Training

The Basics

We’ve brought together your driver earnings, Prime Time heatmaps, bonuses, and referrals into one home: the Driver Console. As part of the Driver Console, you can conveniently keep tabs on demand in your city without logging into driver mode. You’ll also receive local updates and customized information in a personal newsfeed.  

FAQ

How do I access the Driver Console?

There are two ways to access the Driver Console:

1. Click the “Go Online” button from the app.
2. Tap your profile to access the navigation menu, then select “Go to Driver App” at the bottom.

Note: To receive ride requests, you must be “online” while in the Driver Console.

What is the Newsfeed?

The Newsfeed is where you’ll receive customized and local updates, as well as relevant news, such as Alerts and Promotions.

How Drivers and Passengers are Paired

In order to keep drivers as busy as possible while also keeping ETAs low for passengers, requests are dispatched to the driver who will arrive soonest. When you drop off a passenger, it's likely that your next request will be close by.

If you've dropped someone off and have been waiting for a longer period of time, the chances of your next request being further away increase. This is all in the interest of keeping you busy and maximizing earnings! Metrics such as ratings, acceptance, or cancellation rates do not factor into whether or not you receive a request.

How to Become a Lyft Plus Driver

Passengers cannot request a specific driver or car, but they can use Lyft Plus to be guaranteed a larger vehicle.

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Becoming a Lyft Plus Driver

If you have a car that fits at least six passengers, then this is the program for you. Lyft Plus rides are just like regular rides, but with more passengers and more pay.

Keep in mind that you are only approved to drive one vehicle on the platform. If your bigger car is not the one on your profile, follow these steps to switch your car.

New drivers with vehicles that qualify will be opted into Lyft Plus automatically. If you have a larger vehicle (with at least seven seat belts total), and haven't been receiving Lyft Plus requests, please send us a message to ensure that you've been opted in.

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Pay

Passengers pay a higher rate for Plus rides, so you'll receive that higher rate. Lyft Plus rates vary by region, so check the rates for your area on the cities page.

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Plus Ride Requests

Plus requests look the same as regular requests.

Any passenger can request a Lyft Plus ride, regardless of the size of their group. Be ready to fill all of those seats, though! And, as always, you should never drive a group of passengers whose group exceeds the number of seat belts in your car.

It is not possible to receive only Plus rides. In order to keep you busy, we'll still dispatch regular requests to you, but only if there aren't also Plus requests being made.

How to Call Your Passengers

Sometimes you need to give passengers a call. The app is all set up for you to do so: just tap the phone icon on the top right side of the home screen.

Can passengers see my phone number?

Passengers do not see your actual number. We use a third party service to mask phone numbers through the app, so passengers don't see your personal number, and you don't see theirs.

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Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Phone calls aren't going through to my passengers

Make sure you're calling from the same phone that's registered to run the Lyft app (your phone number is saved under Settings, and can also be changed there).

If you're having issues, check to see if you have caller ID blocked on your phone. Caller ID needs to be turned on for you to be able to reach passengers through the app.

If you've checked your phone number and caller ID and are still unable to make calls, send us a message. We'll be happy to get it sorted out.

I'm unable to use the Lyft app while on the phone

Some wireless networks like Sprint don't allow your smartphone to multi-task — you can't use an app while also being on the phone. You can still call your passengers, but you'll be kicked out of the app while doing so (but no ride data will be lost). Make sure to reopen it once you're off the call.

How to Change Navigation Settings

The Lyft app doesn't have built-in navigation, but instead connects to the navigation on your phone.

We recommend using Google Maps or Waze because they use real-time traffic info to determine the best route.

Change your settings in the app

To edit your navigation preferences:

1. Tap 'Settings'
2. Tap 'Navigation'
3. Toggle the 'Auto Navigation' on to let the app switch back and forth between your Lyft and navigation app. You can also select a preferred navigation app.

How to Give a Lyft Line Ride

The Basics: 

Lyft Line matches multiple passengers along the same route, giving you longer rides with less downtime:

Lyft Line rides are a bit more complicated than regular rides, so it's important you carefully follow the app. You’ll be automatically directed to each pickup and drop-off location in the most efficient order.

Lyft Line Tips

Follow the app

Once you accept a Line ride, follow each prompt closely, and be prepared to change course at any time during the ride.

Sometimes you’ll only be matched with one passenger, other times you’ll be re-routed to pick up other passengers. The key is to follow the app, which will direct you to each pickup and drop-off location in the most efficient order.

Stick to the route

Passengers set their destination before requesting a ride, and are given a fixed price based on the estimated time and distance of the trip. So, if a passenger asks to change course, or make an extra stop, you'll need to politely decline.

