Lyft is one of the most popular transportation network companies that serve around 640 cities in the US and Canada.

Being a Lyft driver is a great way to optimize the perks of being a professional driver. However, the procedure for becoming a Lyft driver involves several formalities and stages.

  1. Check the Basic Requirements

In order to be a Lyft driver, you need to fulfill certain requirements. Before applying for the job you need to visit the site and check the basic necessities mentioned therein.

  • To be a Lyft driver, you need a US driver’s license. Besides holding a valid license you should also have a driving experience of 1 year within the US.
  • While applying for the job, you should be 21 years or older. For working as a Lyft driver, you would need an Android smartphone or an iPhone. Also, you need to pass an online DMV test.
  • The car you own should meet the vehicle age limit and should at least be a 5 seater with 4 doors.
  1. Pass the Background Check

Only applicants who pass a complete background check are eligible for becoming a certified Lyft driver. This includes various aspects of your past records as a driver and a citizen.

  • If your driver’s record shows more than 3 moving violations, your application would be rejected. Also, if you have a record of any major violation like rash driving then you would be disqualified for the job.
  • Any instances of ‘Driving under Influence’ or drug-related violations can make your application invalid.
  • In the past 7 years, there shouldn’t be any criminal records registered in your name.
  1. Verify the Insurance Requirements

Besides owning a 5 or 6 seater car you need to ensure that the vehicle has a valid insurance policy. In order to get through the verification process, it has to be an in-state insurance cover.

  • If you have purchased the car from another buyer, you should convert the insurance cover in your name. Alternatively, you can obtain a declaration from the insurance provider and submit a copy to Lyft.
  • The insurance cover should be on par with the state minimum. If the policy was issued for a different state, you need to change it into an in-state policy.
  1. Ensure Complete Vehicle Requirements

When you are applying for the post of a Lyft driver, you need to make sure that your vehicle meets certain quality requirements. Before issuing the license, the Lyft authorities would verify that your car fulfills these conditions.

  • The car you own shouldn’t be an obsolete model. Any car which is older than 2004 can get your application rejected.
  • Make sure that the doors, windows, seatbelts, tires, lights, AC, heater, windshields, tailpipe, and mufflers are all working fine.
  • Cars that have underperforming engines, breaks, steering, suspension, or transmission are rejected during the verification process.
  1. Register with Lyft

After ensuring all the requirements, you need to sign up as an account holder with Lyft. Visit the official website of Lyft and scroll down to the bottom of the page. Here you would find a “Sign Up” option under the Drivers menu.

  • The “Sign Up” option for drivers is different from the one provided for customers. So make sure that you choose the proper link.
  • The process would require you to furnish details like phone number, name, location, email address, etc.
  1. Submit an Online Application

Along with account registration, you need to fill in the application for being a Lyft driver. This would require you to provide several details associated with your driving license, credentials, and qualifications.

  • You would need to upload scanned copies of your driver’s license, insurance policy, identity proof, age proof, etc.
  • While submitting the application, you need to ensure that all the details provided are accurate. Before approving your application, Lyft would perform a background check based on the information you provide.
  1. Prepare for a Welcome Ride

Once your application is approved, Lyft would connect you with a mentor. You will receive an email stating the time and location for conducting a welcome ride.

  • A Lyft mentor is an experienced driver assigned by Lyft to check the driving skills of an applicant. He would sit next to you during the welcome ride.
  • While riding, the mentor would take note of your speed, driving style, and adherence to traffic rules. He would also consider the overall quality of your communication skills.
  • After the ride, he would submit his feedback to Lyft authorities along with photographs of your vehicle and license.
  1. Install the Lyft App

After successfully completing the welcome ride, you need to download and install the Lyft application. The app has 2 sides – one is for the customers looking for a ride and the other one is meant for drivers.

  • You can download the software from the App store (Google Play Link) to your smartphone. On launching the mobile application, you would be getting the option to choose the driver’s version.
  • After installing the app browse through various options provided. Open the driver dashboard and fill in the section of bank details. This is necessary to receive payments from customers.
  1. Optimize Your Working Hours

After activating the Lyft app on your smartphone you would start getting calls for rides. The number of customers you get would depend on various factors like the city you have selected and the timeframe you choose.

  • If you choose to work during primetime hours, you can get more passengers on a consistent basis. Generally, there is more demand for Lyft services during night time.
  • You can maximize the returns by putting in more hours of work during festivals or holiday seasons.
  1. Maximize Customer Satisfaction

Besides safe driving, your success as a Lyft driver would depend on the way you interact with your passengers. Lyft app seeks ratings and feedback from customers after every ride. You can improve your chances of getting more rides by gaining high ratings.

  • In order to please your customers, you need to communicate with them rather politely. Most riders welcome free interaction as it makes the ride less cumbersome.
  • Horn your driving skills to make the ride as smooth as possible. As an expert driver, you need to make your passengers feel as comfortable as possible.

