Jobs for Non CDL Drivers

Have you ever thought of turning your driver's license into an extra income source? Discover NON-CDL driving opportunities.

A CDL is a commercial driving license. According to the United States Department of Transportation, you only need a CDL to drive a CMV. A CMV is a commercial motor vehicle. An example of a CMV is a large delivery truck. Your personal vehicle is not a CMV. Therefore, you do not need a CDL to legally drive it for personal or professional reasons.

In the United States today, there are many available jobs for non-CDL drivers. Some are full-time income sources. Others are part-time jobs you can use to help you improve your income in your spare time. You could opt to drive people, goods, or even animals for extra income. Before you choose a non-CDL job, you must understand the job requirements for each position. You also need to know how much money you can potentially earn. Here are some more details about non-CDL driving opportunities available to you.

Rideshare Company Driving Positions

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft connect drivers with customers who need rides in the same local area. The Washington Post reported that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many rideshare companies lost drivers. As of 2021, there are typically more customers than drivers. Particularly if you live in an urban area, your income is only limited by how much driving time you have.

The average wage you can earn as a rideshare driver depends on the area in which you live. In an urban area, you are likely to earn more money. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average hourly rate in the United States for rideshare driving was $12.49 in 2018. However, markets have experienced wide swings during the pandemic. Therefore, you must look into the current rates in your area. To be a successful rideshare driver in any area you must also: 

• Be Friendly and Polite

• Have a Reliable Vehicle

• Be Comfortable with People You Do Not Know 

Shuttle Driving Positions

A shuttle driver is a driver who transports passengers to and from a certain location, such as a specific airport or hotel. Some shuttle drivers also transport passengers from one location to another on a large property. An example of such a driver is someone who drives a shuttle tram from the parking lot at Disney World to the front gate of the theme park. The amount you can make as a shuttle driver varies widely. It depends on whether you are self-employed or working for a company, such as Disney. It also depends on the size of your vehicle and how many shuttle trips you make per day.

Chauffeur or Personal Driver/Assistant Positions

As a chauffeur or personal driver, you must drive a specific person or family to various locations. The rate you earn depends greatly on the duties associated with your position. The advantage of being a personal driver is you can get to know your client well. You do not have to worry about driving different groups of strangers daily as you would with a rideshare or shuttle driving job. However, it can often be difficult to find a position as a personal driver. Also, you may need to extend your duties beyond driving. Your client may ask you to perform duties like: 

• Pick up children at school.

• Take pets to the veterinarian's office.

• Do personal shopping.

Mail or Newspaper Delivery Positions

If you do not want to drive passengers, you may prefer to deliver newspapers or mail. As of 2019, the average annual salary for delivering newspapers was $15,235, while 2020 data posted by the BLS indicated an average annual wage of $53,180. However, the averages in your area may vary.

An advantage of delivering newspapers is you can work in the early morning or late at night. That leaves your day free for another job. As a mail delivery driver, you may have to work in the middle of the day. However, you may not need to drive your own personal vehicle. The U.S. Postal Service often provides vehicles for mail delivery. Accepting either job requires you to be prompt and friendly. You must also perform your delivery duties in all types of weather.

Other Package Delivery Positions

If you do not want to deliver mail or the United States Postal Service, consider doing so for another company, instead. Companies like UPS, FedEx, and Amazon always have delivery positions open. Some of them provide vehicles for you to drive. Others, such as the Amazon Flex service require you to drive your own vehicle. As a delivery person for Amazon Flex, you can make $18 to $25 per hour, according to Amazon. However, individual results vary. You are also responsible for purchasing your own gas, paying for vehicle maintenance and repairs, and keeping up with auto insurance and other vehicle ownership requirements. Delivering for any package delivery service also requires: 

• Physical Conditioning for Package Lifting, Stair Climbing etc.

• Prompt Delivery

• Ability to Deal with Animals and Other Obstacles Along Routes

Food Delivery Positions

Food delivery positions you can get without a CDL used to be mostly limited to pizza delivery. You can still deliver pizzas or other food for a specific restaurant today, if you wish. However, when you diversify by delivering foods from many different restaurants through a service like Uber Eats you increase your earning potential. How much you can make depends on the hours you work and the area in which you live. On average, a driver for Uber Eats makes $8 to $15 per hour. However, pay is done per delivery, not per hour worked. Bonuses are available if you deliver food during peak times, such as on holidays. Also, tips are not included in the hourly estimate.

Making a Final Non-CDL Job Choice

You can use your personal vehicle to do more than one type of non-CDL job if you have the time. Alternatively, you can take on one non-CDL position. Before deciding, look at all options available in your area. The jobs above are only examples. You might find other opportunities locally. For example, your local senior living center may need someone to drive residents to appointments. You may also find opportunities like helping local residents move or transporting pets to the veterinarian for pet owners who do not drive. Exploring all possibilities allows you to maximize your earnings.