What Are Lyft Driver Requirements?

Over the last decade, ridesharing has grown to be a significant part of the American economy. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in the fall of 2018, 36% of American adults have used a ridesharing service such as Lyft, up from 15% in late 2015.

Being a driver for a ridesharing platform such as Lyft provides a flexible way to earn money. According to Lyft's 2021 Economic Impact Report, 96% of the platform's drivers are students or have other jobs, and 95% spend less than 20 hours per week driving for the platform. That means you can easily fit driving for Lyft into your schedule.

While Lyft driving provides flexibility, you must still meet the platform's vehicle and driver requirements in order to take advantage of this opportunity. Learn everything you need to know about Lyft's requirements before applying to be a driver.

Lyft Driver Requirements

There are several minimum requirements for drivers, which vary by state. In general, you should:

  • Be at least 21 years old, though the minimum age may be as high as 25 years old depending on where you live.
  • You must have a valid driver's license.
  • You must pass a background check as well as a DMV check. These checks look for things like a violent crime conviction or recent driving-related issues, such as a DUI within the last three to seven years.
  • Have current registration and valid license plates, as well as current and valid auto insurance with your name on the policy.
  • Complete the Community Safety Education programme offered by Lyft.
  • Have a smartphone that can run the Lyft driver app.

Lyft Vehicle Requirements

To be eligible to drive for Lyft, your vehicle must meet the following specifications:

  • The vehicle cannot be a taxi, a stretch limo, or certain subcompact vehicles such as the Chevrolet Aveo, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, or various MINI Cooper models.
  • Vehicle age requirements differ from one region to the next. Lyft drivers in Janesville, Madison, Milwaukee, and Sheboygan, Wisconsin, for example, must have a car that is 2006 or newer, while Green Bay requires a car that is 2005 or newer, and all other cities in Wisconsin require a car that is 2004 or newer. Potential drivers must research the local vehicle age requirements to see if their vehicle meets them.
  • The vehicle must have four doors and a minimum of five seatbelts (including the driver's belt).
  • The car cannot be titled as salvage, non-repairable, rebuilt, or any other similar designation in many Lyft markets.

Before you can become a Lyft driver in some states, your vehicle must pass an inspection. In some cases, the inspections are the same as those required for all drivers, and you will simply need to provide proof that your vehicle passed inspection.

License and Registration Requirements for Lyft Drivers

A valid driver's license is required for Lyft drivers, but there are some exceptions. Lyft does not accept licenses from Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or other US territories.

Additionally, if you intend to drive for Lyft in California, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, or Washington, your driver's license must be at least a year old. Some states will let you drive for Lyft if you have a valid out-of-state license.

License plates must be current. Depending on the market in which you intend to drive, temporary tags may be accepted. To find out if you can drive with temporary plates or registration, check with your local authorities.

Lyft Insurance Requirements

Lyft requires its drivers to have valid auto insurance, but the company also provides insurance. This coverage only applies if your Lyft app is turned on, so if you are in your car with the Lyft app turned off, you are covered by your personal auto insurance.

If you are in an accident while waiting for a fare while using the Lyft app, Lyft will provide third-party liability insurance for covered accidents if your personal auto policy does not cover it. The bodily injury maximums for this coverage are $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 per accident for property damage.

Lyft provides the following insurance for covered accidents if you are in an accident while picking up a passenger or during a ride with the Lyft app turned on:

  • 1 million dollars for primary liability
  • Uninsured/underinsured driver
  • Certain types of first-party protection (not third-party)
  • Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage up to the car's actual cash value ($2,500 deductible)

The specific requirements for your personal auto insurance policy may also differ by state. Before applying to become a Lyft driver, make sure you understand the requirements in your state.

How Do Lyft Requirements Vary by State?

There are significant differences in requirements depending on where you live, including everything from the driver and vehicle requirements to the paperwork you must provide during the application process. Even if you've previously driven for Lyft in another city, all potential Lyft drivers must check the application requirements for their city and state.

Lyft’s Community Safety Education program

Lyft's Community Safety Education programme is mandatory for all drivers. This programme was developed by Lyft in collaboration with the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), the largest anti-sexual violence organisation in the United States. The programme consists of six videos that teach drivers how to handle dangerous and uncomfortable situations while also outlining what is prohibited for both drivers and riders.

How to Apply

To become a driver, you can apply online or through the Lyft app. You must provide your name, email address, phone number, and other information that will assist Lyft in determining your eligibility.

After that, you may have to wait several weeks for your background check to be completed. New applicants can also expect to be placed on a driver waitlist. The waitlist holds your application request until there are more openings for new drivers in your area.