If you think gig driving is just about jumping into your vehicle and heading off to drive and deliver, you may want to take a minute to read this post before you hit the road. There are many things you’ll want to know. We give you a thorough debrief on background checks, potential earnings, ways to make more tips, helpful tools/equipment to buy, and other ways to make the most money possible as a gig driver.
Here are the questions we’ll answer for you in this article:
- What do I need to get started as a gig driver?
- What should I know before driving?
- What challenges should I be prepared for?
- What items do I need for my driving gig?
- How can I make more money as a gig driver?
What do I need to get started as a gig driver?
The first thing to do is look at the company you want to drive for, and become familiar with their requirements. There are differences in minimum age, length of time you have held a driver’s license, whether you can use a rented or borrowed car, and how much insurance you must carry.
Once again, the bare minimum requirements for rideshare and delivery gigs vary from one company to the next, but signing up to drive with any company will require you to have some patience. Although the basics of signing up don’t take that long, you might have to wait until slots become available for drivers on your app, and … even if there are lots of slots open, you’ll have to wait for your background check to clear.
Let’s look at these issues so you can have realistic expectations about how long it might take to get signed on and approved.
The background check
If you have a totally clean criminal record and a good motor vehicle history, it should be a breeze. The normal background check usually takes two to three days to clear, but depending on volume, it can take two weeks or more. And, when there’s something that’s in question (even the smallest infraction) or an error you need to dispute, it could take longer.
You may have to prove that there has been an error, or provide additional information before the background check will clear. This information from Checkr, the company most gig driving companies use, will help you understand more about how the process works. Checkr provides a portal for applicants, so you can look in on the status of your account, and communicate with Checkr to dispute any errors that might arise.
You can check out the company you want to drive for to see specific background check requirements. These links to Uber, Lyft, and Doordash will give you some ideas about what’s involved with their background check processes.
Driver slot availability
Many companies, especially in food and package delivery markets, want to make sure there are not too many drivers scrambling to get business. Depending on demand, the companies might ask you to wait until a slot becomes available – and that’s a good reason to consider working for more than one company. Sometimes slots open in a day or two, but the delays can be a lot longer than that.
Requirements for your vehicle and phone
Every company has a different set of requirements for vehicles, so you’ll want to check the company app or website to make sure you’re in compliance. Vehicle age is one consideration, and when it comes to package delivery, the size of your vehicle and the cargo area become a big factor.
Check out these requirements from Uber, Lyft, and Amazon Flex to get an idea of what kind of vehicle you’ll need. Most food delivery companies are more lenient about vehicle age, condition, and size, but check to make sure your vehicle will pass muster.
Your smartphone has to be capable of running your company’s app. The company will tell you the minimum version of your phone’s operating system that is required. Most companies’ apps are supported by Android and iOS, but some phones do not run the software. Getting the right phone is essential, and may take some time.
What should I know before driving?
Before you start to drive, here are some steps to take.
Prepare your vehicle:
Keep it clean
For rideshare, remember that passengers will rate you as a driver, and one of the most appealing things to them is a clean car. No one wants to brush up against a filthy passenger door, or sit down on someone else’s half-eaten fries.
For delivery, make sure your vehicle is ready to carry food, without spills that could ruin a customer order …or your car’s carpet. Mats and organizers are more than just “extras.” And here’s one of our top Amazon Flex driver tips: Protect and partition your cargo area so packages don’t bounce around, get mixed up, or get damaged.
Keep it safe
Be sure to keep your vehicle in optimum running condition. Check your oil and other fluids regularly, always have plenty of fuel (or charge, if you drive an EV), and keep your tires inflated to their proper pressure. Carry items such as a brush for snow, blankets, or cold drinks, to protect you and your passengers in the event of a weather emergency. Delivery drivers need to do these things, too, so they can keep themselves safe and make their runs on time.
Keep it sanitized
Take extra precautions. Clean your hands, wipe the steering wheel, door handles, window controls, and even your gear shift as often as you can. Not only will this help you keep germs away, but you’ll give your customers a feeling of security. As for delivery drivers, keeping things extra clean prevents bacteria-laden food from contaminating your vehicle. You’ll have a clear conscience when you know you’ve kept things clean for your customers, too.
Prepare yourself:
Be alert but stay calm
Working as a gig driver, whether for rideshare or delivery, can be mildly stressful. Driving in and of itself can be challenging, particularly if you’re in a busy or unfamiliar area. Put any tendencies toward being overanxious or irritated aside. You’re going to spend a lot of time in your vehicle, and not every driver you encounter will yield the right of way. Sometimes you’ll have to take a deep breath and just let other drivers’ misdeeds go.
Get comfortable with your app
Dealing with the app might not sound like a huge challenge, and most times it isn’t – but if you’re not comfortable with tech, it can be a nightmare. Spend time with your app before you go out to drive. Most companies provide tutorials that allow you to see what you need to do with your app in order to give rides or make deliveries. There are plenty of friendly fellow drivers who have put together video lessons on how to make the most out of the tech you need to use.
