How to be a great rider and improve your Uber rating

Are you sitting down? OK, open your Uber app, click on the menu icon in the top-left corner and look underneath your name. That’s your Uber rating, which is calculated as an average of all the ratings you’ve received (anonymously) from partner-drivers, and it comes on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.

If you just got your feelings hurt, don’t worry! There are plenty of things you can do to up your score, and we’ve put together a list of the most common rider faux-pas so you know what to avoid.

You Snooze, You Lose
Nobody likes to be kept waiting. That goes for Uber partner-drivers, too, especially when they could be picking up another fare. Do your last check (belongings, bathroom, passengers) before you request your ride to make sure that you don’t waste any time or lose any points.

Safety First
Contrary to the advice of 90s pop songs, hanging out the side of anyone’s ride is a bad idea. Our partner-drivers want to make sure you stay safe and comfortable, but you’ve got to do your part as well. Always wear your seatbelt and don’t try to cram extra people into the car. You can request a bigger ride if you need it.

Be There or Be Square
Or, more accurately, be round – as in the 0 stars you’ll score on the Uber scale for not turning up to catch your ride, or for being in the wrong place when your driver arrives. Be sure to double-check your pickup location before you request, particularly if you’re relying on GPS.

Clean Up Your Act
Don’t know what to do with your rubbish? Neither does your driver, so please take it with you and throw it in the trash bins when you get out. Try to respect their space and make sure you don’t make a mess, and clean up after yourself when your ride’s over

Be Polite
This might seem obvious, but a little common courtesy goes a long way. The most common reason drivers rank riders fewer than five stars is a bad attitude. A simple: “Hello, how are you?” and a smile makes the ride more pleasant for everyone and can seal the deal on that perfect score.

Because your score is created by averaging out all your rides, it can take a little while to change, but follow our advice and you’ll be well on your way to becoming the five-star rider your mum already knows you are.