A freelance driving job is an excellent way to make some extra money. Whenever you have the time, you can simply log onto the app, get behind the wheel, and complete trips for as long as you want.
Three of the most popular freelance driving services are Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash. To decide which service to work for, you should consider their driver requirements, average pay, and availability in your area.
Uber
Uber is one of the oldest and most widespread ridesharing services. A passenger can request a ride on the Uber app, and a driver will pick them up in their personal car and bring them to their destination. Depending on their needs and preferences, passengers can choose different levels or types of services. For example, UberBLACK offers a luxury vehicle, and UberPETS allows pet transport.
To become an Uber driver, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Have at least one year of driving experience
- Have an eligible vehicle
- Pass a background check
Uber vehicle requirements vary by location, but cars typically have to be 15 years old or newer. Once you provide Uber with all the required information and they complete a background check, you can start driving.
Uber also has a food delivery service called Uber Eats. Customers can order food from local restaurants, and drivers will pick up and deliver the orders. However, drivers usually report making less money with Uber Eats than with the Uber rideshare app.
Drivers get paid based on the time and distance of each trip. After vehicle expenses, most drivers report that they make about $15 per hour, but this may vary depending on your location. You can cash out your Uber earnings several times per day, which is especially helpful when you need money urgently. If you have an immediate, unexpected expense, you can spend that day driving to get the money right away.
Uber is the most popular ridesharing app, so it’s typically the best service to find consistent work. If you’re sociable, it’s a great opportunity to meet new people and make conversation. Your hours are flexible, so you can easily schedule your driving around your day job.
Uber’s feedback system allows passengers and drivers to rate each other, which helps protect everyone’s safety. However, there is always some risk when you let strangers into your car. It’s unlikely that you’ll have a seriously negative encounter with a passenger, but you should always take the appropriate precautions and make your safety your top priority.
Lyft
Like Uber, Lyft is a ridesharing app that allows drivers to use their personal vehicles to pick up and drop off passengers. The requirements for becoming a Lyft driver are similar to Uber’s requirements. You must be at least 21, possess a driver’s license, pass a background check, and have a vehicle in good condition.
Lyft isn’t as widespread as Uber, so you may not have much success with the app if you live in a rural or suburban area. If you plan to drive in the city, though, there should be plenty of work available. Uber has more passengers than Lyft, but it also has more drivers, so competition for drivers is similar for both apps in urban markets.
Lyft is a great second job for people who need independence and flexibility. You can cash out your earnings at any time, and you can work as many or as few hours as you want. Lyft passengers are usually friendly and outgoing, so you’ll have lots of interesting conversations while you drive.
Drivers usually report making slightly less money on Lyft than on Uber, but many agree that Lyft is more driver-friendly. While Uber has only recently added tipping to their app, Lyft has always encouraged their passengers to leave tips. Lyft also starts charging the passenger as soon as you arrive while Uber waits to start charging until the passenger enters the car.
DoorDash
DoorDash is a food delivery service, so it’s slightly different from Uber and Lyft. Customers order restaurant food through the DoorDash app or website, and drivers pick up and deliver the meals.
The exact amount you make per delivery depends on the size of the order, the distance you have to drive, and the wait time at the restaurant. Customers are encouraged to leave tips, which go directly to their drivers. Most drivers report making $10 to $20 per hour on an average day.
To start driving for DoorDash, you have to provide the company with some of your personal information to ensure that you’re a safe driver and have a clean record. You must fulfill the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Provide proof of car insurance
- Have no major violations (DUI, reckless driving, etc.) in the last seven years
- Have fewer than three accidents or moving violations in the last three years
Once you provide the necessary information and your background check is complete, you can become a DoorDash driver. Before you start making deliveries, you’ll need to sign up for a shift on the DoorDash app. Shifts can be anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, but you can adjust your start or end time to make your shift shorter.
Many drivers prefer working for DoorDash over Uber and Lyft because they don’t have to drive passengers around. You can play whatever music you want while you drive, and your car doesn’t have to be spotless. However, the work may not always be steady. Depending on your location and your working hours, you might have long breaks between orders.
The best driving service for you depends on your location and your preferences. You can try out all three of these jobs to see which one makes the most money and is the most enjoyable. If you like variety in your work, you can even switch between the three apps throughout the day. Whichever company you work for, you’ll enjoy freedom and flexibility while making extra money.