How To Become A Driver In 2026

How to Get Started with Gig Work in 2026 (The Right Way)

Step 1: Create a Dedicated Gmail Account

Set up a brand-new Gmail account specifically for all things related to your gig work. This keeps everything organized and makes it easier to shut things down or transition if/when you move on from delivery driving.

Step 2: Adjust Your Expectations (and Your Budget)

If gig work is your main source of income, keep both your expectations and expenses low. Don’t expect to get rich — but do it right, and you can enjoy a flexible, low-stress lifestyle without a boss breathing down your neck.

Step 3: Sign Up for Multiple Apps

Decide what kind of deliveries you're interested in: food, groceries, packages, people, or a mix. It’s smart to try a few and see what works best in your market. I recommend consistently working around 2–3 main apps. For example, in my area, DoorDash is the most active, but I also have Uber Eats and Grubhub downloaded for slower days, app outages, or in case I get deactivated from one platform. Check out the Driver Referrals page to see if there are any active referral programs available for you!

Step 4: Get a Dash Cam

A dash cam is a must. It can protect you in the event of an accident, help document incidents, or even just capture some of the funny and wild moments you'll encounter on the road. Trust me — there will be plenty. Check out the one I use over on the Driver Gear page.

Step 5: Use a Phone Mount

This is non-negotiable. For safety, efficiency, and comfort, make sure you get yourself a phone mount. Check out the one I use over on the Driver Gear page.

Step 6: Add Rideshare Coverage to Your Auto Insurance

Standard insurance likely won’t cover you if you're in an accident while working. You must add rideshare or gig work coverage to your policy. I personally use State Farm — it was a small additional monthly fee. Without this, you risk being denied a claim or even accused of insurance fraud. This coverage usually includes both rideshare (Uber, Lyft) and delivery gigs (DoorDash, Spark, etc.).

Step 7: Open a Health Savings Account (HSA)

Since gig apps don’t provide health insurance, open an HSA to set money aside for medical expenses. Contributions you make to your HSA during the year are tax-deductible.

Step 8: Track Your Mileage & Expenses

Use an app like Stride or Everlance to track your mileage and work-related expenses. Mileage is often your biggest tax deduction — don't forget to track your drives!

Step 9: Stay Charged & Hydrated

Always bring a charged phone (and a car charger) and a refillable water bottle. 

Step 10: Dress Appropriately

No pajamas or flip-flops. Dress casually, but clean and practical. You’ll be dealing with everything from spilled drinks to extreme weather — so wear something comfortable and suitable for your market.

Step 11: File Taxes with FreeTaxUSA

I recommend using FreeTaxUSA — it’s simple, affordable, and geared toward independent contractors. I’ve used H&R Block and TurboTax before, but FreeTaxUSA has been the easiest and least expensive. They support direct deposit refunds and payment plans if you owe taxes.

Step 12: Download the IRS2Go App for Quarterly Payments

Set aside 5–25% of your income for taxes and make quarterly estimated payments using the IRS2Go app. This shows good faith and helps avoid penalties.
Important: Gig platforms do not withhold taxes. You’ll receive 1099 forms from any platform where you earned over $600 — and they’ll show $0 withheld for taxes, so plan accordingly.

Step 13: Maintain Your Vehicle

Keep your car in top shape: stay current on registration, insurance, and routine maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and car washes.
If you’re doing rideshare (Uber/Lyft), cleanliness and presentation matter even more. Your vehicle is your money-maker — take care of it.

Step 14: Stay Professional, Always. It Sucks, But It's Worth It.

Treat every customer and order the same — even the no-tippers and the rude ones. Being petty won’t help. Customers have more power than we do in this game, and it's better (and safer) to stay calm, kind, and professional. Get through the order, move on, and keep stacking your cash.
(Plus, I swear complaining about bad orders only brings more bad orders — law of attraction, maybe?)

Step 15: You're Official!

Congratulations — you're now an official gig worker and independent contractor! Have fun, make that money, and stay safe out there. Oh and don't forget to join our Discord community! It's like a more chill version of the subreddits you'll find.