Start Driving Uber and or Lyft

Step 1: Make Sure You Meet the Basic Requirements

Before applying, you'll need to meet the minimum qualifications.

Uber Requirements

• Meet your state's minimum driving age requirements

• Have at least one year of licensed driving experience (three years if you're under 25 in many states)

• Have a valid driver's license

• Pass a background check

• Have an eligible vehicle (or rent one)

Lyft Requirements

• Meet your state's minimum driving age

• Have a valid driver's license

• Pass a criminal background check

• Meet local vehicle requirements

• Have auto insurance

Tip: Requirements vary slightly by city and state.

Step 2: Choose a Vehicle

You have several options.

Use Your Own Car

Most drivers simply use the vehicle they already own.

Your vehicle generally must:

• Have four doors

• Seat at least four passengers (excluding the driver)

• Pass a vehicle inspection where required

• Be in good cosmetic and mechanical condition

• Not have a rebuilt or salvage title (in most markets)

Rent a Vehicle

Both Uber and Lyft offer rental programs in many cities.

This can be helpful if:

• You don't own a qualifying vehicle.

• You don't want to add miles to your personal car.

• You want to try rideshare before purchasing a vehicle.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

You'll usually need:

• Driver's license

• Vehicle registration

• Proof of insurance

• Driver profile photo

• Social Security Number (for background check)

Some markets may require additional documents.

Step 4: Apply Online

Download either:

• Uber Driver app

• Lyft Driver app

Create an account and upload your documents.

The application usually takes around 15–30 minutes.

Step 5: Complete the Background Check

Both companies perform a background screening.

They generally review:

• Criminal history

• Driving record

• Major traffic violations

• DUI convictions

• License status

Approval times range from a few hours to several days.

Step 6: Wait for Approval

Once approved, you'll receive a notification that your account is active.

You can usually begin driving immediately after activation.

Step 7: Download the Driver App

The driver app is your business dashboard.

It lets you:

• Go online

• Accept ride requests

• Navigate to passengers

• Track earnings

• Cash out your income

• Contact support

Spend some time learning where everything is before your first trip.

Step 8: Understand How You'll Get Paid

Drivers earn money from several sources:

• Base fare

• Time

• Distance

• Surge or Prime Time pricing

• Tips

• Bonuses and incentives (when available)

Earnings vary significantly depending on:

• Your city

• Time of day

• Demand

• Driving strategy

Step 9: Learn the Expenses

Many new drivers only think about earnings—not costs.

Common expenses include:

• Fuel

• Maintenance

• Tires

• Oil changes

• Car washes

• Insurance

• Depreciation

• Taxes

Understanding your cost per mile is one of the most important skills you'll develop.

Step 10: Understand You're an Independent Contractor

Uber and Lyft drivers are generally independent contractors—not employees.

That means you're responsible for:

• Paying your own taxes

• Tracking business mileage

• Saving for maintenance

• Buying your own benefits

• Planning for retirement

You are essentially running your own small business.

Step 11: Learn Which Trips to Accept

One of the biggest mistakes new drivers make is accepting every ride request.

Experienced drivers often consider:

• Pay per mile

• Pay per hour

• Pickup distance

• Destination

• Traffic

• Time of day

• Surge pricing

Learning how to evaluate requests can have a major impact on your profitability.

Step 12: Track Your Mileage

Mileage is one of your biggest tax deductions.

Keep records using:

• A mileage tracking app

• A spreadsheet

• A dedicated rideshare tracking app

• Your own written log

Good recordkeeping can save you thousands of dollars over time.

Step 13: Stay Safe

Always prioritize your safety.

Best practices include:

• Trust your instincts.

• Keep your doors locked until confirming the passenger.

• Verify the rider's name before beginning the trip.

• Avoid distractions while driving.

• Keep emergency contacts available.

• Report unsafe behavior through the app.

No trip is worth risking your safety.

Step 14: Set Realistic Income Expectations

Many advertisements highlight top earners, but your actual income depends on several factors.

Your results will vary based on:

• Your market

• The hours you drive

• Expenses

• Demand

• Experience

• Strategy

Successful drivers focus on profit, not just gross earnings.

Step 15: Keep Learning

The most successful drivers never stop improving.

Learn about:

• Surge pricing

• Airport queues

• Tax deductions

• Expense tracking

• Vehicle maintenance

• Market trends

• Multi-app driving

• Profit optimization

The more you learn, the more likely you'll increase your earnings while reducing unnecessary costs.

Final Thoughts

Driving for Uber or Lyft is relatively easy to get started, but building a profitable rideshare business takes planning, discipline, and continuous learning. Treat your driving like a business from day one—track your expenses, understand your numbers, and develop a strategy instead of simply accepting every trip.

At The Rideshare Pro, our goal is to help drivers maximize profits, reduce expenses, and make informed decisions. Whether you're just getting started or have thousands of trips under your belt, there's always something new to learn.