Becoming a Lyft driver allows you to earn extra income by providing rides to passengers when it’s convenient for you. Lyft drivers enjoy flexible schedules, can drive part-time or full-time, and get to keep all of their tips.
Driving with Lyft has a few requirements to get started. You’ll need:
- To be at least 21 years old
- A 4-door vehicle from 2005 or newer
- A valid driver’s license and insurance
- To pass a DMV and background check
Once approved, you simply turn on the Lyft driver app when you want to start accepting ride requests. Passengers request rides via the Lyft app and you use Google Maps for navigation.
Driving with Lyft also has great perks like sign-up bonuses, ride challenge bonuses, airport pickups, and the Lyft community where you can get support.
Below is a step-by-step guide walking through everything you need to know to become a Lyft driver.
Table of Contents
Lyft Driver Requirements
To become a Lyft driver, you must meet these requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old: Lyft does not allow drivers under 21. You’ll have to submit a copy of your driver’s license.
- Have at least 1 year of US licensing history: If you haven’t held a US license for at least 1 year, you aren’t eligible to drive with Lyft.
- Have a 4-door vehicle from 2005 or newer: Lyft requires a 4-door passenger vehicle from 2005 or newer. Other vehicle types like motorcycles or RVs aren’t allowed.
- Have valid insurance & registration for your car: You must carry valid insurance & registration for your vehicle that meets state minimum liability coverage.
- Have 5 or more seatbelts: Your car must have at least 5 factory-installed seatbelts including the driver’s seatbelt.
- Pass a DMV check: Lyft checks your driving record and license status to confirm you have a valid license and clean driving history.
- Pass a criminal background check: All Lyft driver applicants undergo a criminal background check. Any convictions for felonies, violence, sexual offenses, or driving-related incidents (like a DUI) within the past 7 years will disqualify you.
- Use an iPhone or Android smartphone: The Lyft driver app requires a smartphone with a data plan to operate. You can use an iPhone (iOS 12 or newer) or Android phone (5.0 or newer).
How to Apply to Drive with Lyft
Applying to become a Lyft driver takes about 10-15 minutes. Follow these steps:
- Download the Lyft Driver app Go to the iOS App Store or Google Play Store to download the free Lyft Driver app. This is the app you’ll use to accept rides once approved.
- Enter your phone number Open the Lyft Driver app and enter your phone number on the sign-up screen.
- Verify your phone number Lyft will send a 4-digit verification code via text message or automated phone call. Enter this code in the Lyft Driver app to verify your phone number.
- Enter your account info Create a password and enter your first name, last name, and email address to create your Lyft account.
- Agree to the legal terms Review and agree to Lyft’s legal agreements, which include Lyft’s Terms of Service, Driver Terms, Privacy Policy, and community guidelines.
- Submit your driver application Lyft will now ask you questions to determine your eligibility, including your date of birth, license status, driving history, vehicle information, insurance status, and more. Answer all questions honestly and accurately.
- Upload your documents You’ll need to upload photos or scans of your valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, and current insurance card. Make sure photos are clear and information is legible.
That completes the Lyft driver sign-up process! Lyft will now review your application and run background checks, which takes 5-7 days on average. You’ll receive email updates on your application status.
Getting Approved to Drive with Lyft
The final step to getting approved is passing Lyft’s background checks and certification process:
DMV Driving Record Check
Lyft checks your DMV driving record to verify:
- You have a valid driver’s license
- Your license has been valid for at least 1 year
- You have a clean driving history without major violations on record
Common disqualifying violations include DUIs, hit and runs, excessive speeding, reckless driving, driving without insurance, and license suspensions.
Criminal Background Check
Lyft runs a standard background check going back 7 years looking for:
- Any felony convictions
- Violent crimes
- Sexual offenses
- Any fraud or financial crimes
- Drug-related offenses
- Extreme reckless driving incidents
Having a completely clean criminal history isn’t necessarily required, but any serious or recent offenses will result in disqualification.
