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The Best Driving Jobs You Can Get at 18
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Uber and most trucking jobs require 21, but plenty of companies hire 18-year-olds. Here's where to start.
Turning 18 opens up more driving work than most people expect. The key is knowing which companies set their minimum age at 18 and which wait until 21.
Hiring at 18
- DoorDash: 18+, and bikes or scooters are allowed in some cities.
- Uber Eats: 18+ for bike or walking delivery; 19+ with a year of driving to deliver by car.
- Instacart, Shipt and Spark Driver: 18+ with a car.
- Roadie and Point Pickup: 18+.
- UPS seasonal driver helper: 18+, October through December.
- USPS: 18+ (16 with a high school diploma), with 2 years of driving experience for carrier jobs.
- Rental car shuttle jobs: some employers hire at 18.
- Wheelchair van driver: some employers hire at 18.
Wait until 21
- Uber and Lyft rides
- Amazon Flex and Amazon DSP
- UPS package driver
- Interstate trucking and hazmat
Trucking at 18
Most states let 18 to 20 year olds get a CDL and drive within their state. Local and in-state jobs, like some construction or beverage routes, may hire you before 21.
Getting approved without much driving history
- Some apps want a year of licensed driving, so apply the week you become eligible.
- Get added to a family insurance policy properly, and confirm with the insurer that delivery driving is allowed.
- Keep your record clean. One ticket counts for more when your history is short.
If you don't have a car
Bike and scooter delivery is allowed in many dense cities on DoorDash and Uber Eats. UPS seasonal driver helper jobs ride along in the truck, so you don't need a vehicle at all.
Building toward a better job
A year of clean gig or seasonal driving helps when you apply for package driver jobs at 21 or start CDL training.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my own insurance? You need to be covered on a policy for the car you drive, and the insurer should know it's used for delivery.
Can I work while in school? Yes. Gig apps are popular with students because you choose your hours.
Bottom line
At 18, start with delivery apps or seasonal UPS work, keep your record spotless, and you'll have far more choices at 21.
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