How to Start Driving for DoorDash and UberEats: A Beginner's Guide

1. The Requirements

To start driving for most major platforms like UberEats, DoorDash, and GrubHub, you generally need a reliable smartphone, a valid driver's license, auto insurance, and to be at least 18 (or 19) years old depending on the platform. You'll also need to pass a standard background check which usually takes 3-7 days.

2. Essential Gear

Don't hit the road empty-handed. You will absolutely need:

• A sturdy phone mount: Do not hold your phone while driving. Get a magnetic dash mount or vent mount.
• Thermal bags: Customers rate you based on food temperature. Most platforms give you one free bag, but buying a catering-sized bag off Amazon is a massive help for stacked orders.
• A fast car charger: GPS navigation absolutely drains your battery. A high-wattage Anker or Belkin charger is non-negotiable.

3. When and Where to Drive

The biggest rookie mistake is driving when you're bored instead of when people are hungry. The most profitable shifts are the lunch rush (11 AM - 1:30 PM) and the dinner rush (5 PM - 9 PM), especially on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Sit near "hot spots"—clusters of high-volume restaurants like Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, or local popular ghost kitchens.

4. Knowing Your Worth (Don't take $2 orders)

You are an independent contractor, which means you have the right to decline any offer. A golden rule is to never accept an order that pays less than $1.50 to $2.00 per mile. Taking a $3 order to drive 6 miles actually loses you money when you account for gas and wear-and-tear.

Tracking your real, post-expense profit is critical. This is why thousands of drivers use Dasher OS to automatically calculate exactly how much money they are actually keeping per hour.