Frequently Asked Questions

The Rideshare Academy is America's first college-backed professional certification program for rideshare drivers. Developed in partnership with Southern Maine Community College, we provide comprehensive training in business fundamentals, tax planning, risk management, and strategic operations for Uber, Lyft, and other gig economy drivers. Our 10-week certification program combines 11 years of real-world rideshare experience with academic rigor to help drivers operate more professionally and profitably.

The program is open to anyone interested in rideshare driving, whether you're: • New to rideshare and want to start with professional training • An experienced driver looking to optimize your operations • Currently unemployed and seeking flexible income while job searching • Changing careers and need income during your transition • A new immigrant looking for flexible work opportunities • A retiree wanting to supplement income on your own schedule • Recently relocated or wishing to relocate and needing to establish income quickly SMCC students and alumni receive discounted pricing ($500 vs. $1,000).

The program consists of 10 weekly live sessions held on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:30 PM ET, starting March 3, 2026. Each module covers a specific topic: 1. Getting Started 2. Business Fundamentals 3. Tax Planning & Record Keeping 4. Insurance & Risk Management 5. Vehicle Operations & Maintenance 6. Strategic Scheduling & Time Management 7. Customer Service & Ratings 8. Safety & Security 9. Financial Planning & Growth 10. Career Development & Next Steps Each session includes live instruction, downloadable resources, and a knowledge check quiz. All sessions are recorded for those who cannot attend live.

The Rideshare Academy has partnered with Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) to develop and deliver this certification program. This makes it the first college-backed rideshare training course in the United States. The partnership brings institutional credibility, academic standards, and workforce development resources to professional driver education. SMCC students and alumni receive special institutional pricing as part of this collaboration.

There are no prerequisites for enrollment. You don't need to already be a rideshare driver to take the course. However, to actually drive for Uber or Lyft after completing the program, you'll need to meet platform requirements: • Be at least 25 years old (for passenger rideshare) • Have a valid driver's license (1-3 years experience required for passenger rides) • Have access to a qualifying vehicle • Pass a background check The course also covers gig economy alternatives for those ages 18-24 who can't yet drive passengers but want to start in delivery services.

To earn your certification: 1. Enroll in the program ($500 for SMCC students, $1,000 general public) 2. Attend or watch all 10 module sessions 3. Complete the knowledge check quiz for each module 4. Upon completion, you'll receive a Certificate of Completion from The Rideshare Academy The certificate demonstrates you've received professional training in rideshare operations, business fundamentals, and tax compliance.

The program is fully online. All live sessions are conducted via video conference, allowing you to participate from anywhere. This format was chosen to accommodate the flexible schedules of rideshare drivers who may be working during traditional class hours. All sessions are recorded and available within 24 hours for those who cannot attend live.

The program runs for 10 weeks, with one 90-minute session per week. The Spring 2026 cohort begins March 3, 2026 and concludes in early May 2026. You'll also have ongoing access to course materials, recordings, and the member community after the live sessions conclude.

Program participants receive: • Live Q&A during each session • Access to the member community for peer support and networking • Downloadable resources and checklists for each module • Email support for questions between sessions • Our Success Guarantee: If you complete the program and feel it hasn't met your professional expectations, we'll provide a complimentary one-on-one consulting session

While traditional financial aid is not available for this non-credit program, we offer several ways to make the program accessible: • SMCC students and alumni receive 50% off ($500 vs. $1,000) • Payment plans are available through Klarna or Afterpay for ALL students • The program cost is a tax-deductible business expense for active rideshare drivers We believe professional training should be accessible to everyone entering the rideshare industry.

Yes! While the program was developed in partnership with a Maine community college and includes some Maine-specific content (regulations, local resources), the vast majority of the curriculum applies to rideshare drivers anywhere in the United States. Business fundamentals, tax planning, customer service, and strategic operations are universal. We're also developing region-specific courses for other markets in the future.

No problem. All live sessions are recorded and posted within 24 hours. You'll have full access to the session content, slides, and materials. We understand rideshare drivers have unpredictable schedules, which is why we've built flexibility into the program.