How to Become a Via Driver in 2024 [Step-By-Step] (2024)

Understanding Via

Explain what Via is, including its mission to provide smart, shared transportation solutions that reduce congestion and increase accessibility.

Highlight how Via differentiates itself from other ridesharing services, focusing on its emphasis on shared rides and partnerships with public transit entities.

How Much Do Via Drivers Earn?

Provide an overview of how much Via drivers can make, including base pay rates and potential bonuses or incentives.

Discuss factors that influence earnings, such as location, hours driven, and demand.

Who Should Consider Becoming a Via Driver?

• Describe the ideal candidate for a Via driver, such as individuals looking for flexible work hours, those interested in contributing to a more sustainable transportation solution, or drivers who prefer providing rides within a more controlled service area.

Requirements to Apply

Are you eligible to apply as a Via driver? Below are the driver requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Pass a criminal background check
• Hold a valid driver’s license
• Have at least one year of driving experience in the U.S.

If driving in New York City, you should have a TLC license. If you don’t have one, visit LARSto start your application.

You must undergo a drug test, defensive driving course, wheelchair-accessible vehicle training, and driver’s education course. Keep in mind that the entire process can cost you between $800.25 to $825.25.

Besides the driver requirements, your vehicle should be:

• A private vehicle with a valid registration and vehicle insurance
• Not older than 2010 for non-luxury vehicles or 2005 for luxury vehicles
• TLC-licensed vehicle of any color and with leather interiors (for NYC rideshare drivers)

Plus, your vehicle should pass a state vehicle inspection before you can start driving.

But what if your car doesn’t meet these vehicle requirements? Can you still apply?

Definitely! Proceed with the application with your current info, and Via will tell you how to get your car up to standard.

No car? No problem! You can rent one from any of Via’s NYC leasing partners on an hourly or weekly basis.

How to Become a Via Driver: Step-by-Step Tutorial

you’re interested in driving for Via, you’ll have to go through the company’s application process. While the details will vary based on your city, the basic process is as follows:

1. Visit the Via driver application page

You can access this page by clicking this link. Once on the page, you’ll see a screen like the following:

2. Fill out the application box

On the application page, you’ll see a box that says, “Sign Up.”

In this box, select your city from the list, and then enter the following information:

• First name
• Last name
• Phone number
• Email address

This will not only start the application, but it will also create an account that you can use to check your application status, as well as resume your application if you need to take a break in the midst of it.

3. Answer a series of questions

Next, you’ll need to answer some questions to determine if you’re eligible to drive for Via. These include:

• How long have you been driving in the U.S.? (less than or more than a year?)
• What sort of vehicle will you be using for Via? (personal vehicle, taxi, or you don’t have a vehicle)
• Vehicle make, model, color, and year
• Vehicle license plate number

You’ll also need to consent to a background check and arrange for a vehicle inspection (if necessary). If you’re in NYC, you’ll need to answer some questions about your TLC license.

Assuming your answers to these questions satisfy Via’s requirements, they’ll process your application. They don’t say how long this generally takes, but given that the platform is still relatively small, it shouldn’t be long.

4. Upload the required documents

Once Via has approved the basics of your application, you’ll need to upload certain documents.

This includes a copy of your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. If in NYC, you’ll need to upload a copy of your TLC license.

You’ll also need to add your bank account and tax information so that Via can pay you (and verify that you can legally work in the U.S.).

5. Undergo a new driver orientation

Via is vague about the extent of this process, but new drivers presumably receive some sort of orientation and training before their first trip.

After Applying: What to Expect

Once you’ve submitted your application, Via will conduct a criminal background check to ensure you don’t have any pending court cases or felony or misdemeanor convictions.

This screening process should only take 3–5 business days but can be longer for various reasons.

Delays can happen due to missing information, issues with background checks, or a high volume of driver applicants.

Also, Via verifies if you have records from local courthouses, which can take a while.

Additional state requirements can also stall the process. So, check your emails in case Via asks for more info.

While waiting for approval, you can make good use of your time by reviewing Via’s policies and getting familiar with the city you’ll be driving in.

Once you’re in, you’ll be an independent contractor, not a Via employee. This means reporting your earnings and handling your income and self-employment taxes yourself.

The good news? You can claim deductions on mileage and other work-related expenses like gas, tolls, airport fees, and parking.

Even phone bills and snacks for riders can count as deductibles.

So, keep a detailed mileage log and proper documentation of all expenses. This way, you can avoid any issues with the IRS when claiming tax deductions.

After Approval: Understanding the Via Driver App

We’d like to include a bit about how the Via Driver App works.

It’s simple to use, and it will be a familiar experience if you’ve used the Uber or Lyft driver apps.

The app is available to download for Android and iOS.

While you can download it at any time, you won’t be able to use it until Via has approved your application and received all the necessary documents.

Once you start driving, you’ll be able to see passenger requests pop up much like they would with Uber or Lyft.

To accept a passenger request, simply tap “Accept.”

Once you’ve accepted the request, you’ll need to pick the passenger up.

Note that, unlike Uber or Lyft, with Via you always drive in one direction and pick up passengers at corners.

This makes the process much easier than other rideshare platforms.

The app will give you directions to the passenger’s location, as well as landmarks to look for:

Once you’ve picked the passenger up, you’ll get directions on wher

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Via driver comes with serious perks. You can choose between Blue or Flex modes for your pay and enjoy a fixed commission structure across all rides.

Via also updates you about the next-day rates so you can plan your schedule and gauge your potential earnings.

But before you jump in, think about your financial goals. Consider whether these benefits match what you’re looking for.

If you value flexibility, predictable income, and support on the go, then Via might have the perfect gig for you!

Joining the platform is easy. Check out all the driver and vehicle requirements and head to Via’s driver application portalto get started.