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 driver-partners, 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.

Nobody likes to be kept waiting. That goes for Uber driver-partners, too, especially when they could be picking up another rider. Always remember to request a rider when you’re ready to go – ensure you’ve got all your belongings, have made that last dash to the bathroom and have locked the front door! All good? Let’s get going!

Uber driver-partners 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.

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.

There’s nothing like a clean car with a fresh smell to make you smile. Riders and drivers alike love a neat and tidy vehicle, so it’s only fair that mess be kept to a minimum. Enjoy a comfy ride where no one has to clear up afterwards and, who knows, you could be on your way to that coveted five-star rider rating.

Common courtesy goes a long way. A positive attitude goes even further. This being the case, be sure to bring an uplifting vibe to every Uber trip. 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 mom already knows you are.