Things Rideshare Drivers Notice About You As Soon As You Get In Their Car

When ordering a rideshare, riders usually want to make sure the car is safe and clean and that the driver can get them to their destination safely. However, drivers have concerns about riders, too, especially because Uber and Lyft generally classify U.S. drivers as independent contractors. That status remains subject to state law and ongoing challenges, but many drivers use their own vehicles and cover day-to-day expenses such as fuel, cleaning, and maintenance. That gives them good reason to watch out for anything that could add to their costs.

While riders are a source of income, they can also create problems for drivers. Some issues amount to little more than an annoyance, while others involve genuine safety concerns. While Uber and Lyft have reported that more than 99% of rides are completed without safety reports, a 2023 Strategic Organizing Center survey of over 900 drivers found that two-thirds of respondents had experienced threats, harassment, or assault in the previous year. Uber has also made a game-changing update for female riders and drivers, giving them more control over who they're matched with. With those safety concerns in mind, it makes sense that drivers may pay close attention to riders from the moment they arrive.

Of course, this list isn't aimed at the type of rider who intends to cause damage or harm. Instead, it's for well-meaning riders who may not realize their actions can damage the vehicle, upset their driver, or even affect the ride for the next person. You might even be surprised to find something you've done on this list. Fortunately, small changes can help make the experience more pleasant for both rider and driver.

While some odors, such as perfume, may seem harmless, rideshare drivers can notice strong smells no matter the source. In a thread about "smelly passengers" on the driver-focused subreddit r/uberdrivers, users discussed the many odors they encounter. One user wrote, "I have had people in the car where I had to drive with my head almost out the window because my eyes kept tearing up from the smell."

Certain odors can also linger after a rider leaves, potentially affecting the experience for the next passenger. Problem smells can include strong body odor, perfume and cologne, aftershave, cigarette or marijuana smoke, and pungent food. Some drivers try to get ahead of the issue with car scents or odor neutralizers, while others air out their vehicles by driving with the windows down.

Riders can help by being mindful of particularly strong odors before getting into someone else's vehicle. Perfume and other fragrances can be irritating to people around you, too. In the same Reddit thread, another user recalled a passenger who "doused herself in perfume," adding, "I began coughing and getting an itchy throat." If you apply fragrance shortly before your ride, keep it light so the close quarters stay comfortable for everyone.

Drivers may also quickly pick up on a rider's mood and attitude the moment they enter the car. In a confined space, someone who seems angry, agitated, or otherwise unpredictable can raise safety concerns. Given the threats, harassment, and assaults reported by rideshare drivers, it's understandable that their first impression of a passenger could affect how comfortable they feel starting or continuing a ride.

On certain Uber rides, like Uber Comfort, users can indicate whether they'd prefer to chat or have a quieter ride. This can help give the driver an idea of what to expect before you even enter the vehicle. Generally, though, if you want your driver to feel at ease throughout the ride, treat them as you would want to be treated. At the very least, say hello, respect their personal space, and follow their lead when it comes to conversation.

Some things are just common sense when you get into anyone's vehicle, not just a rideshare. Bringing mud or open food and drinks into a rideshare vehicle can leave a mess that inconveniences the driver and, in some cases, even triggers a cleaning fee. So, when you approach the vehicle and get inside, a driver may notice whether you're likely to leave extra work behind.

Some drivers may even cancel your ride if a passenger looks likely to leave a significant mess. One  r/lyftdrivers thread was started by a driver who said they canceled after arriving to pick up a passenger with visibly dirty clothes, boots, and hands. Other users shared similar experiences, including a driver who recalled canceling on two lawn-service workers after a shift: "It wasn't about them per se, but it's the next 10 people that have [to] get in my car." 

So, do your best to knock excess mud off your shoes and make sure any food or drinks are sealed before entering a rideshare. If you know you're bringing dirt or a potential mess into the car, consider giving your driver a heads-up so they can decide how they'd like to handle it. Keep food and drinks in closed containers as well, as certain spills can incur a cleaning fee.

Door slamming is a common source of frustration for drivers, as shown by the numerous posts on social media regarding this issue. One r/uberdrivers post summed up the frustration with the title, "I've had it with door slamming. WTF!" The poster said it had happened twice that day and wondered why riders became "upset" when asked not to slam the door. Other drivers in the thread had different takes, but several also described door slamming as a recurring annoyance.

Some of the frustration may come from the fact that drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles and keeping them in good condition. As a result, they may be especially mindful of anything that could cause unnecessary wear, including how passengers close the car door. Additionally, slamming the door can feel disrespectful.

No matter where you use rideshares, closing a car door carefully shows you respect that person's property. Repeated door slamming can also affect mechanical parts in the door and the door seals over time. So, if you can, always close your car door carefully when using a rideshare.

Rideshare drivers can expect a certain amount of noise from their riders. Sometimes the car ride is the only time you have to make a phone call; you may want to chat with your travel companion, or you might simply want to break the silence and talk with your driver. Those things are normal. Loud videos, games, and speakerphone calls, however, are a recurring complaint in driver forums. 

In a thread on r/lyftdrivers asking about drivers' most annoying passengers, one user wrote, "I'm not a fan of passengers that scroll TikTok at loud volume." In another thread about passengers playing videos aloud, one driver recalled having three people in the back seat watching different videos at high volume simultaneously. "All I can do to not lose my s*** lol," they complained.

In a shared, enclosed space, it's generally good etiquette to mute your device or use headphones. That also goes for children's tablets playing videos or games. If you need to play audio and don't have headphones, make it a point to keep the volume low.

One of the biggest things drivers keep an eye out for is whether you're on time, at the meeting point, and ready to get in the vehicle. Waiting for a rider to leave their home or finish up in a store or restaurant is a common frustration in driver forums. "Why can't they [riders] simply wait till they're ready to leave before requesting the ride? This is one of the things that piss me off with this rideshare thing. People are just too freaking annoying!" one user wrote on r/uberdrivers.

The fare may be set in advance, but time isn't free for anyone, especially for drivers who could be earning money on another ride. If that's not enough to convince you, you can also be charged wait fees if you take longer than 2 minutes to meet your driver after they arrive, or 5 minutes with Uber Black in some locations.

There are a few ways to make your pickup easy and quick, though. Select a pickup point where the driver can safely pull over and try to be at the meeting point before they arrive. If you need extra time, wait to book a rideshare until you're ready, when possible. If something unexpectedly delays you after booking, a quick message can at least let your driver know what's going on.