What is the background check like for Lyft drivers? Requirements?

Driver Requirements for Lyft

As of November 2017, it is as stated below.  (Check here for latest)

Age requirements

You must be at least 21 years old with an active U.S. driver license for at least one year to apply (you can create a passenger account at 18). You must be licensed to drive for at least a year before applying.

You may see an error message on your application regarding your driving history because your license was recently re-issued or your state doesn't provide a driver license issue date. See how to handle these issues.

In New York City, DMV and criminal background checks are conducted by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) according to their licensing standards, not by Lyft.

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DMV check

Potential drivers must pass a driving record check. Lyft reviews the results of these checks and disqualifies applicants who don't meet the standards of both Lyft and local regulations.

Lyft uses a third-party company to check driving records. You're ineligible to drive if any of the following are on your driving record:

• More than three moving violations in the past three years (like accidents or traffic light violations)
• A major moving violation in the past three years (like driving on a suspended license or reckless driving)
• A DUI or other drug-related driving violation in the last seven years
• Driving-related convictions in the last seven years (like hit-and-run or felonies involving a vehicle)

Different standards may apply based on local requirements specific to ridesharing. Lyft reserves the right to disqualify a driver at any time should their driving record reveal any of the above items or for any other safety-related reason at Lyft’s discretion.

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Background check

Potential drivers must pass a criminal background check. Lyft reviews the results of these checks and disqualifies applicants who don't meet the standards of both Lyft and local regulations. Drivers are screened for both criminal offenses and driving incidents.

Lyft’s criminal background checks are provided by a third-party company. These checks include national and county-level databases, and, when necessary, local courthouse record checks going back a minimum of seven years for review of convictions in California (longer in some jurisdictions). You're ineligible to drive on the Lyft platform if, among other things, the background check results include:

• Violent crime
• Felony
• Drug-related offense
• Sexual offense
• Certain theft or property damage offense cases

In New York City, DMV and criminal background checks are conducted by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) according to their licensing standards, not by Lyft.

More restrictive standards may apply based on local requirements specific to ridesharing. Lyft reserves the right to disqualify a driver at any time should their background check reveal any of the above items or for any other safety-related reason, per the Lyft Terms of Service.

If you do not pass your background check, you'll get a copy via email and instructions on how to dispute the results. Keep in mind background checks may take a few weeks to process.

To learn more about our safety requirements, go to lyft.com/safety.

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State and local requirements

In certain markets, drivers must meet additional city or state requirements.

Keep an eye on your email during and after the application process for instructions specific to your region.

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Vehicle standards

Drivers' vehicles must meet the list of Lyft standards as well as all local government standards. See Vehicle requirements for more info.

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Driver license, license plates, and insurance

• Current and valid driver's license
• Valid plates with current registration (commercial plates are also acceptable)
• Current valid insurance with your name on the policy

Some cities and states require drivers to have in-state documents. If you're a new driver, go to our Driver application requirementsfor the full list. If you're already approved, see State & City Driver Information for required documents.

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Current device

The Lyft Driver app requires a cellular connection, so your device must be supported by Lyft to drive. We don't support wifi-only devices (like wifi-only iPads).

See Phone software recommendations and settings to see which operating systems we support. While earlier versions of operating systems may work, they may not provide the best experience and new app features.

Need help? Tap 'Call Me' to speak directly with our driver support team. After you enter your number, we'll connect you in a few moments.

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Uber Driver, CEO of TaxiFareFinder and Unleashed, LLC