How to become a delivery driver
[Complete Guide]

It’s almost impossible to imagine life in today’s day and time without delivery drivers. This is why this is an incredibly sought-after job for which many people are looking to apply.

However, the requirements of a delivery driver are a mystery to many, and finding all the information can be tricky.

To help you out, we’ve looked into local regulations and talked to existing delivery drivers. With this information, we have compiled this guide.

Here’s how to become a delivery driver:

Choose the right platform for you

One of the first things you need to consider is the platform for which you want to work.

There are numerous delivery services operating in NYC. Most of them are focused on delivering a specific type of product, such as food.

It’s important to know that you can work for multiple platforms at once. In fact, this is how most delivery drivers Whizz had the opportunity to contact work.

Here are some of the largest platforms you might consider working for:

Grubhub

With around 33 million active users, Grubhub is one of the largest food delivery apps in the U.S. In 2021, it had approximately 41,000 delivery drivers who profited off of the platform.

According to the Grubhub’s website, all you need to become a delivery driver for Grubhub is:

• Car (or scooter/bike in select areas)

• Valid driver's license and auto insurance for drivers

• Valid driver's license or state I.D. for bikers

• Smartphone (with a data plan)

Also, you must be older than 18 to work for them.

Uber Eats

Uber Eats is another big food delivery company that is always looking for new delivery drivers. It collaborates with more than 80 restaurants in NYC and is estimated to have around 131 million users across the U.S.

As of 2022, Uber Eats works with more than 400,000 delivery drivers in the U.S. alone.

The exact things you need to become an Uber Eats delivery driver depend on the type of vehicle you wish to ride. The entire list is on their website.

DoorDash

DoorDash is another large name in the food delivery world. With 37 million users in the U.S., the company claims a 67% market share, being the biggest food delivery service in the states.

In 2023, DoorDash had more than 7 million delivery drivers (also known as Dashers) working for the company.

DoorDash has been widely loved by delivery riders due to its good hourly pay and flexibility when it comes to working hours.

To become a Dasher, you’ll need to:

• Be older than 18

• Own or rent a car, scooter, or an (electric or traditional) bike

• Provide your driver’s license or an ID if you’re Dashing with a vehicle that doesn’t require a license

• Provide your Social Security number

Other delivery platforms

Next to these three giants in the industry, there are many more delivery platforms you can apply for.

These include:

• Relay Delivery

• HODXpress

• Caviar

• Instacart

• Capsule

Most of these platforms have similar requirements for aspiring delivery drivers. Also, most drivers are given high levels of flexibility when it comes to choosing their working hours and accepting orders.

This also means you’ll be in control of how much money you earn for each shift.

Identify the type of delivery driver you want to be

Before learning how to become a delivery driver, it’s important to know that the requirements for a delivery driver can vary depending on the type of vehicle you plan to drive or ride.

Most delivery drivers pick one of these options:

• A car, van, or an electric car

• A traditional bike

• An e-bike or an e-scooter

Below, you’ll find how the process of starting your career in delivery can change depending on which option you choose.

Car or a van

A car or a van are motor vehicles that ride on public roads and highways.

They can carry a lot of cargo and travel at high speeds, but come with a rather peculiar set of requirements - whether you choose a car powered by fuel or electricity.

• Get a driving license. This is the first step to becoming a delivery driver, as all cars require a license.

• Have a clean driving record. Taking a safety course can help ensure you are an adequate driver for this job.

• Apply for entry-level delivery driver jobs. These can help you learn the basics of the job even though you don’t have any experience.

While you don’t have to be a professional driver for a food delivery service, you need to be experienced enough not to get any tickets or fines or to cause any accidents.

Also, you’ll be the one liable for gas payments and any repairs in case of accidents, and these expenses can take a huge chunk of your earnings.

Traditional Bike

Becoming a delivery rider on a traditional bike is much easier than becoming a delivery driver.

All you need is to know how to ride a bike, some knowledge of basic traffic rules, and proper safety gear, and you’re good to go!

Delivery riders on bikes have a few advantages compared to delivery drivers, and these include:

• The cost of owning and maintaining a bike is fairly low.

• You don’t need a driver’s license.

• You don’t have to think about paying for parking and navigating traffic.

However, there are also some downsides, such as:

• Riding a bike is physically demanding, and not everyone can withstand long shifts on a bike.

• A bike is not the best option for delivering long distances, which is often the case in NYC.

• You cannot carry as many items on a bike as you can in the trunk of a car.

E-Scooter

E-scooters are small and lightweight electric vehicles that are often used by delivery drivers. They are easy to operate in urban environments, while also being easy to maintain.

However, to become a delivery rider on an e-scooter, you might need a license or a permit.

Also, you need to be experienced in riding it, so your shifts can be as experienced as possible.

Due to less strict regulations, it’s easier to become a delivery rider than a delivery driver.

All you need to do is own or rent an e-scooter, get a permit if you live in a state that requires it, and apply for an entry-level position.

Just keep in mind that riding an e-scooter has some downsides, such as low speeds, limited range, low load capacity, as well as some safety concerns.

E-bike

Lastly, you can become a delivery rider on an e-bike.

E-bikes are a modern take on a traditional bike. They come with a motor that provides assistance to pedaling, allowing you to reach higher speeds with less fatigue.

The requirements for becoming an e-bike delivery rider are quite similar to becoming a delivery worker on an e-scooter. Some states might require a permit, and you need to know how to operate it properly.

While e-bikes are more expensive than their traditional varieties, many manufacturers, such as Whizz, offer rental options that help you lower initial costs.

Also, their range and speeds are higher than e-scooters’, making them a good choice for urban areas such as NYC..

Which one is the best option?

Choosing the best transportation method is an important decision.

Urban areas such as NYC mean you’ll have to deal with traffic congestion and fairly long distances, and for such locations, an e-bike is the best option.

We've created an all-in-one plan for those of you who want everything you need for a successful delivery job.

You will get one of the most superior delivery e-bikes on the market.

And that's not all.

You will be able to use a branded helmet, locker, basket, and additional battery for some extra deliveries.

However, if you want to start small, our base model Storm 1 e-bike can be the right fit for you.

You can start renting this e-bike for just $109.

Read Also: How to deliver with Uber Eats via e-bike

FAQs

What does the delivery driver do?

A delivery driver is responsible for transporting goods from a restaurant or a store to the customer.

The exact duties might vary depending on the company and the items the driver is delivering, but generally, you’d also be responsible for loading and unloading, route planning, and customer interaction.

Do you need a permit to ride an e-bike in NYC?

No, you don’t need a permit or a license to ride an e-bike in NYC. All you need to do is to contact Whizz to get your own e-bike and start working the same day.

Can I be a delivery driver at 17?

Generally, most companies require their workers to be at least 18 to work as a delivery driver. While you can get a license at 17, many companies require you to have a certain amount of driving experience. However, most delivery services are looser when it comes to delivery riders on a traditional or electric bike.

Still, the NYC Department of Labor requires all employed 17-year-olds to have a work permit.

Can a delivery driver be self-employed?

Yes, a delivery driver can be self-employed. There are several ways how to become a delivery driver, and you don’t have to be employed by the company in the classic sense. Many individuals work as independent contractors or freelancers in the delivery industry.