, so there are often delays.
If your background check shows something that could make you ineligible, Lyft will give you an email with a copy of it and instructions on how to challenge the results if you think they are wrong. As with the driving record check, even if you passed your original background check, Lyft can still remove you if they find out you’ve done something wrong.
Lyft always puts safety first, and they will do whatever it takes to keep everyone safe. And no matter what you do, don’t break the law while driving for Lyft. That is a surefire way to get forever banned.
Lyft Phone Requirements
The Lyft service can only work if you have a mobile gadget. They make it possible for drivers and customers to connect across places and in different weather situations with just the touch of a button.
You must have a working smart gadget that meets the following requirements:
A cellular link: To use the Lyft driving app, you need a cellular connection. You can’t use an MP3 player, tablet, or phone that only works with WiFi if you don’t have a wireless data plan.
iPhones and other Apple products must have the following operating systems: iOS 11.
For Android devices, the operating system must be Android 7 or higher.
If you don’t have the right working system, you might still be able to use the Lyft app, but it might not work as well as it could. This could make it hard for you to give rides smoothly and safely.
Lyft Insurance Requirements
Lyft’s insurance standards are something that many possible drivers don’t understand, so it’s a good idea to explain them in more depth. To start, Lyft only needs you to have the basic insurance coverage that your state law requires.
This means a certain amount of risk covering all states. Lyft does have its own insurance plan that covers drivers while they’re taking people places.
They offer insurance coverage of up to $1 million, so you can be sure that they’ll keep you safe. But you should be aware of a “coverage gap” that can happen when you pick up a hitchhiker.
Since you’re driving for work, your personal insurance won’t cover you right now. And Lyft won’t pay for it because you don’t have a customer yet.
