What Does Lyft Look For In a Background Check?
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What Does Lyft Look For In a Background Check?
If you need accurate guidance regarding Lyft Background Checks - Look here first!!
Uncover the ins and outs of Lyft background checks! Whether you're thinking of applying or you're a seasoned driver, know what to expect from the process and what your rights are if things go wrong. At Consumer Attorneys, we help ensure a smooth ride to your desired destination.
Lyft reviews your driving record, criminal history, and other personal details during the background check process. But if a background check shows false info, it could result in disqualification - even if you’re fully eligible to drive. Understanding what Lyft looks for and what your rights are can help you protect your driving future.
What Do Lyft Background Screenings Search for?
If you want to drive for Lyft, a background screening company called, Checkr reviews your criminal history and driving record. The criminal check scans for violent crimes, property damage, felonies, sexual offenses, theft, and DUIs. The driving record includes license status, violations, accidents, points, and DUIs.
Mistakes on Your Lyft Background Check? We Can Help.
When you apply to drive for Lyft, your background is checked. However, errors in the check can cause delays and confusion, impacting your driving and income opportunities. Consumer Attorneys has extensive experience disputing background check errors and fighting for your rights.
If false information is keeping you from driving, contact us for a consultation and let us help you get back on the road.
What Does a Lyft Background Check Look for?
Driving History Review
Lyft examines your motor vehicle record to check for:
- Driver’s license status - a valid, active driver’s license is necessary
- Major driving violations like DUIs, reckless driving, traffic accidents, and hit-and-runs
- The number of moving violations or accidents in recent years
Generally, four or more moving violations within the past three years may disqualify a driver. Certain serious offenses can result in automatic rejection, even if they happened years ago.
What Else Does Lyft Look for In Its Background Check? – Criminal Records?
Criminal Records Check
In addition to driving history, Lyft checks criminal records. The criminal background check typically spans the last seven years, although this can vary depending on state law. Lyft may disqualify drivers who have been convicted of:
- Violent crimes (such as assault or homicide)
- Sexual offenses
- Theft or property damage
- Felonies
- Drug trafficking or similar high-level offenses
- Driving under the influence offenses (DUIs)
- Terrorism-related charges
Even if a charge has been dismissed or resolved, an inaccurate report can still lead to disqualification if the data is outdated or incorrect.
What You Need to Qualify as a Lyft Driver
Meeting Lyft’s standards isn’t just about avoiding disqualifiers - drivers must also check a few important boxes to qualify:
- Be between 19 and 25 years old, depending on your city or state
- Hold a current, valid driver’s license
- Pass both a DMV driving history check and a criminal background screening
- Drive a four-door vehicle that can carry at least five people
- Make sure the car meets Lyft’s local requirements, including insurance rules
- Have a smartphone to access the Lyft driver app
- Complete Lyft’s “Community Safety Education Program,” which covers respectful and safe conduct behind the wheel
How Long Does a Lyft Background Check Take?
Lyft background checks can take anywhere from 3 to 10 days but can take longer. The exact time it takes for Lyft to complete a background check will depend on many factors including if the screening company has a backlog, court holidays that cause delays, if additional information is needed, and much more!
Reasons Why a Lyft Background Check Failed
Background checks can fail for several reasons. Common issues include a criminal record, driving violations like DUIs or reckless driving, and discrepancies in employment or education history. Sometimes, inaccurate or outdated information such as mixed-up identities or unresolved charges can trigger a failure. Even unverifiable details or a failed drug test may lead to disqualification.
What If the Lyft Background Check Is Wrong?
If you believe your report includes outdated, mixed, or incorrect information, you have the right to dispute the results. This includes contacting Checkr, providing documentation, and requesting a correction. You may also be entitled to legal help if your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) are violated.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Lyft does not “run” new background checks every single year, per se. However, Lyft does require that you maintain updated records with them. Lyft will also require you to have an up-to-date background to remain on their platform. What this means is that Lyft will continue to monitor your criminal and driving record even if you are already an active driver. There are some states that require quarterly and biannual background checks. You should be aware that even if your state does not require these checks, any safety incidents or violations will likely trigger Lyft to run an updated review on you.
Lyft requests records from courts and also agencies across jurisdictions. If any agency lags in providing the files or any further inquiry is needed, it can draw things out several days or weeks. Lyft will also work with third-party companies to conduct the background checks, so they will have to balance time between you and the third-party companies, as well as the state, when necessary. Also, if your background contains a lot of information, offenses, or complicated details, it may take Lyft longer to process your screening. Contact Lyft support if you have any questions on the application status.
The verification process will take several weeks, according to Lyft. Timelines depend on several factors, including if there are any court and DMV delays and closures. After Lyft gains your consent, they will work with their third-party partners to run your background check, and the time will vary. Once your background check is being processed, you should have access to the online portal of the third-party company. So, for instance, if Lyft is working with Checkr, you should be able to log into Checkr’s portal and check the status of your screening. Once it is complete, you have a right to know the results, receive copies, and dispute all errors.
The maximum vehicle age to drive for Lyft is typically based on your city and state. Each jurisdiction has different requirements. Lyft provides the option to look up your state on its website, and based on your region, there will be guidelines for the age and vehicle requirements that must be met before driving for Lyft. Additionally, all Lyft drivers must have a car with four doors, a minimum of five seat belts (including the driver’s seatbelt), and a maximum of eight seatbelts. Lyft will even work with you if you don’t own a vehicle by providing you with an option to rent a car from them in order to kick-start your driving career.
Lyft uses what is called biometric information. Lyft will collect this information by having you submit a photo of your face along with a photo of your identification, like your license. What Lyft will then do is use this imagery to confirm the identity of Lyft users. Lyft may compare this information through the use of biometrics like face geometry. Thus, this is considered biometric information. This information is used for identity and account verification purposes. If at any point you believe Lyft has erred and caused you harm by erring during its background check process, you have a legal right to seek justice and the lawyers at Consumer Attorneys are here to assist you!
Daniel Cohen is the Founder of Consumer Attorneys. Daniel manages the firm’s branding, marketing, client intake and business development efforts. Since 2017, he is a member of the National Association of Consumer Advocates and the National Consumer Law Center. Mr. Cohen is a nationally-recognized practitioner of consumer protection law. He has a we... Read more
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