Everything You Need To Know About Driving For Lyft's Express Driving Program 


Written by Andrew Gold

ABOUT ME


I have been working on this blog for roughly 3 years now, and I feel that it's time I finally introduce myself. My name is Andrew, I am a recent graduate of UCLA, and like most students I have worked numerous hours doing my best to expand on my education and make money on the side. I am not from an affluent family, so I've done pretty much all I can to hustle, every chance I get. I have been a Lyft Ambassador, I have driven for DoorDash, and most recently I began driving under Lyft's new Express Driving Program. I will highlight some of my experiences driving for this program with high hopes that I can provide information for anyone who is currently looking to work with the program.

Let's begin!


LYFT EXPRESS DRIVER PROGRAM


 The Express Drive Program that Lyft has just launched grants individuals who are interested in driving for Lyft, but who do not have currently have a car that meets the demand, or just a car in general to drive on a weekly payment plan. This means no wear and tear on your vehicle, and for those like me who did not have a car to begin with, the option to drive around in a modern, 4-cyclinder vehicle.


Express Drive Site: https://www.lyft.com/expressdrive 
Enter Referral Code: ANDREW14986
For More Details: referralguyd@gmail.com


Joining The Express Drive Program

Let's get to the nitty gritty of this program. First off, in order to sign up to drive for Lyft's Express Drive Program, you're going to need to have roughly a deposit of $250 to start. Keep in mind, this program is essentially a rental car service that allows you to drive for Lyft. Most rental companies will charge roughly $200 deposit, so not to different in my opinion. The upside to this program is the fact that you can use either a Debit Card or a Credit Card.

Most Rental Companies (Hertz, Enterprise, etc.) will require a major credit card before you can reserve a vehicle, the Lyft Express Drive program allows Debit, or Credit. This is awesome, if you're like me and don't have strong established credit, or don't have a credit car at that.

Next, once you have paid your $250 deposit, the program will allow you to set a pick up time and date. Depending on the city you live in, they offer a wide set of locations to visit, pick a location that is closest and/or most convenient to get to from your home, work or wherever you'll be picking up the car. Once you step in to pick up the vehicle, they will give you a quick orientation, one that describes the programs details. 

One of the conveniences of the program is that the car is insured through the total pricing. I've rental weekly vehicles in the past and had to pay $230 per week, with an additional $70 for a week of auto insurance. The price of $225 is not all that bad once you consider the cost of the weekly rental, including insurance and maintenance. 


Program Details

1. Weekly Auto-Renewal

The rental program charges about $225 per week in order to drive this vehicle. Yikes! I know!
While this base is a very high demand, more than $800 a month, the ride service allows incentive bonuses. These breakdown to be 

- $80 off car rental, for completing 85 rides total, 30 of those rides during peak hours, and an acceptance rating of 90%.

- $125 off car rental, for completing 105 total rides, 35 of those rides during peak hours, and an acceptance rating of 90%.

- $205 off car rental, for completing 125 total rides, 35 of those rides during peak hours, and an acceptance rating of 90%.

While the incentive could potentially earn you a free rental per week with the exception to the $20 taxes. However, keep in mind in order to meet these demands you will be generally driving 40-50 hours per week. This is an important detail if you plan on taking on this venture. 


2. 20 Rides per week

In order to continue driving for the Express Drive program, it is required that you complete a minimum of 20 rides per week. The program is serious about this ride minimum. I have made the mistake in the past and have missed that minimum requirement. By doing so, the program deactivated my car and I was forced to go into the dealer in order to reactivate the car. This is a major problem, primarily because if you cannot drive, you cannot earn money. Even if you have the car in your possession, and it is deactivated, you are still required to pay the $30 per day that the rental car cost. If you decide to drive for the Express program, it is vital that you complete the 20 rides per week. 

3. Monthly Check-ups & Vehicle Maintenance

As an Express Driver, you are required to bring the rental in once per month to be inspected by the rental location. This is another requirement by the company, and once again failing to do so on time will result in deactivation. This is something that can easily be cleared up if that happens, simply bring the car in to be inspected and you'll be reactivated immediately.

Vehicle Maintenance is also a function of the driver. For instance, if you were in need of an oil change, the company has got the charges covered. During my routine oil change, I was able to bring the car into the nearest Jiffy Lube, and through the Express Program the car was taken care of. Consider this, if you were driving your own car, you would be paying for these oil changes, breaks, and any wear and tear out of pocket. This is one area that the Express program proves to be slightly more competitive in saving your car from prolonged damages. 

Keep in mind, getting any service done through a Jiffy Lube, or Firestone etc, will take some time. I was fortunate and only had to wait about 30 minutes on my first go. This was primarily due to the fact that I showed up at around 9 am to the site. Time ranges may vary depending on the time you maintenance the vehicle. 


Final Thoughts

In sum, if you have decided that you want to begin driving for the Lyft Express Drive Program here is something to think about. For starters, you're going to need a valid driver's license, a clean record (they do background checks) and a $250 deposit to enroll. 

Once you are confirmed to drive, you will be give a few places to pick up your rental vehicle. Depending on your zip code there may be a few places to choose from, or just one. Pick a location that is accessible for you to get to at the designated time. You will be given a quick orientation (30 minutes or so) and the keys to the vehicle you will be driving. 

Whichever day you begin will be the day you will be opted to auto-renew your vehicle. If it was a Monday, every Monday will auto-renew etc. Keep in mind that in order to auto-renew and continue driving for Lyft you will need to have completed 20 Rides before the renewal deadline. If you do not complete these rides you will be deactivated as a driver. 

There are opportunities to earn bonus incentives, but keep in mind they will require you as a driver to work at least 40 hours a week, or more. If this is something you're interested in, there will be room to make a good amount of money. My first week as a driver, I worked 35 hours, and took home $600 after paying rental car expenses and gas expenses. 

For anyone who has further questions regard this program, or would like to receive a direct link from me, please email me at:


If you would like to take a free ride through the Lyft app use promo code: CITY2CITY 



Express Drive Site: https://www.lyft.com/expressdrive
Enter Referral Code: ANDREW14986
For More Details: referralguyd@gmail.com


Best of Luck!

 Andrew Gold