As one of the leading food delivery platforms, DoorDash has made it easier than ever to get your favorite meals brought right to your door. But for those looking to earn money as a Dasher, there‘s one key question that often comes up: How old do you need to be to drive for DoorDash?
The short answer is that in most of the United States, you must be at least 18 years old to sign up as a DoorDash driver. However, there‘s much more to the story than just a simple number. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know about age requirements for Dashers, including:
- The legal and practical reasons behind the age minimums
- How DoorDash‘s policies compare to other delivery services
- What the driver sign-up process entails
- Vehicle requirements and insurance considerations
- Safety concerns and risk management strategies
- Tips for succeeding as a young Dasher
Whether you‘re a college student looking for a flexible side gig or a recent high school grad hoping to jump into the gig economy, read on to learn if dashing at 18 is the right fit for you.
Why 18? The Rationale Behind DoorDash‘s Age Requirements
To understand why DoorDash sets its minimum driver age at 18, we need to consider a few key factors:
Legal Considerations
In the United States, 18 is widely recognized as the age of legal adulthood. This is when individuals gain the right to vote, enlist in the military, and enter into binding contracts – including the Independent Contractor Agreement that all Dashers must sign.
From a liability standpoint, it‘s much simpler for DoorDash to limit its driver pool to legal adults. Minors may have additional labor law restrictions, and any contracts they enter could potentially be voided. By sticking to drivers 18 and up, DoorDash can operate with greater legal clarity and consistency.
Insurance Issues
Insurance is another major reason for age minimums in the delivery industry. Any business that employs drivers must carry adequate auto liability coverage, which can be costly and complex. Many commercial insurers are hesitant to cover drivers under 18 due to higher accident rates and limited driving experience.
Even with DoorDash‘s $1 million contingent liability policy, there would be serious coverage gaps if the platform allowed minors to deliver. In the event of an accident caused by an underage Dasher, victims may be unable to recover damages – opening up a legal nightmare for all parties involved.
Safety Concerns
Studies have consistently shown that teenage drivers have significantly higher crash rates compared to any other age group. In fact, the risk of a fatal accident is nearly three times higher for 16-17 year-olds than for drivers 20 and older.
While 18-19 year-olds perform better than their slightly younger peers, they still have less experience handling varied driving conditions and distractions. The added pressures of timely deliveries, app navigation, and customer interactions only compound these risks.
By setting the minimum age at 18, DoorDash aims to strike a balance between providing accessible earning opportunities and promoting road safety. Of course, age is just one factor – even adult Dashers must prioritize defensive driving habits and strict adherence to traffic laws.
Alcohol and Tobacco Delivery Restrictions
In some markets, DoorDash drivers may be tasked with delivering orders containing alcohol or tobacco products. Due to strict regulations around age-restricted items, any Dashers completing these orders must be 21 or older.
To avoid potential issues with Dashers being assigned deliveries they can‘t legally complete, DoorDash maintains a firm 18+ policy across all markets. This ensures consistency and compliance with various local laws.
As we‘ll see, some competing delivery apps have even higher age minimums for this very reason. By keeping it at 18, DoorDash preserves maximum flexibility for Dashers while still covering its legal bases.
DoorDash Driver Age Requirements by Location
While 18 is the overall minimum age for DoorDash drivers in the U.S., there are a few exceptions and caveats to note:
| Location | Minimum Dasher Age | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Most U.S. markets | 18 | Valid driver‘s license, insurance, clean driving record |
| California | 18 | Dasher must comply with California Dasher Info |
| New York City | 18 | Special e-bike access program for Manhattan Dashers |
| Canada | 18 | Dasher must have Social Insurance Number |
| Australia | 18 | Valid driver‘s license, insurance, clean driving record |
| Mexico | 18 | Valid driver‘s license, clean driving record |
So while there may be some minor variations, 18 is the magic number for Dashers in most of DoorDash‘s service areas. Regardless of age, all prospective drivers must still meet the other basic requirements, pass a background check, and have access to an insured vehicle or bicycle.
