Driving For Lyft: 9 Things Lyft Drivers Need To Know

Driving for Lyft is a great way to make some extra money on the side. It’s also an opportunity to meet new people, explore your city, and get behind the wheel of a car again!

But before you get started with Lyft, there are 9 things that you need to know. In this post we’re going to go over many questions that many potenetial Lyft Drivers Have!

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To Start Out: What is Lyft?

Lyft is a transportation network company (TNC) that connects passengers with drivers in over 350 cities across the United States. Lyft’s mission is to “improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation.”

How Easy Is It To Become A Lyft Driver?

To become a Lyft driver it doesn’t take long at all. Some drivers say they get accepted the next day but it typically takes 3-5 days to get accepted.

What are the requirements to become a Lyft Driver?

Background Check:

All potential drivers are subject to a thorough background check by Lyft. You must establish your identity, social security number, driver’s license and other data to complete this step.

This step makes sure you don’t have anything within your history that will disqualify you from being a Lyft driver.

Vehicle:

In addition to having four doors and being a vehicle or SUV, Lyft requires their drivers to drive cars that meet specific safety requirements.

Drivers License:

To apply for Lyft, you must have a valid driving license.

Minimum Age:

In order to drive for Lyft as a driver, you must be at least 25 years old and have driven for the company for at least one year.

Proof of Insurance:

You must have insurance to drive for Lyft. Make sure to double-check with your insurance provider to be sure that the coverage you have is valid for driving Lyft. You may have to look into ride share insurance.

Qualifications Vary By State:

Each state has its own set of requirements for becoming a Lyft driver.

While we’ve gone over the basics, you should double-check your specific needs by going to here.

It’s vital to remember that certain cities have distinct laws. Chances are if you live in a busy city you may be required to take additional steps.

Can Lyft Take You To Another State?

If you want to use Lyft in a new state, you must notify the company’s headquarters. Because of various restrictions, some transitions will be quick and simple, while others will take longer because of their intricacy.

If you end up crossing state borders while making a trip, you have to go back into the state you started before turning the Lyft App back on.

Keep in mind if you live in a state where other states border closely, you may be able to cross borders and accept trips in those nearby states. Lyft did this to make things easier for drivers with these circumstances.

For example in Maryland if you cross into DC, you can accept DC Lyft rides while still being able to drive in Maryland. You will not be double taxed or have your insurance rates increase due to the proximity of these states.

Can Lyft Drivers Carry Luggage?

Yes, if Lyft drivers want to be extra helpful and help customers with luggage they can.

If you get a customer who asks for help with their luggage it can’t hurt you as you can potentially earn an extra tip!

For more information on this topic check out this post!

Can You Lyft With Someone In The Car?

It is against Lyft’s Terms of Services for you to Lyft with someone else in the car. The passenger you bring with you may get in the way of the passengers you need to pick up.

Can You Lyft With Someone Elses Car?

You can Lyft with someone else’s car. You have to make sure that you are added under that persons insurance for that car and you also have to make sure the car is up to Lyft’s standards.

Take a look at this blog post explaining this even further!

Can Lyft Drivers Have Tinted Windows?

Lyft drivers can have tinted windows but they have to follow that state’s laws.

For example in California if the window tints are more than 70% it is against the law.

This article explains out tints can either hurt you or help you as a Lyft driver.

Can Lyft Get On a Military Base?

Lyft drivers can get into military bases in order to pick up military personnel but it can take a long time which really hurts you when it comes to making more money.

Check out this article that gives tips when it comes to driving for Lyft and going into military bases. These tips can help you get in and out much faster to make your driving more efficient.

Some armed forces bases have connections with taxi firms that provide free transportation to members of the military.

Even if you’re accompanied by a military member, some bases may refuse to let you in if they sense that you are using Lyft (or Uber).

For more in depth information about this go to this post.

Can You Do Lyft With a Coupe? (2 Door Car)

No, you can’t drive for Lyft in a two-door vehicle. To meet Lyft’s criteria, make sure your car has four doors.

The car also has to have 5 seatbelts in order to ensure the safety of your customers.

If you drive a car that does not meet the requirements of driving, you will be immediately and without notice fired!

Can you Drive Lyft With a Temporary License Plate?

You can certainly do so. Lyft requires you to submit your temp plate information to them and then when new plates are issued, you must update the data in the Lyft driver app. This way you can start driving right away.

Do You Need a Lyft Sticker To Drive?

Yes, Lyft drivers in order to work need to have a Lyft sticker on their car. This is to help customers identify you better and have them find your vehicle easier in the busy streets of big cities.

Where Do Lyft Stickers Go?

The location of your Lyft sticker depends on the state or even city you’re driving in.

We put together an article describing each spot you need to put your stciker in for each city.

Conclusion:

We covered many unique topics when it comes to driving for Lyft! Hopefully this gives you a better understanding of the rules and regulations that come with driving for Lyft.

For more information about these topics check out our blog.

If you have any comments regarding any of these subjects please leave it below.

If you’re interested in driving for lyft visit the website now.

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Driving For Lyft: 9 Things Lyft Drivers Need To Know
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