HopSkipDrive review
A rideshare built specifically for children, with fingerprinted, background-checked CareDrivers and a carpool option that cuts the fare in half.
Uber and Lyft are great for the general public, but they are not set up for children.
Our reviewerA Rideshare Built From the Ground Up for Kids
HopSkipDrive was founded by three mothers who kept running out of time shuttling their kids around. Rather than settle for a general rideshare, they built one focused entirely on getting children where they need to go safely.
That focus shows in the vetting: Uber and Lyft aren't insured to carry passengers under 18, and their driver certification is comparatively relaxed. HopSkipDrive requires every CareDriver to pass a 15-point certification, including fingerprinting, a background check, five-plus years of caregiving experience with verified references, and a vehicle no older than 2006.
The app itself is simple to use — download, create an account, enter payment details, and choose a time and date. A carpooling feature lets families book rides together, automatically merging multiple kids into a single ride and letting parents set pickup order.
Fares are based on time and mileage like any rideshare, starting at $16 for a single family or a flat $10 per family when carpooling, and a $20 discount code takes the edge off a first ride. Currently available in LA, Orange County, the Bay Area and San Jose, with more areas expected as the service grows.
Why We Love It
- CareDrivers pass a 15-point certification including fingerprinting and a background check
- Requires 5+ years of caregiving experience and verified references
- Carpooling drops the fare to a flat $10 per family
- $20 promo credit for new users' first ride
Considerations
- Currently limited to LA, Orange County, the Bay Area and San Jose
- Standard single-family fares ($16 minimum) cost more than the $10 flat carpool rate
Signing Up and Booking a Ride
Getting started is a short flow: download the app, create an account with details about yourself and your kids, enter a payment method (with the $20 HOPPY001 promo code applied), then pick a time and date.
The carpooling feature is a standout for cost-conscious parents — book with friends, add family members to the ride, and the app automatically turns it into a single shared trip, letting parents set who gets picked up first.
Built by Mothers, for Mothers
Every CareDriver is fingerprinted and background checked, and must have at least five years of caregiving experience with verified references before ever driving a child.
We Recommend This To Readers Who:
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Need reliable rides for kids without driving them yourself
CareDrivers are vetted specifically for carrying children safely.
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Want to split fares with a carpool group
Carpooling drops the cost to a flat $10 per family.
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Live in LA, Orange County, the Bay Area or San Jose
Those are the service's current coverage areas.
A Closer Look
The CareDriver Vetting Process
Every driver has to clear three checkpoints before they're allowed to carry a child.
Background & Fingerprint Check
Every CareDriver is fingerprinted and background checked before they can drive.
Caregiving Experience
Requires 5+ years of caregiving experience and verified references — HopSkipDrive follows through and calls them.
Vehicle Safety Check
Cars must be a 2006 model or newer and are checked thoroughly for safety.
What a Ride Costs
Fares are based on time and mileage, with carpooling as the cheaper option.
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Single Family (min fare) | $16 |
| Carpool (flat, per family)Popular | $10 |
Good to Know
Peace of Mind Worth Paying For
Children are our future and no price can be put on their safety — HopSkipDrive's vetted CareDrivers give parents that extra bit of time back with confidence.