Know how your app works
You need to know a lot of different things. For instance, being closest to areas with the most customers will help you get selected to accept a ride faster than areas farther away. Also, be aware that it isn’t always to your advantage to drive around between rides. If you’re in a high-traffic area, stay put for as long as seems reasonable; a ride is sure to come. You can read more about these kinds of strategies in this article from Insider.
Be smart about the rides and deliveries you accept
Once you get more familiar with how your app works, you’ll easily be able to see what rides or deliveries will make you the most money. This article will give you some more tips about how to strategize for DoorDash, while this one puts the focus on Instacart. With these two companies, as well as Uber, Lyft, Grubhub, Amazon Flex, and others, you always want to learn how to choose your assignments wisely.
Follow the rules and use your authority
There are many rules, and laws, involved with driving. Some are put forth by your company, while others are mandated by local law enforcement officials. For example, if your company requires you and your passengers to wear masks during a ride, you have to set an example for your customers so they won’t mind following the rules. And … if a bunch of college students decide to open a bottle of champagne in the back of your vehicle, you need to tell them it’s against the law (if that’s the case in your state) and you will be ending the ride. You can be firm without provoking an argument. Your job – and your driver’s license – depend on your ability to assert your authority.
Stay safe
Most advice for gig drivers doesn’t usually include information about personal safety. That’s a shame, because it’s something all gig drivers need to consider. Be aware of your surroundings. Keep your car doors locked while you’re waiting for a passenger, a food order, or a package to come to you. Always have a safe destination programmed into your GPS, such as the business district of your town or another place where there will be plenty of people. That way, if you end up in a sketchy neighborhood, you can find your way to a safer place without stopping to put in the coordinates.
What challenges should I be prepared for?
By now you’ve probably seen that not everything about being a rideshare or delivery driver is easy. Here, we’ll point out some of the challenges for drivers so you can prepare to handle them like a pro.
Cranky customers
There are plenty of people who have absolutely no problem letting you know they’re having a bad day … and taking it out on you. Just like the difficult drivers we talked about earlier, these people will test your patience. Keep in mind that in most cases, they don’t even know you, so it doesn’t make sense to take what they say personally. Remember that in most apps, customers get rated by their drivers, so people will tend to be civil, if not pleasant. It’s important for you to read the situation. One of the smartest things you can do is not get chatty with someone who obviously wants to get your transaction completed as quickly as possible.
Inclement weather
So far, no one has found a spot on Planet Earth that enjoys a totally perfect climate. So the reality is, you’ll have to deal with bad weather of all kinds. It may be too hot or too cold, in which case you’ll want to make sure that your vehicle and your clothing match the needs of the environment. Precipitation and wind, including ice, snow, and blinding rain, can make driving difficult. While there’s always more money to be made when the weather is rotten, it’s not always worth it to drive. One of the gig driver tips we offer all the time is: Use your discretion, and if you’re not sure about how to drive in certain conditions, learn about it before you go out.
Tech glitches
As a driver, you’ll have to live with the fact that technology doesn’t always work the way it’s designed. The app can stop working, the GPS could go wrong, your phone could restart without you asking it to, and worst of all, you could run out of battery. While some tech glitches are unavoidable, do your best to prevent the kind that aren’t. Always carry your charger (and a backup), and restart your phone once every day or two to clear the phone of any unneeded processes from apps that have nothing to do with driving.
Perhaps the most annoying tech glitch happens when your company’s app doesn’t tally the money you’re making. For this and all tech glitches, always contact your company. They need to know you’re having problems, and you’ll prevent customers from reporting you for leaving them in the lurch.
Car concerns
It’s great that you can use your car as a way to make money when you decide to start a driving gig, but it does come at a price. Your car will be running more, with a lot of starting and stopping, and there may be people (and/or food and packages) exerting wear and tear on your vehicle. Brakes may not last as long, and you could find that your tires wear out faster when you’re gig driving.
Maintenance is an investment you can’t afford to skimp on. Find yourself a good, reliable, and trustworthy mechanic. Visit that person regularly and make sure you follow any reasonable recommendations that are made. Know your car’s maintenance schedule, and budget for the things you’re going to need. You can find an abundance of great information online about this topic.
Even if you maintain your vehicle perfectly, it’s probably going to depreciate faster than it would if you don’t use it for driving gigs. However, driving can be such a great way to make a living, this is something you’ll be willing to sacrifice.
The stress of multitasking
As mentioned earlier, using the company app can be confusing and irritating, at least until you get used to it. The fact that you see and hear pings on your phone can be distracting, but no matter what, you have to put your safety first. If you’re unsure about a destination, or you have to place a food order for a customer, pull over before you start to type into your phone. The few moments you take to pause, focus, and get on sure footing could wind up saving your life.
What items do I need for my driving gig?
So far, we’ve covered the basic things you’ll need to start driving. Now, we’ll tell you about the things you’ll need. Some are “musts,” while others are optional. Always stick to your budget, but don’t neglect the basic needs that make it possible to be a successful gig driver.
The musts
Phone mount
It’s hard enough to manage the driver app, the GPS, and any messages you might be getting from your customers or your company, and drive safely. Without a phone mount, it becomes impossible. A good mount keeps your phone in your sight so you can see it without having to fish around for it on, under, or between the seats.
