You rate your driver after every Uber or Lyft trip, but the assessment goes both ways. Because most US drivers use their own cars and cover fuel, cleaning and maintenance themselves, they're watching for anything that could cost them money or make the ride uncomfortable — and they form an impression within seconds of you opening the door.
The stakes aren't trivial. Uber and Lyft say over 99% of trips end without a safety report, but a 2023 Strategic Organizing Center survey of more than 900 drivers found two-thirds had faced threats, harassment or assault in the previous year. So drivers read your mood quickly, especially if you seem agitated or unpredictable. A simple hello and respecting their space goes a long way — and on Uber Comfort you can flag in advance whether you want to chat or ride in silence.
Smell is a bigger deal than most riders realise. Strong perfume, cigarette or cannabis smoke, pungent takeaway and heavy body odour can linger in the car long after you've gone, affecting the next passenger too. Drivers on r/uberdrivers describe coughing fits and tearing eyes from oversprayed fragrance. Keep it light.
Cleanliness comes next. Muddy boots, dirty clothes or open food and drinks signal a mess to come — and spills can trigger a cleaning fee. Some drivers openly admit to cancelling pickups when a passenger looks likely to soil the car, reasoning that the next ten riders shouldn't pay for your post-hike state. Knock the mud off, seal your containers, or warn the driver beforehand.
Then there's the door slam, a recurring complaint in driver forums since drivers bear the repair bills for worn seals and mechanisms. Close it gently. Loud phone videos, speakerphone calls and kids' tablets on full volume are the other quick way to sour a trip — headphones or mute, always.
Finally, be ready. Drivers earn nothing while waiting, and if you take longer than two minutes to appear (five with Uber Black in some places) you can be hit with a wait fee anyway. Book only when you're actually ready to leave, choose a pickup spot where the car can safely stop, and message promptly if something delays you.
None of this is aimed at bad actors — it's ordinary travellers who don't realise a spritz of cologne or a slammed door registers. Small adjustments make the ride better for everyone, and if you're relying on rideshares to reach a hotel, airport or trailhead, staying on your driver's good side means a smoother trip all round.
