Your First Rideshare: How to Request a Ride Safely
Using Uber or Lyft for the first time can feel intimidating, but it’s easier than it looks. It’s also a handy way to get to appointments, the airport or a family visit without driving. Here’s how it works, and how to stay safe from the first ride.
What a Rideshare App Does
A rideshare app connects you with a nearby driver. You request a ride from your phone, see the price before you agree, follow the car on a map, and pay through the app.
Before Your First Ride
Download the official app from the App Store (iPhone) or the Play Store (Android). Search for Uber or Lyft and check that the app comes from the real company.
Create your account with your phone number or email.
Add a payment method yourself, typing your card details directly on the screen.
Turn on location for the app when it asks, so the driver can find where you are.
Requesting a Ride
Open the app and tap the box that asks where you’re going, then type your destination.
Check the pickup spot on the map. If it isn’t right, you can move the pin to somewhere easy to find, like in front of a building entrance.
Choose a ride type and look at the price shown before you confirm.
Tap to confirm the request.
Within a minute or two you’ll see your driver’s name and photo, the car’s make, model and color, the license plate, and how far away the car is.
Before You Get In: Check Three Things
The license plate, car and driver all match what the app shows.
Let the driver say your name first. Don’t tell them who you are. Ask “Who are you here for?” and let them answer.
If anything doesn’t match, don’t get in. Cancel the ride in the app, and request another.
Some apps also offer a PIN or code to confirm you’re in the right car. If yours does, use it.
During the Ride
Share your trip with a family member. Look for an option in the app to share your trip or arrival time, so someone can follow along.
Buckle your seat belt. Many riders prefer to sit in the back seat.
Follow the route on your own map if you’d like to, so you can see you’re headed the right way.
Paying and Tipping
Payment happens automatically through the app, so there’s no need to bring up money in the car. The app will offer you a chance to add a tip afterward if you’d like to.
Red Flags
A driver who asks you to cancel the ride and pay in cash instead
Anyone who offers you a ride outside the app
A driver who asks for your phone number or personal details beyond what the app shows
If you notice any of these, don’t go along with it. Report it through the app.
Getting Home Again
Most apps let you schedule a ride in advance, which is useful for early appointments. You can also request your return ride as soon as you’re ready to leave.
If you’d like to practice before the first real ride, a Kendera Global session can help you set up the app and walk through a ride request step by step.