Vehicle Inspection
In some cities, Lyft requires new drivers to pass a 19-point vehicle inspection checking things like:
- Working seatbelts
- Tires with sufficient tread depth
- Functioning headlights & brake lights
- No major body damage
Lyft provides instructions for scheduling an inspection appointment if required. Inspections typically cost $20-$30 depending on your location.
Once you’ve passed all background checks and inspections (if required), Lyft will activate your driver account!
Setting Up Your Lyft Driver Profile
Before giving your first ride, take a few minutes to set up your driver profile. Riders see this profile so make a good impression!
Add a Profile Photo
Add a clear, high-quality headshot photo of yourself smiling. Avoid sunglasses or hats that cover your face.
Introduce Yourself
Write a short, friendly bio introducing yourself to passengers. Share details like:
- How long you’ve lived in the area
- Hobbies and interests
- Previous jobs or experience
- Why you enjoy Lyft driving
Set Vehicle Details
Enter the make, model, color, and license plate of the vehicle you’ll use for giving rides. Riders see this description.
Sync Your Calendar
Optionally link your Lyft driver account to your Google or Apple calendar to automatically log your Lyft driving schedule.
Once your profile is ready, you can start accepting ride requests!
How Much Do Lyft Drivers Make?
Lyft driver pay varies significantly by your location, hours driven, tips earned, and bonuses available. On average, U.S. Lyft drivers earn $17.50 – $20 per booked hour before taxes and expenses.
Here are the key factors that impact Lyft driver earnings:
Fares
- Base rate: Varies by city, typically $0.60 – $0.80 per mile + $0.15 – $0.20 per minute
- Prime Time: 25% – 200% fare multipliers during busy times
- Tips: 100% goes to the driver, average 10-20% tips per ride
Bonuses
- New driver bonus: Up to $800 – $1000 for completing a set number of rides in 30 days
- Ride challenge bonus: Up to $200 per week for completing additional rides during target hours
- Consecutive ride bonus: Extra $3 – $15 per consecutive ride
Expenses
- Gas: Budget approximately $0.10 per mile
- Vehicle wear & tear: $0.05+ per mile depending on car age
- Self-employment taxes: ~15% of earnings
Lyft also shows drivers the estimated ride earnings and direction for each request before they accept, so you can cherry-pick rides.
Overall Lyft provides flexible income, sign-up bonuses, ride bonuses, tips, and the ability to drive whenever you want. Drivers typically earn over $15 per hour on average.
Giving Your First Lyft Ride
Once approved, giving your first ride with Lyft is easy:
- Turn on driver mode in the Lyft app to start receiving requests
- Accept a ride request when one you like appears
- Pick up the passenger at their location
- Follow in-app navigation to the destination
- Drop off the passenger
- Process payment (handled automatically)
- Rate the passenger and receive your ratings & earnings
Lyft provides an onboarding tutorial your first time opening the driver app explaining the process in more detail.
Some key things to keep in mind:
- Maintain a clean, safe vehicle
- Be friendly and conversational
- Offer phone chargers, mints or bottled water
- Keep music low or ask passengers their preference
- Follow all traffic laws and drive safely
And most importantly, deliver excellent service so you can earn 5-star ratings and tips!
Lyft Driver Support Resources
Driving for Lyft also comes with great community support resources:
- 24/7 driver support – Live phone, email & in-app support
- Driver FAQs – Answers popular Lyft driver questions
- Lyft driver forum – Ask questions and engage with the driver community
- Driver help center – Covers Lyft policies, product features, payments, and more
- Driver resources – Download tax resources, referral codes, display decals, and more.
Between Lyft’s extensive support content and active online community, help is never far away!
Become a Lyft Driver Today
Driving for Lyft is a great way to earn solid income with a flexible schedule. With no office or boss, you control when and how often you drive.
Lyft continues growing in popularity, creating high passenger demand and plenty of ride opportunities. Getting started is quick and requirements are minimal.
If you meet the qualifications, why not apply to drive with Lyft today? In just a few days, you could be earning your first fares!
