About the Course
How much does the course cost? +
The course is 100% free. All 10 modules, all 398 slides, all quizzes, all bonus resources — no payment, no signup required. The only thing we ask is that if it helps you, tell another driver about it.
Do I need any prerequisites? +
None. The course starts from zero — you don't need to have driven for Uber or Lyft before. It covers everything from signing up to long-term strategy.
Is the course online? Can I do it at my own pace? +
Yes — fully online, fully self-paced. No scheduled sessions, no deadlines. Start any module at any time, pick up where you left off. Your progress is tracked in your browser automatically.
How long does the course take? +
Most students complete the full 10 modules in 8–15 hours depending on pace. You can go as fast or slow as you want. Each module is self-contained — you can start with any one that's relevant to where you are.
What do I get when I finish? +
You earn a Certificate of Completion from The Rideshare Academy — the first college-backed rideshare certification in America. Complete all 10 modules and mark them complete in the progress tracker.
Driving Requirements
How old do I need to be to drive for Uber or Lyft in Maine? +
25+ to transport passengers for both Uber and Lyft in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Delivery services (Uber Eats, DoorDash) allow drivers as young as 18. Module 1 covers all age requirements in detail by platform and state.
What vehicle do I need? +
Generally a 4-door vehicle in good condition, less than 15-16 years old, passing a vehicle inspection. Requirements vary slightly by platform and service level (UberX, Comfort, XL). Module 1 covers this in full.
Do I need special insurance? +
Yes — standard personal auto insurance does NOT cover you while driving for a rideshare platform. You need a rideshare endorsement on your personal policy or a separate commercial policy. Module 5 covers the insurance periods (Period 0, 1, 2, 3) and what each covers in detail.
Earnings
How much can I realistically earn? +
Jim's honest answer: Free–Free/week is achievable in Maine with the right strategies. Free–$2,000/week in Boston. These are not guarantees — they depend on your market, hours, vehicle, and how well you apply the strategies in the course. Module 3 breaks down the exact earnings formula so you can calculate your own realistic numbers.
Can I drive for both Uber and Lyft at the same time? +
You can have both apps running when you don't have a passenger — but NEVER run both apps simultaneously with a passenger in the car. That is dangerous and violates both platforms' terms of service. Module 4 covers the two-app strategy correctly.
The Academy
What makes this different from YouTube videos or other training? +
This isn't tips from a blog or a 10-minute YouTube video. It's 398 slides built from 11 years and 10,000+ real rides, organized into a professional curriculum, backed by Southern Maine Community College. No other rideshare training in the country has this level of depth, field research, or academic backing.
Is this only for Maine drivers? +
Most of the course is universally applicable — earnings formulas, safety, taxes, customer service, and long-term strategy work everywhere. Modules 4 and 8 have Maine and Boston-specific content, but the framework works in any market. We're expanding market-specific content over time.
I still have a question — how do I reach you? +
