That said, DoorDashing isn’t always predictable—and it helps to know what you’re really signing up for before you start. Here are a few things I truly wish I’d known before hitting the road.
Your Earnings Will Vary—More Than You Might Expect
One of the biggest misconceptions about DoorDash is that drivers earn a consistent, guaranteed amount. In reality, your income can change from day to day.
Your earnings depend on:
-
How many deliveries you accept
-
How far you’re driving
-
The time of day (and even the day of the week)
Every Dasher develops their own system for deciding which orders to accept. Some drivers look at distance versus pay, choosing not to accept orders that pay less than a dollar per mile. Others focus on hourly goals. For example, if you typically complete two deliveries an hour and want to earn at least $15 per hour, you may decide not to accept orders paying less than $7.50.
Some days will be good. Others will be slower. It’s important to go in with realistic expectations—and to avoid relying on DoorDash as your only source of income unless you’re prepared to work long hours, often 8 hours or more a day.
A Reliable Vehicle Is Essential
You don’t need a brand-new car, but you do need one you can depend on. DoorDash driving means frequent stops, long stretches with the engine running, and more wear and tear than typical errands.
A few things I strongly recommend:
-
Stay on top of routine maintenance
-
Invest in road-hazard coverage for your tires
-
Carry roadside assistance (AAA or similar)
I once hit a massive pothole while dashing and ended up stranded on a back road for hours. Because I had roadside assistance and tire coverage, it was inconvenient—but not a disaster. Those safeguards are worth it.
Food Safety Matters—And the Hot Bag Helps More Than You Think
Keeping food at the proper temperature isn’t just a guideline—it’s part of doing the job well. Using an insulated hot bag helps protect the food, makes carrying orders easier, and reduces lingering food smells in your car.
DoorDash provides a hot bag, yet many drivers don’t use it. I’ve even received deliveries myself where the bag clearly wasn’t used. Personally, I rely on mine every time (except for pizza, which has its own bag). If you’ve skipped the bag in the past, it’s worth giving it another try—it really does make the job easier.
Navigation Can Make or Break Your Shift
Good navigation skills are more important than you might expect. GPS apps are incredibly helpful, but technology isn’t perfect—especially in extreme heat.
During the summer, my phone used to overheat and shut down mid-delivery, taking my GPS with it. The fix? Simple but effective. I now keep an insulated lunch bag and a reusable ice pack in my car. When it’s hot, I place my phone inside to keep it cool. Since then, no overheating—and no lost directions.
Having a backup plan can save a lot of frustration.
Staying Organized Saves Time and Stress
DoorDash sometimes sends stacked orders—multiple deliveries at once. Organization becomes essential.
I use different bags for different orders and place the first delivery within easy reach. The second order goes in a separate bag and stays farther away. This simple system helps prevent mix-ups and keeps deliveries running smoothly.
Small habits like this make a big difference, especially when you want the job to feel manageable instead of rushed.
Driving for DoorDash can be a solid way to earn extra money, stay active, and enjoy flexible work—especially in this stage of life. But it’s not effortless, and it’s not always predictable.
With realistic expectations, good preparation, and a few smart systems in place, it can be a positive and worthwhile experience.
Are you a DoorDash driver?
If so, I’d love to hear what you’ve learned along the way. Share your experience in the comments—you never know who it might help.