TIPS

  • Join online communities and forums of Lyft drivers and customers. This can help you in learning the common problems encountered by Lyft users in general.

If you cannot afford to own a car, you can opt for Lyft’s “express drive” program wherein you can drive rented cars.

Do Lyft drivers make good money?

How Much Money Can You Really Make Driving For Uber Or Lyft? Being a driver for Uber or Lyft seems like a great side hustle. New Lyft drivers can even earn a $300 sign-up bonus after completing 100 rides in 30 days. If you believe those ads, driving with a ridesharing service seems like the ideal side gig.

How much can LYFT make?

After reporting revenue $1.02 billion in GAAP revenues for Q4 2019, Lyft’s revenue declined to $955.7 million in Q1 2020 and $339.3 million in Q2 2020. Lyft bounced back slightly with $499.7 million in revenue for Q3 2020, but ridership was still down 44% from the previous year quarter.

Can you make $100 a day with Lyft?

With surge pricing, $100 can be earned in 1-3 hours. $15 per hour was my average so I could usually make $100 in roughly seven hours. Most drivers sign up with both Uber and Lyft to keep busy. Getting started is really easy.

How do I join Lyft?

HOW DO I BECOME A LYFT DRIVER?
  1. Apply. You can fill out the application here, or in the Lyft Driver app — download it from the App Store (iOS) or the Google Play store.
  2. Get approved. After you’ve uploaded your required documents and passed the background checks, you’re ready to start earning on the road!
  3. Drive and earn.

How do you get $20 off LYFT?

Here’s what to do:
  1. Tap on the Lyft logo in the top left of the screen to reveal the menu.
  2. Tap on the “Payment” menu item.
  3. Enter the promo code (david3880) under “add payment method” Your credit will be applied to your first ride! (Remember, this only works for new accounts.)

Can you pay LYFT with cash?

While you can‘t pay cash for your Lyft ride, you can pay with your Lyft account, your debit/credit card, or use a Lyft gift card.

Can you get a LYFT with no money on card?

For Lyft, You must have the minimum of the payment on your card and if you don’t it declines it and does not let you request the ride until you get enough money on your card or a new payment method. When you request a ride, it pings your card. If the card typically gets declined, you wont be able to get a ride.

How does LYFT cash work?

Lyft Cash lets you add money to your Lyft account to pay for rides. Using Lyft Cash as a payment method helps you plan ahead and easily budget for your Lyft rides. Lyft Cash isn’t available to all riders yet, including riders in Canada.

Who is cheaper LYFT or Uber?

Uber Basic Pricing. Because they are in direct competition, there are no clear-cut winners on pricing for Lyft and Uber pricing. If Lyft were much cheaper than Uber, Uber would go out of business, and vice-versa. Basic rideshare costs for both are approximately $1 to start, $2 per mile, and $0.25 per minute.

Why is LYFT so expensive now 2020?

Lyft’s pricing for customers

The company can implement higher prices for rides during periods of high traffic in a basic supply-and-demand situation. Both Uber and Lyft notify customers at the time of making the reservation if there will be a surge price in effect. Lyft is headed by CEO and co-founder Logan Green.

Why is LYFT so much cheaper than Uber?

Lyft can offer a cheaper ride because they are gambling part time drivers won’t make their steak quotas so they won’t have to match Uber’s pay.

Can you ride Uber with cash?

Yes, you can pay with cash. Before requesting a ride, go to the Payment section in the app and select Cash. At the end of your trip, pay cash directly to your driver.

Can Uber drivers kick you out?

Yes, they can.

If there is a good reason, say a rider being unruly, drunk and/or violent, the drivers can and are encouraged to pull the car over, and terminate the trip immediately.

Can I use Uber If I don’t have enough money?

Account Deactivation: Even though you might be able to ride Uber when you do not have enough money on your card doesn’t mean you have gotten a free ride. Paying Your Balance: Once you have enough money on your credit card, you can process the outstanding fare yourself via the app or online.

Can a Uber driver Bring a Friend?

As outlined in our Community Guidelines, no one other than the requesting rider and the rider’s guests are permitted in the vehicle. This means that friends and family of drivers may not ride in their vehicle during a trip.

Can my husband ride with me while I drive for Lyft?

Don’t bring your friends/family along: Lyft passengers expect to get an awesome, vetted driver. It’s possible to cause your passenger to feel unsafe if there’s an unknown person accompanying the ride.

Can I work Uber with my child?

Yes, you can Uber with a baby but you’ll need to bring your own car seat to keep your child safe. How do I add a car seat to my Uber?

Can you ask for a female driver on Uber?

You are not able to request specifically for a female driver with Uber and Lyft. With local taxis and limo companies, you may be able to request one. If you want to stick with rideshare companies, there are specific companies that only employ female drivers, check out the following: Safr.