Check the laws in your state. If a windshield mount is permitted, that’s the best kind to get. There are other models that fit into your cup holder, and they can work if you’re not permitted to have a dash or windshield mount.
Good, solid, and stable insulated bags are part of the ABCs of how to become a food delivery driver. Many companies provide bags, but they don’t always hold very much, and they can be flimsy. Here’s one from our bag of DoorDash driver tips and tricks. You need beverage holders! Keep those drinks upright, and you’ll create happier customers. Plus, your car won’t become a sticky, smelly mess.
A dashcam
There are some very good reasons why it pays to have a dashcam in your vehicle. When there is a recording of what’s happening in and around your car at any given moment, disputes get settled quickly. Also, the presence of the cam on your dash can make customers who have bad intentions think twice about choosing you to be their victim. Check out this Gridwise blog post to see some of the best ones out there.
The Good Ideas
Backseat dividers
While it isn’t a must, having a backseat divider can make rideshare drivers and their customers feel safer. Choose between a divider that can be easily removed, or one that becomes a semi-permanent fixture in your vehicle.
Air disinfectors and fresheners
Rideshare customers often complain about smelly cars, so make sure yours is fresh and clean. Be sure to use fresheners that are mild and pleasant, though. While you might favor sour cherry or patchouli, others might find those scents a little bit too much for their smelling senses. Food delivery drivers have more flexibility here, and their need might be more acute. How else can you get rid of the lingering aromas of a huge order of garlic bread or a potent curry?
Another important item to have in your car is an air disinfector, like this disinfector from nUVo. Unlike an air freshener, an air disinfectors’ primary function is to keep the air clean and free from germs. This is especially important during winter months when colds, the flu, and other viruses (not to mention COVID-19) are more prevalent. Rideshare passengers are more likely to tip drivers extra if their riding experience felt comfortable and safe. If you’re a rideshare driver, you may want to look into getting a nUVo air disinfector as a way to boost your tips. (Plus, Gridwise users can currently get 30% off by using promo code RIDE30!)
Entertainment and conveniences
This one is mainly for rideshare drivers. Your customers have certain needs, and if you can fill them, your ratings will go up – as will your tips. The first thing you should get is extra phone chargers, preferably with a variety of connectors, so both Android and Apple lovers will be equally pleased. Next, think about getting a tablet that stays fixed to the back of your front seat, so your passengers can play games or challenge themselves with solitaire or Sudoku.
Remember what we said about following the rules? You can get signs stating your policies, such as “please wear a mask,” or “no open containers,” or make your own. Signs can also provide useful information, such as “My 5 favorite bars,” or “6 places to take your kids in our town.”
Post-it notes that say “Sorry we missed you”
This one’s for package delivery drivers in particular. When you wanted to hand the bag or box over to them and no one answered the door, it’s nice to leave a note like this. Personal touches that show you care more than they expected will lead to better tips and more repeat business. Depending on the service you work for, you may be able to request these notes for free – and earn extra tips while you’re at it!
Ways to track your earnings and mileage
As much fun as rideshare and delivery driving can be once you get into it, the fact remains that it is a business – your business. That means you need to know how much you’re earning, how much you have to subtract for expenses, and how much you can deduct for mileage.
While your company’s app has some features that can help you manage these things, Gridwise does a lot more. For starters, Gridwise tracks all the miles you drive while you’re on a shift, not just when you’re driving to serve a rideshare or delivery customer. After all, you want to be able to total up all the miles you drive for tax deduction purposes.
Gridwise also tracks earnings on all the apps you use, so you can see which app is making you the most money at any given time. Making money is the reason you want to be a gig driver, right? Gridwise lays out how much money you’re making with easy-to-read graphs like these:
This indispensable tool is a huge help. Now, let’s learn even more about how you can develop your earning skills.
How can I make more money as a gig driver?
Once you get the basics down, you’ll need to work on ways to make more money. Here are our suggestions:
- Create a driving strategy and test it out. What’s most profitable? What’s most efficient? Use Gridwise tools such as Where to Drive and When to Drive for help.
- Be aware of your company’s incentives. There are bonuses for driving at certain times and in certain places, and you can make a lot of money when you refer your friends and get them to join you on your gig driving journey. Look for announcements on the app, or do some research on your company’s website.
- Minimize your costs. Drive efficiently, minimizing excessive acceleration and braking. Take advantage of offers, such as Gridwise Gas, CarAdvise, and other deals and discounts you can get when you download Gridwise.
- Learn more about your area and be aware of what’s going on. Gridwise can help you there, too, with
- Airport arrivals and departures
- Event start-up and let out times
- Weather and traffic alerts
Some of what you need to learn as a driver will only come with experience. For instance, which of the restaurants you’re delivering from have the longest waits, or where the pickup points at the hockey arena might be. Using these tips and tricks to hone your art of gig driving is satisfying, fun, and will make you more money. Getting things right will make you answer “yes!” every time someone asks you: “Is driving for Uber/DoorDash worth it?”
So before you take your first ride or deliver your first bag of food, make sure you ride with the best rideshare and delivery assistant.