DoorDash Driver Demographics
Now that we know the minimum age for Dashers, let‘s take a look at the actual age breakdown of DoorDash‘s driver base. While the company doesn‘t share detailed demographic data, a few key stats have emerged from driver surveys and reports:
- The average DoorDash driver is around 36 years old
- About 36% of Dashers are under age 30
- 19% of Dashers are 50 or older
- 27% of Dashers are current college students
These figures suggest that while there is a significant cohort of younger drivers, the overall Dasher pool is quite age diverse. For many students and recent grads, delivery gigs offer a flexible way to earn money while juggling classes or hunting for a full-time job.
Having a wide range of driver ages can also benefit DoorDash customers. Older Dashers may draw on more life/work experience to provide top-notch service, while Gen Z drivers are digital natives well-versed in app-based interactions.
How Age Minimums Impact Younger Dashers
For would-be Dashers under 18, the age requirements can feel frustrating or arbitrary. After all, many high schoolers have driver‘s licenses and are eager to start working. However, the liability and safety issues discussed above make it extremely unlikely that DoorDash (or any major delivery service) will lower its age minimums.
That said, dashing at 18 still provides some key advantages for students and young adults. These include:
- Flexibility to create your own schedule around classes
- Ability to earn tips on top of base pay
- Option to deliver in a variety of transportation modes (car, scooter, bike, etc.)
- Hands-on experience in customer service and entrepreneurship
- Low barrier to entry (no advanced degrees or training needed)
For young Dashers, the key is to approach the gig with realistic expectations. While it can be a great way to generate income in the short term, it‘s rarely a long-term career path due to the lack of benefits and advancement opportunities.
Instead, treat dashing as a means to an end – whether that‘s paying for textbooks, saving up for a car, or gaining work experience to land a full-time job in the future. And always prioritize safety, both on and off the road.
Background Checks and Identity Verification for Dashers
Age is just one part of qualifying to drive for DoorDash. All applicants must also pass a background screening process to ensure they meet the platform‘s safety standards. This process is handled by a third-party service called Checkr and typically includes:
- Social Security Number trace to verify identity
- Criminal history check at the county, state, and federal level (past 7 years)
- Motor vehicle records check for driving-related offenses (past 7 years)
The exact criteria can vary by location, but in general, any major red flags (violent crimes, sexual offenses, DUIs, etc.) will disqualify a candidate. Minor infractions like traffic tickets may not be automatic deal-breakers, but a pattern of reckless behavior behind the wheel is still cause for concern.
According to DoorDash, the average background check takes about 5-7 days to complete. However, this can stretch longer if there are issues verifying the applicant‘s identity or pulling records from multiple states. The best way for Dasher hopefuls to expedite the process is to input all info accurately and respond promptly to any requests for additional documentation.
Vehicle Requirements and Insurance Considerations
In most DoorDash markets, drivers can use any reliable car to make deliveries. There‘s no vehicle age limit or make/model restrictions, as long as it‘s in good working order and legally registered.
However, all Dashers are required to maintain their own auto insurance policy that meets their state‘s minimum coverage levels. This is because DoorDash‘s contingent liability coverage only kicks in during "active deliveries" – meaning from the time you accept an order until it‘s marked as complete.
For the rest of the time (i.e. driving to a restaurant, waiting for an order, etc.), Dashers must rely on their personal insurance. Some key things to note:
- Not all personal auto policies cover commercial use, so Dashers may need to add a rideshare/delivery endorsement or switch to a commercial policy
- DoorDash does offer free occupational accident insurance in case of on-the-job injuries (up to $1M in medical expenses)
- Dashers who get in an accident should contact both their own insurance and DoorDash
- Using a fuel-efficient vehicle can help offset operating costs and boost take-home pay
In select cities, Dashers also have the option to deliver via scooter, e-bike, or even on foot for short-distance orders. This can be a great way for younger drivers to participate without the overhead of car ownership. Just be sure to familiarize yourself with local regulations around motorized and non-motorized vehicles.
Staying Safe as a Delivery Driver
Whether you‘re 18 or 48, safety should always be a top priority when dashing. Delivery drivers face unique risks both on and off the road – from car accidents to potential harassment or assault. And while rare, there have been tragic cases of Dashers being injured or killed in the line of duty.
