Google StreetView car driver answers common questions about what the job is actually like
Published on Nov 26, 2025 at 8:41 AM (UTC-5)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Nov 26, 2025 at 12:30 PM (UTC-5)
Edited by
Kate Bain
One of the guys who drives the Google StreetView car has taken to Reddit to field some common questions about his job.
Everyone gets a kick from looking at their house on Google Maps, let’s face it.
But have you ever considered what it would be like to be the person driving the car that gathers all these images?
Well, today is your lucky day as he’s just revealed all, including awkward encounters.
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What questions did the Google StreetView driver receive on Reddit?
Reddit user GoogleDriver419 set up a post to field some questions from users.
He’d been a contracted driver for Google for around three months.
“I’m nearing the finishing of my routes in New England and then will be going a little west and south, going to about Virginia or so,” he wrote.
“I’m one of the lucky few who has been kept on due to my hard work.
“Ask me anything. The only thing I can’t answer is my current location or where I will be going and what route, due to my own safety.”
One person asked if he’d ever had any awkward encounters on the job, which he had.
“People ask me to take their picture WITH the car, standing next to the car with their camera, etc… If I’m tired, I just ignore them,” GoogleDriver419 said.
“If they keep insisting, I’ll usually pretend I’m going to take their picture and like do a selfie and just [drive] away.”
Another person asked how long his workday was.
“The day lasts as long as it has to, meaning if I get all of the data needed for the day, I’m done,” he replied.
“If there’s traffic or a guy messing around, the day will take much longer.
“Usually, I try to stay away from rush hour traffic and just work nonstop in between everyone else’s workday. Less people on the streets, less cars, much easier.”
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How much is this guy earning for his job?
If you ever wondered how much being a Google StreetView driver makes, this guy has the answer for you.
He estimated his salary came in at about $30k, saying that he got the job when it was advertised as a ‘temp driving job’.
We’ve heard from other StreetView drivers before, like Joe McCallen from Florida who revealed just how much attention he got not the road.
At any rate, this Reddit thread was a fascinating insight into a job that often gets overlooked.
Because let’s face it, all of us use Google Maps from time to time.
And the app is always changing, with new features coming quick and fast.
Did you know you could check Tesla Supercharger availability on there?
Sure, there’s always a debate around if it’s better than Waze or Apple Maps, but that’s probably up to each individual user.
Ben joined Supercar Blondie in February 2025 after being published by international organizations including LADbible, The Sun, the New York Post, and the Daily Mail. He covers supercars, rare and collectible vehicles, aviation, luxury assets, and the fascinating people behind them. His reporting has explored everything from seven-figure supercars and historic Ferrari collections to unusual aircraft adventures and extraordinary automotive discoveries from around the world. Ben has also gained first-hand insight into vehicle craftsmanship and customization, including visiting specialist workshops to see bespoke vehicles up close.
