Rideshare driving offers customers an alternative to public transportation or taxis. Becoming a rideshare driver is a relatively simple process. Keep reading to learn more about what a rideshare driver does and how you can become a rideshare driver.
What does a Ride Share Driver do?
Whether you are looking to supplement your current income or be your own boss full-time, you may have considered working as a ride share driver. Ride share drivers transport people where they need to go, or they may pick up and deliver food orders. What makes this work appealing is the flexible work location and hours.
How to Become a Ride Share Driver
The two main competitors in the ride share industry within the United States are Uber and Lyft. Anyone can drive; all you have to do is meet the companies minimum requirements. Most ride share companies require you to have a valid driver license and car insurance.
For safety reasons, there may also be a few more tasks you’ll need. You most likely will have to show that you reside in the city or state that you are driving in, prove that you have current insurance, and verify that you drive a vehicle you own. Also, most companies will check your driving history and criminal history reviewed.
For all other employment conditions, visit the ride share company websites to find specific details on obtaining or applying for a job.
Career Definition of Rideshare Drivers
Rideshare driving is a fairly new form of transportation. You will need an iPhone or Android in order to work as a rideshare driver. Passengers with smart phones will utilize an app to see your location in real time and be able to request transportation from you. As a rideshare driver, you will have the flexibility to set your own schedule and choose the assignments you want. Rideshare companies do not require that you work a minimum number of hours. Because of this flexibility, you can hold another job while working as a rideshare driver.
While many people utilize ridesharing companies for transportation, some of these companies are branching out into delivery services. You can choose to deliver take-out food to customers or packages to local businesses. In some cases, you are able to combine passenger and delivery trips in order to increase your earnings as a rideshare driver.
| Educational Requirements | None |
| Job Skills | Excellent driving skills and good communication skills |
| Average Salary (2022)* | $38,493 (Lyft Driver) |
| Job Outlook (2020-2030)** | 25% (Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs) |
Sources: *Glassdoor.com, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Required Education
As a rideshare driver, you will not need to meet any formal educational requirements. Most rideshare companies simply require that you are at least twenty-one years of age and possess at least one year of driving experience under a valid driver’s license. You will also need a current car insurance policy and vehicle registration policy, as well as a four-door vehicle for passenger trips.
Required Skills
The top requirement for a rideshare driver is excellent driving skills, including possesing a clean driving record. As a rideshare driver, you must be able to navigate unfamiliar routes and deal with delays like traffic or construction. You will also want to have good communication skills to work as a rideshare driver, as your primary responsibility is to transport people to their destinations. Ensuring your passengers have a pleasant trip will increase your customer satisfaction ratings. You will also need to pass a criminal background check, which will include providing your social security number.
Career Outlook and Salary
Specific salary and job outlook statistics are not collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for rideshare drivers. However, they group ‘ride-hailing drivers’ with taxi drivers and chauffeurs; these professionals collectively can expect a job growth of 25% during the 2020-2029 decade. This growth is considered as fast as average for all jobs. The BLS predicts strong job opportunities for independent contractors with ride-hailing services due to the convenience of smartphone technology. The employment site Glassdoor.com listed an average salary of $38,493 for Lyft drivers in January 2022.
Interested? Read the 6 Steps to Become an Uber or Lyft Driver
Related Careers
If you have the desire and personality to work as a rideshare driver, you may succeed in other positions in transportation. You could work in public transportation with positions like a bus driver, for example.
- Bus Driver
- Subway Operator
- Be a Motorcoach Driver
