Can a Person Drive for Uber & Lyft with a Bad Driving Record? 

Bill Allen | March 24, 2025 | Car Accidents

Can a Person Drive for Uber & Lyft with a Bad Driving Record?

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have transformed the way people get around, providing convenient, flexible transportation options for both passengers and drivers. If you’re considering becoming an Uber or Lyft driver but have a bad driving record, you may be wondering whether you’re eligible to drive for these companies.

The Requirements to Qualify As an Uber & Lyft Driver

Both Uber and Lyft have specific requirements for drivers that must be met before they can start accepting rides. 

While these requirements vary slightly by state and city, there are common criteria that all potential drivers must meet:

  • Age and Driving Experience
  • Vehicle Requirements including a Valid Inspection
  • Background Check

Meeting these basic requirements is essential for anyone looking to drive for Uber or Lyft, ensuring both safety and reliability for passengers while maintaining compliance with company policies.

Uber and Lyft Driving History Checks

Before you can be approved as a driver, you must pass a check of your driving record. 

Drivers can be disqualified for: 

  • Four or more moving violations (past three years)
  • One or more major moving violations (past three years)
  • One or more DUI or drug-related driving offenses (past seven years)
  • One or more serious driving-related convictions (past seven years)

Under Florida law, rideshare companies cannot accept drivers whose driving record shows more than three moving violations in the past three years due to the liability if there is a car accident.

Uber and Lyft may periodically recheck their drivers’ driving records to check for new violations. 

Ridesharing Eligibility According to Florida Law

Florida has specific laws governing the use of ridesharing services, and these laws can affect your eligibility to drive for Uber or Lyft if you have a bad driving record.

Under Florida Statutes Section 627.748, rideshare drivers in the state are required to meet certain safety standards, including the completion of background checks. If your background check reveals a history of major traffic offenses, you may be disqualified from driving for Uber or Lyft under Florida law.

Additionally, if you have a history of criminal offenses or other disqualifying behaviors, Uber and Lyft may deny your application, regardless of your driving record. Florida law is particularly strict when it comes to criminal offenses, especially felonies involving violence or sexual assault. For example, a felony conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) could make it impossible for you to legally drive for a rideshare service in Florida.

What If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

If you have a bad driving record, there are still a few options for you to consider:

1. Wait for Your Record to Improve

If your driving record is relatively recent, you may want to wait a few years before applying to drive for Uber or Lyft. Both companies generally look at your driving history over a 3-7 year period, so if your violations are older, you may be eligible once enough time has passed.

2. Appeal or Contest Violations

If you believe that a traffic violation or incident on your driving record was incorrect or unjust, you may be able to contest the violation in court. A consultation with an experienced attorney can help guide you through the process and ensure your driving record is accurate.

3. Explore Other Gig Economy Jobs

If driving for Uber or Lyft isn’t an option due to your driving record, you can still explore other gig economy opportunities. Many other jobs in the gig economy, such as food delivery or freelance work, don’t require a spotless driving record.

Even with a bad driving record, there are still paths available to improve your eligibility or explore alternative opportunities while you work on improving your driving record.

Driving for Uber or Lyft with a bad driving record can be difficult, but it’s not necessarily impossible. Uber and Lyft conduct background checks that include reviewing your driving history, and major traffic violations or a history of DUIs may disqualify you from driving for these services. However, if your violations are older or less severe, you may still be eligible to drive.

Contact Our Gainesville Car Accident Law Firm at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Gainesville car accident lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today, we’re open 24 hours daily.

We have three convenient locations in Marion County and Alachua County, North Central Florida:

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville Office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258