Mind the timer

When you tap to arrive at the pickup location we'll notify the passenger, and start a timer. When the timer runs out, it’s time to go. If you can't find your passenger, mark them as a no-show to receive a no-show fee, and continue to the next stop.

If you don't already have a passenger in your car, you'll receive a no-show fee. If you do have a passenger in the car, you're being compensated for the time spent, so you won't receive the additional fee.

How to Give a Lyft Ride

Giving a Lyft ride is easy! Follow the instructions below to get started.

Switch to Driver modeTo receive ride requests from passengers, you must:

1. Open the Lyft Driver app or original Lyft app
2. Tap your profile picture in the top left corner
3. Tap ‘Switch to Driver’
4. Tap ‘Go Online’ 

You’re now able to receive ride requests. 

Receive a request
When you receive a request, you'll see a notification. Tap anywhere on the screen to accept the request before the 15-second timer expires.

Arrive at your passenger’s location
After accepting the request, navigate to the passenger's pickup location by tapping the arrow next to the address. When you arrive at the passenger's pickup location, tap to arrive.

Confirm your arrival 
Once you’ve tapped to arrive, confirm your arrival on the next screen. This notifies the passenger you’ve arrived.

Pick up your passenger
When the passenger is in the car, tap to pick up your passenger. This will start the ride and help calculate pay. If it takes the passenger more than 60 seconds after you confirm your arrival, you will be paid (and your passenger will be charged) without tapping pickup.

Take your passenger to their destination
For safety reasons, sort out exactly where you're going before you start driving — don’t type addresses or toggle between apps while the vehicle is moving. Passengers can either enter their destination in the app ahead of time, or you can enter it for them. Some passengers have a preferred route, and will ask you to follow their directions — feel free to let them call the shots!

As soon as you start the ride, drive your passenger to their destination.

Drop off your passenger
When you arrive at the passenger's destination, tap to drop off.

Confirm your drop off
Lastly, you’ll be asked to confirm — tap 'Cancel' to stay in the ride or 'Confirm' if you're actually ending the ride. This ends the ride and lets you rate your passenger. It also triggers payment for the passenger.

Heads Up: Passengers can now use cash or the app for tips. Do not accept cash for the ride payment itself, though. Passengers should use the app for the ride payment. 

Rate your passenger
After the ride is complete, rate your passenger from 1 to 5 stars. If you rate your passenger 3 stars or below, you will not be matched with them again. If you leave a comment, Lyft will see it, not your passenger.

Cancellations and no-shows
It's best if you don't cancel rides, since passengers are depending on you. If a passenger doesn't show up, you can mark them as a no-show.

Getting to the Passenger

After you accept a request, tap 'Navigate.' The Lyft app automatically opens up your selected navigation app to guide you to the passenger.

Tap 'Settings' to choose which navigation app you want to use.

The passenger can see your car icon approaching on their app, your ETA, and they're sent a text message when you're getting close.

If you get stuck in traffic or accidentally take a wrong turn, you can give them a call through your Lyft app. Just tap the icon in the top right to choose the 'Call' option. If they no longer want or need the ride, ask them to cancel it.

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Giving the Ride

For safety reasons, you should ask the passenger exactly where you're going before you start driving. Dont type addresses or toggle between apps while the vehicle is moving.

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Regular and Plus Rides

Enter the address

When the passenger enters your car, and you've tapped to confirm their arrival, you'll either see a pop-up with their address or a field to enter it.

• If the passenger has already entered their address, tap 'Navigate' on the pop-up
• If the passenger hasn't entered their address, they can enter it into their app. The address will then appear on yours momentarily. You can also type the rider's address into your app (intersections, landmarks, and businesses work too, usually).

Getting confirmation

Before you begin driving, we recommend quickly showing your passenger the destination on your phone, and asking them to confirm. The extra few seconds can save a lot of time and hassle, and passengers appreciate you being thorough.

Changes to the address or multiple stops

Passengers can make a stop on the way to their final destination in an original Lyft, Lyft Plus, or Premier rides. You'll be alerted in app when your passenger adds a stop, and they can do this either before or during the ride.

The final price and your pay is calculated based on time and distance. Also: rides with a stop will likely be longer and result in higher earnings.

Before passengers get out at a stop, set expectations on wait time. If they don’t return, tap through to drop them off instead of cancelling the ride. If passengers want to change their drop-off location, they can update the destination in the app throughout the ride.

Navigation apps vs. passenger directions

Some passengers have a preferred route and will ask you to follow their directions instead of the app. For regular and Plus rides, this is OK. We recommend letting them call the shots.

