Uber and Lyft have taken over roads around the world with their innovative approach to ridesharing. And thanks to these companies, anyone can drive, pick up passengers, and make good money – which is why driving for Uber and Lyft is such a popular choice today.

Whether you’re looking for a side hustle, a new job, or simply a way to make some extra cash, here’s why driving for Uber or Lyft is a fantastic option

Anyone Can Become a Driver

One of the reasons driving for Uber and Lyft is such a popular job and “side hustle” choice is because it’s incredibly easy to get started – anyone can drive for these ridesharing companies, even if you’ve never driven professionally before.

Unlike driving for a taxi service or another professional driving company, Uber and Lyft let average drivers make money for doing what they do already each day: driving around town. You don’t need a commercial driver’s license, a specific kind of car, or a special certification or badge.

To begin driving for Uber or Lyft, you just need to download the apps onto your smartphone. From there, you’ll need to meet the following basic requirements according to The Simple Dollar:

  • Own a vehicle that’s no older than a 2006 model year (model year varies from Lyft to Uber)
  • Pass a vehicle inspection
  • Undergo and pass a criminal background check

Once you’ve been cleared by Lyft or Uber, you’ll be ready to drive. This makes it incredibly easy for you to get started and begin earning money. Once you meet the necessary requirements, you’re ready to hit the road, pick up passengers, and begin adding to your bank account.

You’ll Make Money Just By Signing Up

As soon as you’re ready to drive with Uber or Lyft, you’ll begin making money. In fact, when you initially sign up for either app as a driver, you’ll be offered a signup bonus. Once you’re behind the wheel and picking up passengers, you’ll earn a bonus that can put hundreds of dollars in your pocket as a new driver – and who doesn’t want to rack up cash as soon as you pick up a new job?

As a new driver for Uber, The Rideshare Guy reports that you can a guaranteed signup bonus of $500. Lyft offers a similar signup bonus, and the amount depends on where you live and what the current bonus rate is – but you can earn up to $1,000 as a signup bonus as a new driver.

These signup bonuses do come with some requirements you’ll need to meet, though. In order to score Uber’s new driver bonus (also called Uber Guaranteed Earnings), you’ll need to complete 100 rides. To score the Lyft signup bonus, you’ll earn your bonus in small chunks; you’ll earn bonus dollars on every ride you give during your first month of work, and at the end of the month you’ll get the rest of the bonus.

It’s Flexible: You Can Drive Whenever You Want

Unlike other part-time jobs, there’s no set schedule you have to work to earn money with Uber and Lyft. The entire job is flexible: you choose when you want to work, and you can work as often or as little as you’d like.

As a rideshare driver, you’ll turn on your smartphone app whenever you’re ready to work and pick up passengers. This makes driving for Uber or Lyft the perfect side gig. You can work your regular job and drive before or after work to make a little extra money. You can drive on the weekends and pick up passengers when you have some free time.

The flexibility offered by Lyft and Uber make it an incredibly enticing job. Anytime you’d like to make some money or need a boost in income, you simply need to open the app and start driving. And because you can choose when and how long you drive for, you can even target your schedule to maximize your earning if you’d like.

You Can Earn Over $20 Per Hour

In addition to the flexibility driving for Uber or Lyft offers, the earning potential is fantastic too. You’ll earn money on every ride, pocketing a per-ride fee and any tips you make. And even if you’re just driving a few times a week, your earnings with these rideshare apps can significantly add to your income.

According to The Simple Dollar, Uber drivers make a higher hourly rate than taxi drivers or other commercial drivers – most drivers make $15.68 per hour when they drive. Some drivers, however, make even more. Driving during surge periods can net you earnings of anywhere from $19.99 to $29.99 per hour. And

Whether you choose to drive during peak hours, surge or prime time periods, or simply whenever you’re available, you could net a great hourly rate by picking up rides. Driving each week as a rideshare driver could add a significant amount to your income, giving you more financial flexibility and freedom.

Rideshare Driving for Uber or Lyft Is the Perfect Part-Time Job

Finding a job isn’t easy, and no part-time job will fit seamlessly into your busy life – especially if you’re looking to pick up additional work and income without sacrificing your current job or lifestyle. But if you drive for Uber or Lyft, you could easily make more money and work on your own schedule.

Ridesharing is a fantastic way to make more money and work according to your needs. And it’s incredibly easy to get started as a driver. If you’re looking for a way to increase your income, you need to consider driving with Uber or Lyft. You’ll have your own schedule, be your own boss, and you can begin bringing in increased earnings.

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This article was worked on by a variety of people from the Autoversed team, including freelancers, editors, and/or other full-time employees.