Being one of the most popular platforms today, many people want to be on the scene. But, how old do you have to be to Doordash? What does being a DoorDash driver require?
In this article, I will go through what a DoorDash driver is, the requirements, the application process, and many more!
What is a DoorDash Driver?
DoorDash drivers, from the term alone, are workers or drivers of DoorDash, which is an online food ordering company. As one of the most popular food delivery services, many people want to try out and work for them — and being a driver is one of the best places to start.
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How Old Do You Have to Be To DoorDash?
One of the major requirements to be successful in your want of being a DoorDash driver is your age. The age requirement is at least 18 years old in the United States. A clean driving record can also pull you up the ladder and increase your chances of being approved.
Most DoorDash delivery drivers are those who have great to excellent records. But hey, it’s just not limited to that! Even if your record isn’t 100% clean and crisp, you can still try!
NOTE: A clean driving record isn’t really a requirement; it’s just recommended for DoorDash drivers to have this record of attracting customers to order from DoorDash instead of other platforms.
DoorDash and Their Third-Party Liability Insurance Policy
Good news! As per the company, they offer excess auto liability insurance. In a nutshell, they’ll help cover the costs of property damage and bodily injury in case of an accident. But wait, that doesn’t just end there.
As per the company, this insurance only covers mishaps that take place while the Dasher is making a delivery — active delivery process. Dashers must carry primary motor insurance with the bare minimum coverage required by local insurance regulations.
Active Delivery
An active delivery is a time when the Dasher or driver accepts a request until the order is moved, whether it’s completed, delivered, unassigned, or canceled. Being online but not having an order will have them at their own insurance.
NOTE: Dashers or drivers are considered the party for damages or injuries during active delivery requests. The personal auto policy denies the claim with a denial letter.
DoorDash Drivers Application: How Do You Apply?
I’ve known and met many interested people, but how do you apply? What is Doordash’s application process for a driver?
The process is relatively easy! You simply have to go to DoorDash’s website and select Apply to be a DoorDash Driver!
You have to follow these steps to apply:
- Access the Dasher App or the DoorDash website and go to sign-up.
- Then, submit the information and documentation requested.
- Lastly, allow or consent to a background check of the vehicle you’ll use. This motor vehicle report will be the determiner of whether you’ll be a DoorDash driver or not.
NOTE: You can use your computer, iPhone, or Android smartphone to access the Dasher app!
This is the general way to apply for the delivery service. But, DoorDash will actually conduct criminal background check procedures, as well as vehicle inspections. Once you pass, you go on to the next steps.
Minimum Requirements to be a Dasher
From there, you just have to prepare the requirements needed, and they are:
- Must be at least 18 years old (or older)
- Should have a vehicle (will be up for inspection with vehicle requirements)
- Active Driver’s License
- Valid Car Insurance
- Must have an iPhone or Android smartphone
- A valid driver’s license number
- Social Security number
- Consent to a background check
DoorDash has strict age requirements that drivers need to be at least 18 years old to become a DoorDash driver. This strict policy is what continues to make the delivery service exceptional.
I Have a License, But I’m 17. Can I Be a Driver?
Unfortunately, no, you can’t. To be a delivery driver for DoorDash, you need to be at least 18 years old. Many people get their licenses at 17 years old, yes. However, due to various child labor laws, 17-year-olds aren’t allowed to work for them.
I don’t know about you, but I was one of the people who were confused about it. I mean, I got my license at 17, and that’s what many people consider an adult. But no, DoorDash’s strict age requirement clearly says you must be at least 18.
Even if you have a great driving experience, there’s still the age limit you need to consider.
If you want to earn money or if you’re looking for some extra cash to generate, you can try other things out! Some remote jobs (even physical ones) hire minors, as most aren’t really hazardous or dangerous.
How Long Does It Take to Become a DoorDash Driver?
I assume that you’re interested in learning the time frame for applications getting approved. As per the company, applications may take anywhere between three to five days on average before you can start making deliveries.
This, however, will vary depending on the cleanliness of the application.
How Much Do DoorDashers Delivery Drivers Make?
Probably the bit that many of you are asking would be how much DoorDashers make. I won’t lie; I had the same thought process, too!
