5 Essential Tips for Wannabe Rideshare Drivers in the Los Angeles Area

Los Angeles is notoriously one of the most difficult areas in the country to get around via transportation. From rubberneckers and traffic jams to stop-go drivers that seem to have no idea what they’re doing, many locals and tourists alike would rather pay a pretty penny rather than have to get behind the wheel themselves.

This represents a massive window of opportunity to Uber and Lyft drivers who are looking to turn their willingness to navigate the streets of LA into cold, hard cash. That said, succeeding as a rideshare driver in LA requires a certain level of expectation versus other areas of the country.

So, what do wannabe rideshare drivers need to know before they get started? Below we’ve outlined five points to consider if you’re interested in hopping on the rideshare bandwagon in the City of Angels.

Understand Your Your Insurance Situation

One of the most overlooked aspects of becoming a rideshare driver, it’s crucial to understand the details of your car insurance policy.

There’s a good chance that your current insurance doesn’t actually cover you or your passengers in case of an accident while you’re on the clock. Considering how unpredictable driving in LA can be, having a decent policy is an absolute must. Take the time to check out rideshare insurance options in California to figure out the best type of policy for you.

Keep Your Vehicle Spotless

Given LA’s high cost of living, there’s a certain level of expectation that might come from many of your passengers. Rather than fear potential judgment or worry about a bad rating due to something as trivial as a dirty vehicle, strive to keep your car spotless. Tidying up in-between riders and stocking your car with cleaning supplies can help do the trick.

Don’t ignore the exterior of your vehicle, by the way. For example, knowing how to clean your car during a drought is another must-have skill given California’s often dusty conditions.

Expect Some Wear and Tear

Rideshare drivers need to track their mileage and fuel consumption, but it’s especially important to note that LA can indeed be a pricey place to drive. Stop-go and bumper-to-bumper traffic is obviously bad for mileage and can likewise result in wear and tear on your vehicle, both of which should be taken into consideration when calculating your long-term expenses.

Know Your Routes Inside-Out

Los Angeles is often cited as one of the worst cities to drive in country-wide. The better you can navigate the busy streets and take alternate routes, the less of a headache your experience as a rideshare driver will be.

Hopefully you already have your own set of shortcuts and roads in mind to help your passengers get from Point A to Point B faster. If not, consider using navigation apps such as Waze which keep you informed of traffic problems in real-time.

Be Prepared for Some Nitpicking

Not to stereotype LA as a ritzy area, but there’s no denying that many passengers in California have extremely high expectations when it comes to their rides. As such, don’t be surprised at some off-handed remarks or the occasional condescending customer despite doing your best to offer service with a smile.

Take such passengers in stride and know that as long as you’re consistently getting good reviews, the occasional “meh” one isn’t such a big deal.

While driving professionally is LA certainly comes with its set of challenges, it’s a market with massive potential due to how many passengers truly on ridesharing. Understanding these expectations ahead of time can help you know what you need to do to get started and succeed.