Can You Drive for Ride-Hailing Services with a Car That's Not Yours?
4 Answers
You can drive for ride-hailing services with a car that's not yours. Note: The vehicle used for application must match the actual vehicle in operation, including license plate number, model, color, etc. Ride-hailing apps like Didi require submitting numerous document photos, such as the front and back of the driver's license, vehicle registration certificate, compulsory traffic insurance policy, and commercial insurance policy. It's essential to confirm whether the car owner can provide these documents. However, the color of the vehicle in operation must match the registered one, the vehicle registration date must be within 8 years, the driver must hold a C1 or higher driver's license for at least three years, and the ID must show no criminal record. Additional Information: Ride-hailing apps have transformed traditional taxi-hailing methods, establishing a modern travel approach for users in the mobile internet era. Compared to traditional phone bookings and street hailing, the emergence of ride-hailing services has reshaped the traditional taxi market, revolutionizing the concept of hailing a cab on the street. By leveraging mobile internet features, these apps integrate online and offline services, creating an O2O loop that connects passengers and drivers from the initial ride request to online payment upon arrival. This maximizes the optimization of the passenger experience, alters the traditional way taxi drivers wait for passengers, allows drivers to accept orders based on their preferences and passenger destinations, reduces communication costs between drivers and passengers, lowers empty driving rates, and maximizes resource and time savings for both parties.
I think this depends on local policies. It's possible to use a car that's not your own for ride-hailing services, but you must complete the legal procedures. For example, you need to sign a formal lease agreement with the car owner and change the vehicle's classification from private to commercial use. Additionally, you must obtain a road transport permit for the vehicle and purchase commercial insurance—regular private car insurance won't cover it, and the insurer won't pay a penny in case of an accident. Requirements vary by region. For instance, Beijing mandates that fuel-powered cars must have an engine displacement of at least 1.8L and be no more than 3 years old. It's best to check with the local traffic management office first. Don't secretly use a friend's car for ride-hailing—if caught by transport authorities, the fines could outweigh your earnings.
Technically, it's feasible to use someone else's car for ride-hailing, but the costs need to be calculated carefully. I know many people who rent cars from leasing companies to operate, with monthly rents ranging from three to four thousand and deposits of ten to twenty thousand. They only need to cover fuel and maintenance costs. However, the car rental industry can be tricky, with some contracts hiding high depreciation fees. If borrowing a relative's car, it's essential to agree on the profit-sharing ratio and vehicle wear-and-tear fees. Ride-hailing platforms take about 25% in commissions, and working 10 hours a day might only earn two to three hundred, potentially making it not worth the effort after deducting rental fees. Shared car platforms are relatively hassle-free, but poor vehicle conditions can easily delay order pickups.
The key is to pass the platform review. When registering on Didi or AutoNavi, you must upload the vehicle registration certificate and the owner's authorization letter. Once, when I helped a friend with ride-hailing, I found out that if the name on the vehicle registration doesn't match the driver's name, you need to additionally upload a lease contract record. The vehicle must also be equipped with a GPS tracking device and an alarm, and it requires biannual inspections. The most troublesome part is obtaining the online car-hailing driver's license, which requires a clean criminal record and three years of driving experience. Some cities even require a local household registration. Without these documents, order assignments will be restricted, making it impossible to get good orders during peak hours.
