HopSkipDrive School Transportation FAQs

In order to qualify for access to the HopSkipDrive platform, prospective CareDrivers must have a number of qualifications, including:

• Five or more years of caregiving experience, two of which must be with children
• A valid driver’s license
• Be at least 23 years old
• A good driving record
• Three or more years of driving experience
• Own or lease a vehicle no more than 13 years old*

*In DC, MD, PA and Seattle, vehicles must be no more than 10 years old.

Get more details about the requirements for becoming a certified CareDriver.

Before becoming certified and able to claim rides on the HopSkipDrive platform, there are five steps that potential CareDrivers must complete:

Step 1: Sign up to become a CareDriver on our website.
Step 2: Submit required documents. (Get tips for uploading your documents here.)
Step 3: Complete virtual orientation.
Step 4: Complete background checks.
Step 5: Participate in a live certification call.

Once you have successfully completed these steps, you’ll be ready to start claiming rides!

Learn more about the timeline for becoming a CareDriver.

As a safe youth transportation solution, HopSkipDrive believes in rigorous background checks. All CareDrivers must pass the following background checks:

1. Driving record check
2. TrustLine (only in California): TrustLine is California’s registry of childcare providers who have passed background screening through the FBI, Department of Justice and California Department of Social Services.
3. Third-party online and/or fingerprint-based background checks, which provide:
   • Social security trace
   • National criminal records check
   • Country criminal records check
   • Sex offender check
4. Child Abuse & Neglect Screening (CANS)

Our in-depth CareDriver certification process can take anywhere from 25 to 60 days to complete, depending on the regulatory requirements in your state and how quickly each step is completed.

Click here to see an estimated timeframe of the certification process in your state.

In order to be cleared to access the HopSkipDrive platform, CareDriver must own or lease a 4-7 passenger vehicle that is no older than 13 years old*, have a current registration and pass an inspection (annually) with a certified mechanic.

CareDriver vehicles must also meet all applicable state department of motor vehicle requirements for a vehicle of its kind, be in good operating condition, and have four doors and room to seat four to seven passengers.

*In DC, MD, PA and Seattle, vehicles must be no more than 10 years old.

As a CareDriver, you have complete control over your schedule — you get to choose which rides you want to claim, and when.

Once you’ve been certified as a CareDriver and have completed all the steps involved in setting up your CareDriver account, you’ll use the HopSkipDrive CareDriver app to search for and claim available rides in your area.

Learn more about the process of claiming rides as a CareDriver.

Typical earnings for CareDrivers will vary depending on a number of factors, including but not limited to the metropolitan area (metro) in which a CareDriver claims rides, ride volume and CareDriver availability in a metro, and other factors relating to the HopSkipDrive platform.

The total driver fee you earn for a ride as a CareDriver is made up of a base fare plus additional payment for longer or more time-consuming trips. In addition, some rides may also be eligible for additional earnings.

You can see a map of our current service areas here.

CareDrivers must supply their own booster seats. If you don’t have a booster seat or aren’t interested in securing one, you can always choose to only claim rides that don’t require one.

To learn more about being a CareDriver, you can explore our CareDriver Help Center or CareDriver Resource Center.

To stay in the loop on CareDriver-related news and happenings, you can also sign up for our CareDriver newsletter or check out the CareDriver Lounge on Facebook.