Maryland drops nearly 15% of new Uber, Lyft drivers for failing background checks

Nearly 15 percent of new ride-hail drivers in Maryland have been dropped from the apps over the past six months for failing state screening, despite having passed Uber and Lyft’s background checks, says state Public Service Commission (PSC).

The rejections included 460 applicants with disqualifying criminal histories and 900 who were flagged because of issues with their driving records, according to the Washington Post.

In the last six months alone, Maryland rejected 3,503 out of 24,608 applications.

Maryland does not conduct its own screenings of drivers but rather reviews Uber’s and Lyft’s completed applications for compliance. Once Uber and Lyft approve drivetd, they can work until the state says otherwise.

“The fact that we are rejecting a significant number on secondary review demonstrates a solid justification for our supplemental review process, which is above and beyond what most other states do,” PSC spokeswoman Tori Leonard said.

Maryland isn’t the first state to experience this situation.

Back in April, we reported how more than 8,000 Uber and Lyft drivers had been banned from driving for ride-sharing apps after having their background checks re-assessed as part of a new Massachusetts law.

Once again, the difference between the state background-checking standards and the ride-hailing companies’ standards have raised concerns about Uber and Lyft’s ability to effectively screen drivers and protect customers.

Some suggest that background checks are more crucial for independent contractors, such as ride-sharing drivers, because their status as non-employees gives employers less direct control over their work. By 2020, 40% of the workforce could be contingent — putting pressure on employers to ensure they vet this growing group appropriately.