Do Uber and Lyft drivers undergo background checks?
If you keep up on the news, you may be wondering whether rideshare drivers from popular companies like Uber and Lyft have to undergo background investigations prior to employment. In nearly all cases, the answer is yes. Unfortunately, part of the problem might just be the sorts of background investigations the companies are using. Uber successfully lobbied to not use fingerprint scans or government screenings as part of their background investigation processes. These might have been helpful in vetting candidates. At the same time, checks based solely on fingerprints often miss important information housed in non-government databases or provided by references.
What’s the answer then, you ask? More resources should be allocated to follow up on every bit of questionable information turned up in background checks. In addition, a combination of data- and fingerprint-based background checks could improve the situation. Overall, enhanced due diligence and attention to detail is needed. Rideshare companies should treat their contractors as veritable employees, rather than a loosely connected assortment of remote workers. Their reputation in the long run depends on it.