The long answer is that it will vary depending on the merchant, the order, and the consistency of the Dasher. The more dashes, the more merchants, and the longer you stay online, the bigger your income will be.
However, DoorDash did an observation and said that the average earnings of dashers and drivers in the United States were about $25 per hour, which already includes tips. However, this is a conservative rate because some customers give big tips!
Does the Transportation Method Matter?
No, it doesn’t. DoorDash isn’t picky about the vehicle or the transportation method that you have. You can register cars, motorcycles, vans, trucks, and even scooters and bicycles! However, it would be best if you were at least 18 years old to start delivering food; no, you MUST be at least 18 years old!
I even spoke to and encountered people who chose bicycles as their form or method of transportation, and it didn’t have issues!
As long as you’re able to do the job right, the company will be okay with it!
Do You Need Driving Experience to Be a Driver?
Absolutely not! DoorDash is promoting the gig economy, which can help many people earn extra money. However, if you have experience with other delivery apps, driving, or businesses under the same niche, you can take advantage of DoorDash to have another stream of income.
Other drivers even say that it’s their first job! You really don’t need to be an expert driver or a professional one.
NOTE: DoorDash also welcomes other drivers from different companies, such as Lyft, Uber Eats, GrubHub, Amazon, Bite Squad, and many more! If you are a Postmates driver, you’re welcome, too!
How Does DoorDash Pay its Dashers/Drivers?
Based on what I’ve found, different food delivery services and platforms have different payment methods. For DoorDash, Dashers or drivers are paid on a weekly basis.
Payments are sent via secured direct deposit to their bank account on file. In addition, to their weekly payout, dashers can also opt to get paid via daily deposits via DasherDirect — this doesn’t have fees involved!
Lastly, U.S. and Canadian dashers can make daily withdrawals for a fee of $1.99 per transfer.
NOTE: DasherDirect is only available for dashers and drivers in the United States.
Why Apply as a DoorDash Driver?
I mean, forget all those security background check processes. DoorDash is a profitable company and is considered one of the best in the market today.
In today’s gig economy, you’ll do what you can to reap the benefits of whatever you do! So, here’s a quick rundown of the benefits and pros of DoorDash drivers that they’re not telling us!
- You’ll have a flexible work schedule
- It’s an excellent way to earn, whether full-time or part-time
- You have the chance to get lucrative tips
- You can wear whatever you want
- They are a stable company
- You’ll get discounts, rewards, and perks for being a driver
If you pass the minimum age requirement, have your own vehicle, have a clean background, and want a flexible schedule, start delivering food and be a DoorDash driver!
FAQs
I know that it’s a lot to take in. So, I prepared this list of the most frequently asked questions so you don’t have to worry about finding answers to certain questions!
Can I DoorDash With a Kid?
Yes, DoorDash doesn’t really have any rules about this. However, it will be the Dasher’s responsibility to ensure that the kid or child is attended to at all times. In addition, it doesn’t always have to be a kid! You can bring someone to assist you in dashing!
Where is DoorDash Available?
As of writing, DoorDash is available in about 7,000+ cities in the U.S. states, plus Puerto Rico and Washington D.C. It’s also available in 80 Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand cities.
How Can I Check the Status of My Driver/Dasher Application?
If you’re checking the status of your driver or Dasher application, you just have to click and select “Already Started Signing Up?” Then, type in the email address and phone number you used to sign up or register.
This is also the place where DoorDash will let you know the documents or requirements you’re missing.
Do I Need to Have Food Bags to Apply For DoorDash?
Yes and no — let me explain. Merchants may require Dashers to have an insulated food bag. This is to ensure that the food you handle and deliver is maintained either hot or cold.
Will DoorDash Pay For Gas?
No, they won’t. However, back on March 17th, 2022, Dashers were given a 10% cashback reward for their gas. However, no further explanation has been ruled out on it being active today. In addition, the company also had a rewards system where they gave a weekly gas bonus for Dashers who ride and dash the most.
Final Verdict
With the rising gas prices, being a food delivery driver might not be the best path to take. With DoorDash, however, it might just be the best one yet. Before you find out how old you have to be to DoorDash, you want to make sure that you’re mentally and physically ready for this ride.
The business has many parties arising, and it’s still far from being let down! Take the opportunity and be a dasher and earn money on the side!