Here are some practical tips for staying safe while completing deliveries:
- Always wear your seatbelt and obey traffic laws
- Avoid distractions like texting, eating, or fiddling with the app while driving
- Keep your doors locked when idling or waiting for orders
- Maintain a safe following distance and check blind spots when changing lanes
- Be cautious when delivering to unfamiliar areas, especially at night
- Trust your gut – if a situation feels sketchy, cancel the order and remove yourself
- Use a phone mount for hands-free navigation and communication
- Regularly sanitize your hands and delivery gear
- Keep emergency contact info easily accessible (on a tag, card, or your phone‘s lock screen)
Remember, no delivery is worth putting yourself in harm‘s way. DoorDash has an emergency assistance button in the Dasher app, so don‘t hesitate to use it if you feel unsafe. And if you witness or experience discrimination, harassment, or violence from a customer, restaurant, or fellow Dasher, report it to DoorDash immediately.
Maximizing Your Earnings as a Young Dasher
Once you‘ve signed up and hit the road, the next step is to make the most of your time and effort. While base pay and tips can vary widely by market, there are a few tried-and-true strategies for boosting your bottom line:
- Dash during peak times (lunch, dinner, weekends) to snag more high-value orders
- Familiarize yourself with your area‘s restaurants, shortcuts, and parking options
- Be selective about the orders you accept (factor in pay, mileage, prep time, etc.)
- Provide excellent customer service and follow any special instructions
- Consider investing in a fuel-efficient vehicle or switching to bike/scooter delivery
- Look for promo offers and challenges in the Dasher app
- Accurately track your mileage and expenses for tax purposes
- Split costs by carpooling with a friend or fellow Dasher (if allowed in your market)
Of course, finding the optimal earning strategy takes time and experience. Don‘t be afraid to experiment with different approaches until you land on what works best for your skills, schedule, and location.
As a student or young adult Dasher, also be sure to budget wisely and avoid overextending yourself. It can be tempting to chase every order or sign up for back-to-back shifts, but this can quickly lead to burnout (not to mention slipping grades or neglected obligations).
Aim to strike a healthy balance between dashing, school, socializing, and self-care. And don‘t forget to take advantage of any special perks or resources DoorDash offers for college students, like the CollegeDash program.
What Other Dashers Say
To round out our research, we asked some current DoorDash drivers in the 18-24 age range to share their experiences and advice. Here‘s what a few of them had to say:
"I started dashing my sophomore year to help cover tuition and rent. It was tough to juggle with classes at first, but I eventually found a groove. My biggest tip would be to look for orders near campus – college kids are always ordering late-night snacks and they usually tip well!"
– Emily, 20, Chicago
"Honestly, dashing kind of saved me after I graduated and couldn‘t find a ‘real‘ job right away. It gave me a way to pay the bills while I kept looking. Just be prepared for the wear and tear on your car and make sure to set aside money for maintenance."
– Jason, 23, Houston
"I thought I was too young to do delivery, but then I found out DoorDash allows 18 year-olds in my area. I mostly do it on weekends and it‘s been great for saving up for school. The key is to be strategic about which orders you accept and always double-check the address before leaving the restaurant."
– Kayla, 18, Seattle
These snippets highlight some of the common motivations and challenges young Dashers face. Whether it‘s earning extra cash for college or bridging the gap between graduation and full-time employment, dashing can be a valuable tool – as long as you approach it with realistic expectations and a solid game plan.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, being old enough to dash is just one piece of the puzzle. From acing your background check to navigating on-the-job challenges, there‘s a lot that goes into succeeding as a delivery driver.
But for motivated 18-year-olds (and up) with a clean driving record and a go-getter attitude, DoorDash can open the door to flexible earning opportunities. By following the tips and best practices outlined in this guide, young Dashers can hit the ground running and make the most of their time on the road.
Just remember to always prioritize safety, balance your responsibilities, and keep learning as you go. With the right combination of hard work, strategy, and enthusiasm, dashing at 18 can be a rewarding way to kickstart your career in the gig economy.