It's up to you whether you follow a passenger's directions or not. Keep in mind that they're paying for a ride from you and can rate you at the end based on the experience.

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Lyft Line Rides

Line rides are less flexible than regular rides since multiple parties with different destinations may be sharing your vehicle. Learn all about how Lyft Line works.

Always follow the app's instructions

In a Line ride, you may have more than one party to pick up. Passengers are aware of this, and should not necessarily expect you to take the most direct route every time. Our goal is to pair them up with other passengers on the way, but that may mean veering off course by a couple blocks.

You should keep a close eye on your Lyft app for Line rides. The route is built on efficiency, so the order of who is picked up and dropped off first varies from ride to ride.

No multiple stops or changes to the address

• No changes to the address: Prices are fixed, and are calculated based on what the passenger enters in the app. If they change their mind, they'll need to cancel the ride and re-request.
• No extra stops: Line rides are meant to go from point A to B. No stops should be added to the ride.

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Handling Navigation Issues

Navigation apps aren't perfect! Sometimes you're lead to a construction zone or accidentally take a turn too soon. Most passengers are forgiving and will be patient while you get your bearings. You can let us know if you have a ride with less-than-perfect navigation, and we'll make sure the passenger is taken care of.

To have us correct a ride for navigation, send us a message with the following information:

1. The passenger's name, and the time and date of the ride
2. A brief description of what happened
3. Relevant screen shots of the issue (for example, bad navigation)

How to Use Destination Mode

Have you ever wished you could pick up a passenger during your morning commute? What about on the way to the store, or home from a night of driving?

We are thrilled to have a solution for you: Destination Mode.

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What is Destination Mode?

If you're a driver, you can tap the arrow in the top right corner and select 'Add destination filter.' You'll be prompted to enter your destination: home, work, the post office, your favorite coffee shop — the possibilities are endless!

When the destination mode is activated, you'll only receive requests from passengers along your route, going your direction. If you don't receive a request within 15 minutes, you'll be signed out of destination and driver mode so you can get on your way. 

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Where can I use Destination Mode?

Destination Mode can be activated in all regions where Lyft is available and will pair you with passengers requesting original Lyft or Lyft Line. 

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How often can I use Destination Mode?

You can complete three destination sessions per day — a session representing at least one completed ride on the way to a set destination. Whenever you remove, change, or reach your destination, we will check to see if you've completed any rides. If you've dropped off any passenger(s), that counts as one.

The day ends at midnight, when your carriage will turn back into a pumpkin, and you'll be able to set your destination once again.

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Do requests look the same?

Requests look just like regular Lyft ride requests! Destination mode simply filters out Lyft requests that aren't going your way.

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Will using the Destination Mode affect my acceptance rate?

We know how important acceptance rates are, and we took that into account when making this feature. While entering your destination, you will not be able to receive requests (or miss them). Once your destination is set, you'll be ready to receive requests again, so be ready! Requests will only be from passengers along your route (or very close), and will still count toward your acceptance rate. Similarly, the cancellation policy still applies in Destination Mode.

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Will the time spent using the Destination Mode count toward the Power Driver Bonus or the Average Hourly Guarantee?

The time you spend in Destination Mode does not count as time in driver mode. When you're in Destination Mode, whether you are in a ride or not, it will not qualify toward the Power Driver Bonus or the Average Hourly Guarantee. That time isn't included with your time in driver mode for the day or week in the Dashboard or summaries.

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How do I exit Destination Mode?

Flexibility is key — you can change your mind at any time. Just tap the 'X' next to the destination address, and you'll be all set to receive regular ride requests.

Keeping Your Car Clean

Having a clean car is a key part of the Lyft experience. It's relaxing for passengers (and you!) to ride in a pleasantly spotless and nice smelling car. You'll be rated accordingly. Wash and vacuum your car at least once a week to keep it in tip-top condition.

Do I need to clear the clutter from my seats and trunk?

The inside of your car should be 100% clear at all times. Make sure you don't leave papers, car seats or other items on your seats, so that all passengers have a place to sit. Your trunk should also be cleared out so that passengers with large bags don't have to hold them on their laps.

Can I install third-party advertisements inside or on my Lyft vehicle?

As a Lyft driver, you’ll see the best results when you provide a welcoming in-car experience for passengers. Third-party advertisements are often unexpected in Lyft vehicles, making passengers feel uncomfortable or pressured. While the choice is up to you, keep in mind that this may negatively affect your driver rating and likelihood of earning tips.

How to download Lyft Driver

If you’d like, you can download Lyft Driver directly from the App Store (iOS) or the Google Play store.

