Stephen Hasner | Uber/Lyft Accidents | May 11, 2024
Working as a rideshare driver can be an excellent opportunity for those looking to set their own schedules and meet new people. To get started, however, you must first meet the driver and vehicle requirements for services like Uber or Lyft in your home state. If you ever encounter any legal issues on the job, consulting an Atlanta Uber accident lawyer can be crucial.
Uber Requirements for Drivers
To be able to legally drive for Uber in the state of Georgia, you must first fulfill certain requirements:
1. You Must Be At Least 21 and Have a Valid Driver’s License
Uber doesn’t hire drivers under 21, and anyone who wants to work for the service must hold a valid driver’s license.
2. You Must Supply the Necessary Documents
You’ll need a few items to complete your driver application, including:
- Your vehicle’s registration
- Proof of vehicle insurance
- Proof of work eligibility
- Your Social Security number
These documents are non-negotiable. Without them, you won’t be able to proceed with your application.
3. You Must Be Able to Pass a Background Check
Uber takes the safety of its clients very seriously. All prospective drivers are therefore expected to submit to a background check before being hired.
A background check examines your criminal history and driving record. It’s essential to be able to demonstrate a clean record, as it will enable your riders to trust you and feel safe during their journeys.
4. You Must Own a Smartphone
You’ll need an Apple or Android smartphone to use the Uber app. The app allows you to show yourself as available to riders and use Uber’s GPS functionality to find passengers and transport them to their destinations.
Uber Requirements for Vehicles
Uber also has specific requirements for the vehicles in their fleets.
If you’re looking to drive for Uber in Georgia, your vehicle must:
- Be less than 15 years old
- Have four doors
- Be in good condition, with no obvious physical damage
- Be free from commercial branding
You can check Uber’s eligibility list to see if your vehicle meets the requirements.
Car Insurance
You cannot drive for Uber without car insurance. Drivers must maintain car insurance with minimum coverage per Georgia law, and Uber also holds separate liability insurance for each of its drivers.
Lyft Requirements
Like Uber, Lyft has its own requirements for drivers and their vehicles.
To drive for Lyft in Georgia, prospective drivers must:
- Be at least 25 years old
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Pass a background check
- Own a smartphone
Drivers must also be able to provide certain documents, including proof of vehicle registration and insurance.
To use your vehicle to drive for Lyft in Georgia, it must:
- Be a 2010 model or newer
- Have four doors with five to eight seats
- Display a valid license plate
Lyft Lux and Lyft Lux Black have additional requirements for the vehicles in their fleet, as these services are centered around offering riders a luxury travel experience.
If you need help interpreting or meeting these requirements, a qualified Atlanta personal injury attorney may be able to assist you.
Important Considerations for Rideshare Drivers
Before beginning the application process, prospective drivers should consider whether becoming a rideshare driver is the right choice for them.
For instance, you should think about whether you:
- Can spend multiple hours driving attentively
- Enjoy being in the presence of others
- Are willing to interact professionally with your passengers
- Are disciplined enough to create a realistic driving schedule
Being a rideshare driver can be fun and profitable, but it does come with responsibilities. If you’re not sure you can meet these responsibilities consistently, it may be best to find another line of work.
We serve in Fulton County, Chatham County, and its surrounding areas:
Hasner Law PC – Atlanta Law Office
2839 Paces Ferry Rd SE #1050 Atlanta, GA 30339
(678) 888-4878
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221 W York St Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 234-2334
