6 Essential Tips For New Rideshare Drivers: Learn Helpful Information

In this blog post, we are discussing some great suggestions for new rideshare drivers to consider when getting on the road!

Photo of Isabella Priest, social media manager at The Rideshare Hub.

If you've thought about becoming a rideshare driver for Uber or Lyft, you might have a few questions as you get started earning on the road. Or, if you haven't given your first ride yet, you might be curious as to how the whole process works. It's actually quite simple. In today's blog article, we are covering 11 of the most essential tips that new rideshare drivers might want to know. So, grab some popcorn (or a notepad), sit back, and read along. This is going to be a fun one!

Tip #1 - Use a used car

If you didn't know, you do not need to use a brand new car to drive rideshare. Many older vehicles still qualify for driving rideshare, so you could save yourself some money by getting a used car instead. Just make sure it doesn't have too many miles on it or it could break down a lot and cost you extra.

Tip #2 - Put a Tablet in Your Car To Earn Extra Income

3. Many drivers now qualify to put a tablet in their vehicle to earn extra money. T-Mobile recently acquired the company Octopus, which provides Uber and Lyft drivers with a tablet for their riders to play games on. Drivers earn more income as the tablet plays ads in between the interactive games.

Tip #3 - Create some Music Playlists

This is going to help provide a better experience for you and your riders. Create a playlist with some relaxing music for rides during the day, and don't be afraid to add some more upbeat songs for the night. Just try to keep the songs appropriate.

Tip #4 - Be friendly with passengers

4. Most riders who get in your car are going to come in just wanting a ride to the grocery store, work, to a restaurant, or wherever they are wanting to go. You don't need to chat or keep conversation with every rider, but a nice "Hello, how are you today?" and a smile at the beginning of the ride goes a long way.

Tip #5 - Set a schedule for driving

One of the best perks of being a rideshare driver is driving on your own flexibility, but it can help tremendously to have a schedule set up so that you stay more consistent with your earnings. Keep in mind that mornings are typically great times to drive because a lot of people will be heading into work. Evenings are also great because that is when a lot of people are getting off of work and needing rides home.

Tip #6 - Keep Your Car Clean For Your Riders

Now when you are driving rideshare, you're going to have a lot of people coming in and out of your car. Your passengers may accidentally leave trash in your vehicle, and the more you drive, the dirtier your car will get on the outside and on the inside. So, consider investing in a hand vacuum or some inexpensive cleaning supplies to use to clean your car in between rides.

If you'd like to learn more, here is a video that Dylan Himmerich, one of the hosts on our YouTube channel called The Rideshare Hub, created called 10 Things You Need As An Uber Driver in 2022.

If you're interested in signing up to be a rideshare driver, head to Uber or Lyft's website to learn more!