How to Get a 5-Star Rider Rating—According to Drivers

With everyone back in school now, we’ve been thinking about the grade we get asked about all the time: your Uber rider rating.

In case you were dozing in Uber 101, riders and drivers rate each other after each trip on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. You can find out your rating (which also doubles as a useful “fun fact” during awkward classroom icebreakers) and see how you rank as an Uber rider. Just open your app, tap the menu icon, then select: Help → Account and Payment → Account Settings and Ratings → I’d like to know my rating → Submit.

Surprised by your rating? You may be thinking: how could I be anything less than a 5?? Was I ungrateful for that water bottle? Did my friend and I talk too loudly?

Don’t worry; you’re not alone. To set the record straight on what makes a 5-star Uber rider, we asked drivers what earns top marks with them and what moves them to flunk you. See the results below, take notes, and you’ll be on your way to a refrigerator-worthy 5-star grade.

We know—maybe you haven’t had your morning coffee or you’re on your way home after a long day at work—but being grumpy with your driver will not win you any stars. The most common response from drivers was that a rider’s attitude was the main reason for a low rating. You don’t need to be overly chatty or tell them your life story, but a smile goes a long way. Extra credit if you wish your driver a nice day when you reach your destination.

Pro Tip: Say “Hello,” and give the driver your name when you enter the car. Not only is it polite, but the introduction also helps your driver make sure he or she has the right rider so you can get on your way!

If your pickup turns into a scavenger hunt, your driver is more likely to give you a less-than-stellar rating, so do your best to double-check your pickup location and request only when you’re ready to ride.

Pro Tip: Type in your pickup location rather than dropping your pin, since GPS accuracy can vary depending on where you are. And, if you know you’re running a couple minutes late, text or call your driver to let him or her know when you’ll be at the vehicle.

Drivers rated backseat driving as one of the top reasons for rating Uber riders lower than 5 stars. We know it’s tempting to direct each and every turn your driver makes, but letting someone else take the wheel can be therapeutic—it’s the only time you can actually let go and get from point A to point B without stressing over the process.

Pro tip: Sit back, relax, and embrace the fact that you’re not the one behind the wheel. Use the time to catch up on podcasts, check your email, daydream, or even take a quick nap.

Being late to a party is fashionable, but being late for your Uber? Not so much. Our survey showed that Uber driver partners love when riders are on time for their pickup. Combine a prompt pickup with a little bit of friendliness, and you’re on your way to a 5-star ride.

Pro Tip: If you’re requesting for a group, gather up your crew before requesting. And if you’re not the requestor, don’t be the reason your friend gets a low rating—that’s no way to treat a friendship.

There you have it. The formula for a 5-star rating is at now at your fingertips. Class dismissed.