What You Can and Can’t Ask Uber Driver-Partners

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This post is presented in partnership with Uber. Student Edge members get $15 off their first Uber trip.

"Uhh, am I even doing this right?" If you’re grabbing your first Uber trip, that’s probably the first question that comes to your mind. Well, that and, "Did I pick the right pick-up spot? Am I talking enough? Am I talking too much?"

We get it. That five-star system has you all nervous, wondering if you’re gonna exit the car and be immediately slapped with a dreaded 'zero'. (The shame you’ll bring upon your family name!) And it may mean you don’t speak up about things that could be bothering you about the trip.

Firstly: it’s all good. This whole "Uber thing" is meant to be super easy, especially considering the fact Student Edge members get $15 off their first trip. Secondly: Uber driver-partners are always up for a chat! They’re also cool if you want to ride in silence. What’s most important is how you bring it up.

So, if you’ve got butterflies in the belly over your first Uber trip, we’ve got the tips you need. Here’s what you can (and can’t!) ask Uber driver-partners...

You can ask: "Do you have any water?"

One of the sweet benefits of taking a ride with Uber is that some driver-partners provide free bottled water for riders. They can be especially helpful after a big night out. So, no, you’re not being rude or entitled by asking for water. Of course, if they're fresh out of water, don’t be rude or entitled then either!

You can’t ask: "Who else did you pick up tonight?"

You wouldn’t want your Uber driver-partner talking about you to other riders, so keep the privacy shield up.

You can ask: "Can you please turn down/change the music?"

If you’re not loving what’s on the radio (or the driver-partner’s specially curated playlist of whalesong/heavy metal mash-ups), you’re definitely allowed to ask for something different.

You can’t ask: "Can you please turn the music way up?"

That is, unless the driver-partner’s into it. But if you just want to sing along with "Old Town Road" at top volume, it’s probably best to let the driver-partner concentrate on the road without you performing karaoke in their ear.

You can ask: "Can we get the aircon going please?"

It’s Australia! It’s summer! It gets real hot! It’s either this, or winding down the window (though, for courtesy’s sake, ask the driver-partner if that’s alright too). On the flip side, you are totally allowed to ask them to turn down the aircon, or to close the windows as well.

You can’t ask: "Can you quickly pull over so I can grab some snacks from the servo?"

This wasn’t listed as the destination, so you’re better off asking for a mint, if they have one.

You can ask: "I’m not feeling very well. Can we quickly pull over to the side of the road?"

Believe us, this is fine. The driver-partner would rather you be honest than yak in their backseat.

You can’t ask: "Can you circle the block a few times until my friends come out?"

Picking up friends at the end of your trip and heading to a second destination? Doable! That is, so long as you ask very politely and establish that understanding with the driver-partner. However, if they're not keen, best to let them drive off, and you can just get a second Uber trip, especially if your friends are running late. The important thing is not to spring stuff like this at the very end of your trip.

You can ask: "Which way are we going?"

The driver-partner is usually relying on an online map to get you to your destination, so they may have a suggestion for a quicker route. However, if you’re a bit puzzled by the direction they’re taking, feel free to chime in. Sometimes, they may even appreciate the shortcut if you’ve got it!

You can’t ask: "Can you give me five stars?"

Yeah, okay, we all want it, but the best way to get it is to follow the above guidelines!

You can ask: "So, how long have you been using the Uber app?"

To be totally honest, when it comes to speaking with Uber driver-partners, the standard conversational rules apply: be polite and read the room. Ultimately, you can have a proper conversation with them—about their use of the Uber app, and their life—so long as they indicate they’re in the mood to chat. In fact, they may be first out the gate with the questions. If you’re not comfortable talking, or were hoping to spend the ride reading a book or preparing for an important exam or assignment, simply say: "I’m sorry; I hope you don’t mind, but I actually just want/need to focus on this other thing today!" Remember, they want a five-star rating too! And the best way to get it? Talk to them like a human.

You are now ready. Remember, Student Edge members get $15 off your first trip with Uber.

Header Image: iStock.com/Boogich