Can a Person Drive for Uber & Lyft with a Bad Driving Record in Orlando, Florida?

James D. Payer | March 5, 2024 | Uber & Lyft Accidents

From a young age, we’ve been taught the cautionary principle of not accepting rides from strangers. Yet, in today’s digital age, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become the norm, subtly bending this long-standing rule. 

Naturally, this shift raises concerns about the qualifications and driving records of those we entrust with our safety on the road. The thought of car accidents adds a tangible layer of worry, making the scrutiny of a driver’s background a necessity.

Anyone who wants to drive for Uber or Lyft has to pass detailed checks on their driving and background. These checks are strict because the companies want to avoid problems from hiring drivers with bad records. If your driving record isn’t good, it might be hard to get a job driving for them.

Even though Uber and Lyft aren’t considered regular employers in many places, they can still say no to people with bad driving histories or criminal records. They do this to keep their service safe and reliable. But, even with these rules, there are still accidents involving their drivers. This shows it’s tough to make sure everyone is safe, even with the new ways we get around.

Uber’s Requirements For Drivers

Uber sets strict rules for those who want to drive using its app. Drivers must have a valid license, at least one year of driving experience (three years if you’re under 23), and a four-door car. The most important part of becoming a driver is passing Uber’s background check, which looks at your driving history and any criminal records.

This check starts by making sure you’ve been driving long enough. It also looks for any traffic tickets or serious offenses. Small traffic tickets might not stop you from driving for Uber, but if you have more than three in the last three years, Uber will likely say no. Serious problems, like driving dangerously or DUIs, will definitely keep you from driving with Uber. Speeding might seem minor, but if you’re caught going way over the limit, it could be a problem.

Uber also pays attention to the timing of offenses. They won’t consider serious crimes that happened more than seven years ago, and they never accept drivers with felony or sex offense records. This careful checking is all about keeping rides safe for everyone.

Lyft’s Requirements For Drivers

Lyft’s rules for their drivers are quite similar to Uber’s. Drivers need to be old enough, have enough driving experience, and pass a check that looks at their driving and criminal records. 

Lyft sorts driving issues into two types: moving violations, like speeding or running a red light, and major ones, like driving with a suspended license. If you’ve had more than three minor issues in the past three years, Lyft won’t let you drive for them, just like Uber.

However, Lyft is stricter about big driving mistakes. They won’t accept anyone with a major violation in the last three years, while Uber looks back seven years. When it comes to DUIs or drug-related issues, Lyft checks your history for the past seven years. Serious crimes related to driving, such as hit-and-run, also disqualify you.

Lyft also has a no-go list for certain serious crimes, including violent crimes, felonies, sexual offenses, and some types of theft or property damage. If you’re on this list, you can’t drive for Lyft. This ensures passengers get a safe ride.

A Car Accident Attorney Can Help You Recover Compensation

Rideshare accidents can happen, even though companies like Uber and Lyft try hard to keep unsafe drivers off the road. If you’ve had traffic tickets or violations, they could stop you from driving for these companies if they’re recent. But older ones might not be a big deal.

Still, accidents do happen with Uber and Lyft cars. If you’re in an accident in a rideshare car and get hurt, it’s important to get help.

If this happens in Orlando, you can call Payer Personal Injury Lawyers for advice. We know how to handle these situations, and we offer a free consultation.

Contact Our Orlando Uber And Lyft Accident Law Firm For Help Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Orlando, Florida, and need legal help, contact our experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Payer Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

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