Need a job that starts quickly, works around your schedule, and gets you out from behind a desk? Delivery driving might be your answer. Restaurants, grocery stores, and retailers all need drivers to move products to customers. The barriers to entry are low. The demand is high. This guide explains what you need to get hired, which apps pay the best, and how to start earning within days.
Basic Requirements – What You Need to Get Hired
Most delivery apps have nearly identical requirements. Check these boxes, and you are most of the way there.
Must have:
Valid driver’s license (standard Class D or equivalent)
At least 18 years old (21 for alcohol, prescription, or large vehicle deliveries)
Reliable vehicle – car, truck, van, or in some cities, bike or scooter
Smartphone with working GPS and data plan
Auto insurance in your name
Ability to pass criminal and driving background checks
Nice to have but not required:
Clean driving record (no major violations in the past 3–5 years)
Familiarity with your city’s traffic patterns and shortcuts
Insulated bags or cooler (for hot/cold food)
Friendly, patient attitude for customer interactions
What will disqualify you:
DUI or reckless driving conviction in recent years
Felony conviction (varies by state and platform)
Lapsed insurance or expired license
Failing the background check due to undisclosed violations
Top Apps Hiring Delivery Drivers Now
These platforms are actively recruiting in most U.S. cities. All allow you to set your own hours.
App Delivery Type Pay Structure Average Hourly (before expenses)
DoorDash Restaurant food, convenience Base + tips + peak pay $15–25
Uber Eats Food, groceries, retail Per delivery + tips + surge $14–22
Grubhub Restaurant food Hourly minimum (scheduled) + tips $16–24
Amazon Flex Amazon packages Flat rate per 3–5 hour block $18–25
Instacart Groceries Per batch + tips $15–22
Walmart Spark Walmart orders Base + tips + incentives $16–23
Roadie Local same-day items Flat fee per gig Varies widely
Recruitment tip: Sign up for two or three apps at once. Approval times vary. Having multiple options keeps you busy when one platform is slow.
The Hiring Process – From Application to First Delivery
Getting approved is faster than most jobs. Here is the typical timeline.
Step 1 – Apply online. Download the driver app (DoorDash Driver, Uber Driver, etc.). Fill in your personal information, including Social Security number and driver’s license details.
Step 2 – Upload documents. Take clear photos of your license, insurance card, and vehicle registration. Blurry or expired documents delay approval.
Step 3 – Background check. The platform checks your criminal history and driving record. This takes 24 hours to two weeks, depending on the app and your state.
Step 4 – Activation. Once approved, you receive access to the app. Some platforms send a welcome kit (hot bag, payment card). Others let you start immediately.
Step 5 – First delivery. Turn on your status. Accept an order. Follow GPS to pickup and dropoff. Complete delivery. Cash out.
Total time: Most drivers are on the road within 3–10 days of applying.
What You Will Really Earn
Delivery pay is not hourly. It depends on order volume, tips, and how efficiently you work.
Peak earning times:
Lunch rush: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Dinner rush: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Friday and Saturday nights
Bad weather (rain, snow, extreme heat)
Slow earning times:
Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons (2:00 – 4:00 PM)
Holiday mornings (Thanksgiving, Christmas Day)
Immediately after major storms (roads are bad, fewer orders)
Before expenses, typical hourly ranges:
Time Hourly Range
Off-peak (Tuesday 2 PM) $12–15
Normal (weekday lunch) $16–20
Peak (Friday dinner) $22–30
Severe weather $25–35+
Expenses to subtract from gross earnings:
Fuel: $0.10–0.20 per mile driven
Maintenance (tires, oil, brakes): $0.05–0.10 per mile
Phone data: portion of your monthly bill
Taxes: 15–20% of net profit (independent contractors pay both employee and employer Social Security)
Real example: You earn $700 in a week. Fuel costs $100. Maintenance sets you back $40. You set aside $140 for taxes. Your net take-home is about $420.
Independent Contractor vs. Employee – Know the Difference
Most app-based delivery drivers are independent contractors, not employees. This affects your pay, benefits, and taxes.
As a contractor, you get:
Flexible hours (work 5 hours or 50 hours)
Freedom to decline orders that do not pay enough
Ability to work multiple apps simultaneously
No uniform or direct supervisor
But you do not get:
Minimum wage guarantee
Health insurance, paid time off, or retirement benefits
Workers’ compensation if injured
Unemployment benefits
Employee delivery jobs exist. Pizza chains (Domino’s, Pizza Hut), Amazon Delivery Service Partners (DSPs), and some local courier companies hire drivers as employees. These roles offer hourly wages, benefits, and protections — but less flexibility.
How to Get Hired Faster
Competition varies by city. Stand out with these steps.
Complete your profile fully. Add a clear, professional-looking photo. Verify your phone number and email. Fill in every field. Incomplete profiles sit at the bottom of the queue.
Choose the right vehicle. Fuel-efficient cars (Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Prius) maximize your take-home pay. Some platforms also accept scooters or bikes in dense urban areas.
Be available during peak hours when you first start. The algorithm rewards drivers who are active during dinner rushes and weekends. If you only work Tuesday afternoons, you will get fewer orders.
Keep your customer rating high. After each delivery, customers rate you (1–5 stars). New drivers with low ratings receive fewer order offers. Be polite. Follow delivery instructions. Communicate delays.
Apply to multiple platforms at once. DoorDash might approve you in two days. Uber Eats might take two weeks. Do not wait. Apply everywhere.
Red Flags – Avoid These Scams
Not every “delivery driver hiring” ad is legitimate.
Scam warning signs:
Upfront payment for “application fee” or “training materials” (real delivery apps are free to join)
Guaranteed earnings of $40+/hour with no experience (unrealistic)
Requests for your Social Security number or bank login before completing an application
“Work from home” delivery jobs (real delivery requires driving)
Always apply directly through the official app or website. Do not trust Facebook ads, text messages, or Craigslist posts claiming to fast-track your approval.
Common Questions
Do I need a commercial driver’s license (CDL)? No. A standard driver’s license works for cars, vans, and small trucks.
Can I use a rental car? Some platforms allow it. Most prefer a personal vehicle. Check the specific app’s policy.
What if my car is old? As long as it is safe, insured, and passes any required inspection, age does not matter. A 2008 Honda Civic works fine.
Do I need to pass a drug test? Most delivery apps do not require pre-employment drug testing. However, if you are in an accident, the platform or your insurance may require one.
Can I deliver on a bike? Yes, in dense cities. Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub all allow bike delivery in select markets. Check availability in your city.
Final Thoughts
Delivery driving is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Pay varies. There are no benefits. You put wear on your vehicle. But if you need fast, flexible work with low barriers to entry, it is hard to beat. Sign up for two apps today. Complete the background check. Upload your documents. Within two weeks, you can be earning money on your own schedule.