Once you download and use Lyft Driver, you’ll no longer be able to give rides in the original Lyft app’s driver mode.

How to log into Lyft Driver

If you’re already a driver: There are two ways to log into the Lyft Driver app.

• Manually. If you’re not logged in to the original Lyft app:
  1. Open Lyft Driver
  2. Tap ‘Get Started’
  3. Enter your account’s phone number to log in
• Continue As. If you’re already logged in to the original Lyft app:
  1. Tap ‘Get Started.’
  2. That’s it!

If you’re not a driver yet:

1. Tap ‘Get Started’ in the Lyft Driver app
2. Enter your phone number
3. You’ll be taken to the online driver application

If you haven’t finished the application process:

1. Tap ‘Get Started’ in the Lyft Driver app
2. Enter your phone number
3. You’ll be taken to the driver console
4. Click ‘Continue application’ on the card at the bottom

If you share a device: On a shared device, you must log out of rider mode on the original Lyft app to allow the driver you share the device with to successfully log in to the Lyft Driver app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a driver continue using the Lyft app to drive? Yes, for a limited time. Eventually, all drivers will be required to download the Lyft Driver to keep driving. We’ll remind drivers who haven’t downloaded Lyft Driver before we start requiring it.

I've noticed certain links aren't working when using Driver Mode in my passenger Lyft app. How can I fix this? Download and use Lyft Driver to access the links.

When will drivers be required to use the Lyft Driver app to drive? We expect this to happen in the upcoming weeks. We’ll let you know before it’s a requirement.

Will Lyft Driver look different than driver mode on the Lyft app? Nope, once in Lyft Driver, everything will look the same as in driver mode.

Why does Lyft have two apps? We recognize drivers and passengers have different needs. We have two apps so we can offer better, more personalized features to both drivers and passengers.

For instance, if you only use Lyft for driving, we want to give you a driver-tailored experience, which also saves valuable storage space on your device. The same goes for Lyft riders.

On Lyft Driver, drivers no longer need to access driver mode through the passenger experience.

Are there any new features in the Driver App? Not yet, but they’re coming soon!

Can I have both apps open at the same time? Yes, the only times you can’t access your Lyft Driver app are when you’re in “online” mode as a driver or when you’re taking a Lyft ride in the original Lyft app’s rider mode. If you try to do this, you’ll be redirected to the passenger app.

Lyft Premier™ & Lyft Lux Rides for Drivers

Heads up: Lyft Lux and Lyft Lux SUV are coming soon to drivers in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and San Jose. Sit tight and we’ll let you know when this new luxury option is available.

Lyft has a few ride types that allow drivers with qualifying high-end vehicles the chance to earn more:

• Lyft Premier™: High-end, four seats, the perfect way to add a little luxury and arrive in style
• Lyft Lux: Premium black car service limited to only the most luxurious makes and models*
• Lyft Lux SUV: Premium black SUV service with spaciousness for parties of up to six*

What’s the difference between Premier and Lux? How do I qualify for these ride types? Both Premier and Lux rides require drivers to maintain a 4.7 or higher rating. The biggest difference between Premier and Lux/Lux SUV is which cars are eligible in each ride type.

To qualify for Lyft Premier:

• Drive in a Lyft city where Premier is available
• Drive an approved Premier vehicle
  • Drivers in New York City: view approved Premier vehicles
  • Drivers not in New York City: view approved Premier vehicles

To qualify for Lux or Lux SUV:

• Drive in a Lyft city where Lux or Lux SUV is available*
• Drive an approved Lux or Lux SUV vehicle
  • View approved Lux and Lux SUV vehicles
  • You’ll qualify to receive both Lux and Lux SUV requests if you have a Lux-eligible vehicle that comfortably seats 6+ passengers

How do I opt in to receive Premier or Lux/Lux SUV rides?

Current Lyft drivers:

1. Log in to your Driver Dashboard
2. If you have a qualifying vehicle, select it as your active vehicle
3. Confirm your seat type
4. If your vehicle meets the requirements, you’re automatically opted in to receive Premier, Lux, or Lux SUV requests

New Lyft drivers:

1. Maintain a 4.7 rating
2. If your vehicle meets the requirements, you’re automatically opted in to receive Premier, Lux, or Lux SUV requests

Can I receive only Premier, Lux, or Lux SUV ride requests? Yes, you can change your ride request type in the app. Here’s how:

1. Tap your profile pic in the top left-hand corner
2. Tap ‘Driver Dashboard’ and log in
3. Tap the ‘Vehicles & Docs’ tab
4. Tap the ‘V’ next to your car profile
5. Select the ride type(s) you want to receive. Selecting 'Premium rides only' enables Lux,
   Lux SUV, and Premier rides (depending on ride type availability and eligibility).

