Driving 101 (just the facts)

Learn the basics of being a rideshare driver

This post is for all the people who are thinking about or just started driving for Uber or any other rideshare company.  You've read the ads, you've seen the hype, you may have even downloaded the app and taken a passenger . . . but do you really know what you're getting yourself into?

After driving on the Uber platform for 8 months (1320 riders, 4.92 rating), here are some things that I have seen and read over and over in the different driver pages. While this blog doesn't cover pay (or the lack thereof) it will give you the first timer tips to make you more comfortable with this gig.  If you have anything you would like to add please feel free to leave some comments.

These are the basics:

• When you get the request for a ride you will never know where the passenger wants to go. This is by design. If you knew you might want to take only the longer fares or only the shorter fares. Maybe you don't want to go venture into certain neighborhoods so you only want to take pax to better destinations.  By keeping the destination a secret until the passenger gets in the car it keeps the service fair for all drivers and passengers alike.
• You also won't know the passenger's name until you accept the request - this too prevents discrimination.
• It's okay not to accept a ride if you don't want to take it - but be aware that if you do this too often you'll get an email or text alerting you to the low acceptance rate.  Better to turn off the app if you don't want to take rides.
• When you arrive at the pick up point, ask the passenger their name.  Don't say "Are you Bob?" This is to prevent you from picking up the wrong person, especially in a crowded situation where many people want a ride at the same time, like bar closing.
• Don't start the ride until the passenger is in the car, don't end the ride until they exit with all of their belongings (this includes luggage).  Be sure to check the car for spare keys, cell phones and etc. because chasing down a passenger later to give back items left in your car is never fun.
  
  Speaking of luggage - it's best to help the passenger with putting luggage in your car.  This way you won't risk damaging your bumper, interior upholstery etc. when passengers aren't that careful.
• It's never okay to bring a friend (or relative, or pet) along on a ride with you. They don't have a background check so you are violating the Uber terms of service.
• Uber is only for adults 18 and older.  Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. If you suspect your potential rider is under age ask for id or confirmation.  Cancel the ride if they are solo and underage.  If you have a youngster in the car and anything happens (that's why they call it an accident it's never planned) Uber won't be covering you because you've violated terms of service.
• Some passengers will need extra assistance.  Don't be a jerk, get off your butt and open the door for them, help with their bags.   If it was your mother would you want someone to be a jerk or to help them out?
  
  If your passenger has a therapy dog (ie for sight) you must take the passenger & pet. No exceptions. 

• Passengers don't always go straight from pick-up to drop-off.  They sometimes want to make extra stops in between.  You're in a service industry and there is a (small) per minute fee you get for waiting.  No you don't need to wait forever, let them know you'll wait for 5 min or 10 minutes, before you have to take another fare.  No you don't have to take them thru the drive thru but sometimes it pays extra in tips... just think of how you would like to be treated.
• Sometimes you'll go to the pick-up point and your rider isn't there, or isn't ready.  You have to wait for 5 minutes before you can cancel. Time it from when the app says "arrived" until you've hit 5 minutes.  After that you can cancel as "rider no show" and collect a cancellation fee.  If you have received a phone call or text from the passenger be kind, give a couple minutes more.  Again, think of how you would like to be treated.
• When you pick up passengers who are sick (physically or drunk) they may puke or leave other bodily fluids in your car.  It happens.  Just take photos, submit to Uber and you'll get a clean up fee to compensate for the actual clean up and time lost in fares.
  
  
  
• It may happen that you pick up a passenger who is not kind or respectful.  It's up to you how you handle the situation.  Remember, they are only in your car a brief time.  If the destination is close just get them there as quickly and safely as possible then you can report them to Uber if you so desire.
  
  If you feel the behavior is so out of line (sexual harassment, threatening or otherwise) then simply pull over at a safe location (preferably near a police hang out), end the ride and ask them to exit - then report the passenger to Uber. Be sure you give them a low rating as well so other drivers will be alerted to a potential issue  (yes, that's why you see the passenger rating when the initial ride request comes in).
  
  
  
• There is no ability for the passenger to leave you a tip within the app, this fact will not change. But you are in a service industry (and the pay is very low) so you should provide 5 star service so you'll have a better chance of getting tips.  Most drivers have some notice in the car about tips. You may post a note that "tipping is appreciated."  Several drivers have the ability to take tips via credit card.
• HAVE FUN!!  The main reason people continue to drive despite any issues with Uber corp, pay etc. is that the passengers make this so much fun :)

Okay - that's 15 basics most beginning drivers have when starting out. It's probably not everything so please feel free to comment with additional tips & solutions!

If you want a little more one on one assistance please check into this new mentoring service a fellow driver and I have started.