Heads up: Using Premier-, Lux-, or Lux SUV-only may reduce the number of ride requests you receive. Ride preference steps will change soon, but we'll keep you updated. We're in the process of adding more ride types (like 'Lux-' and 'Lux-SUV-only'), so bear with us!

What is Lyft's commission for these ride types? To see how we calculate commission for different ride types, read Lyft’s Commission Structure. 

Scheduled Pickups for Drivers

Note: at this time, we’re in the process of testing this feature so it may not be available to you yet. This is only available to select Lyft drivers at this time. 

Scheduled pickups lets you better your chances of claiming a ride in advance by adding those rides to a personalized list of pickups. You can see estimated fares when available and approximate pickup and drop off locations in advance.

You must sign in and accept your scheduled pickup at the designated time. We’ll send you a notification when it’s time to open the app, go online, and start heading to the rider’s pickup location.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add rides to my pickups?

1. Open the app. Tap your picture in the top-left corner.
2. Tap the ‘Scheduled pickups’ tab to see available pickups (if there aren’t any, we’ll let you know)
3. Check estimated fares and routes, then tap ‘Add to my pickups.’ You can view scheduled pickups in the ‘My pickups’ toggle.
4. Once it’s time to go online for any given scheduled pickup, we’ll send you a text letting you know to go online. After you receive the request, tap ‘Accept.’

Tap your profile picture, then tap ‘Scheduled pickups’ to schedule a ride in advance.

When it’s time for your pickup, the ride request will appear as a normal ride request with a banner that reads: “Your scheduled pickup.”

If there aren’t any pickups available, we’ll let you know on the scheduled pickups screen.

Does adding a ride to my pickups guarantee that I will get it? No. Adding a ride to your pickups is more like putting you in the front of the line for that request.

Go online before the time specified in ‘My pickups’ for a ride to be sure the request goes to you. You can see pickup time windows (that is, when the pickup itself should occur) on scheduled rides’ routes.

What if I get on-demand requests while waiting for my scheduled pickup? No worries! Feel free to take the on-demand ride request. There's no penalty for missing a scheduled pickup because you're in another ride.

How do I make sure that I receive my scheduled pickup request? Make sure you go online when we text you and that you’re close enough to arrive during the rider’s pickup window.

What happens if I add a ride to my pickups and forget to accept the ride when it’s time? If you’re no longer able to give the ride, remove it from your pickups so another driver has the chance to schedule it.

How do I remove a ride from my scheduled pickups?

1. Open the app. Tap your profile pic in upper lefthand corner.
2. Tap ‘Scheduled pickups’
3. Tap ‘My pickups’
4. Tap ‘Remove from my pickups’

To remove a ride, look at your scheduled pickups and tap ‘Remove from my pickups.’

Will removing a ride from my pickups affect my acceptance rate? No, removing a ride won’t affect your acceptance rating. However, we ask that you only add rides to your pickups that you can commit to giving.

How do cancellations work? Because these pickups are set in a specific timeframe, there are a few more things to know about cancellations:

• If a passenger cancels a scheduled pickup before you tap ‘Accept:’ We’ll let you know, and you can always add more pickups.
• If a passenger cancels after you tap ‘Accept:’ Lyft’s normal city-specific cancellation fee policy applies. Read more about the Cancellation Policy for Drivers at our Help Center.
• If you remove a scheduled pickup after you’ve added it to ‘My pickups:’ Try to avoid this, as passengers count on you to get them to their destinations.
• If you cancel a scheduled pickup after you tap 'Accept:' The same cancellation policies apply as with a normal Lyft.

How far in advance can I add to my pickups? You add rides to your pickups up to seven days before they are set to happen.

How many pickups can add to my pickups at the same time? There’s no limit at this time, but rides can’t overlap in terms of pickup and anticipated dropoff times. We ask that you only add rides to your pickups that you can commit to giving.

What happens if I’m in a ride when it’s time to accept a different pre-scheduled pickup? If that time elapses, we’ll have to give that request to another driver for the sake of the rider.

If you’re currently in a ride at the time we tell you to be available for a pre-scheduled pickup, don’t worry! Finish your current ride and we’ll give you a small grace period. Being in a ride when you’re supposed to receive a scheduled pickup won’t affect your acceptance rating.

Wonder what it's like driving for Uber or LYFT? This video gives the full run down on how driving for Uber and LYFT works. Watch and learn about how trips work, how pay is calculated, tips, ratings, and so much more.

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