What makes a 5-star rider, according to Hopp driver partners

Ever wondered what drivers say about you? Hopp driver partners rate you after every trip, the same way you rate them. And they see your rating before accepting ride requests, the same way you see theirs.

Hopp’s average rider rating is 4.9, and most drivers don’t ask for much in exchange for 5 stars. We asked drivers from all over the world to share some stories behind their ratings, and tips to improve yours.

How Hopp rider ratings work

I don’t ask for much. Just 3 things: hello, bye, and thank you. On top of a normal ride, it’s a 5-star passenger. — Driver partner in Toronto, Canada

Hopp uses a reciprocal rating system, for riders and drivers, because it takes two to make a smooth ride. It’s a two-way street, after all.

Drivers share their cars with passengers, the same way Airbnb hosts share their properties with guests. Airbnb reviews are mutual, and for a good reason. While most guests behave and treat accommodation like their own, there are always unfortunate exceptions.

By giving both sides the opportunity to rate their experience, platforms ensure that hosts and guests, or drivers and passengers, are more conscious about both sides of the experience. And studies show that two-way rating systems actually result in more positive ratings for both.

You can check your rider rating in the app under your profile. And if you’re surprised by what you see, here are some stories and tips to help you understand your drivers a little better.

Tips and stories from drivers around the world

We asked several thousand drivers across Canada, Europe and Africa to share what makes a perfect ride, and stories of riders who really got it right. And we took it all and packaged it into a few simple tips for a perfect rating.

Tips that won’t surprise you

The best passenger I had fastened the seatbelt firsthand, asked if I didn’t mind her having a phone call, and had a very quiet conversation I couldn’t even hear. So considerate she was. — Driver partner in Nairobi, Kenya

1. Be fair and constructive

Share what was nice and what needs improvement. Drivers can challenge ratings they consider unfair, and if validated, it won’t count towards their stats.

2. Let the driver focus on the road.

Not just because it’s considerate, but for your own safety — and theirs.

3. Leave the backseat the way you found it

Spilled drinks and food stains may result in a cleaning fee, and an understandably frustrated driver. Keep it tidy.

Tips that might surprise you

Picture this: the folks enter the car with a deafening door slam, say no hello, ask to turn on their own music via Bluetooth, and they just open the window despite the working AC. — Driver partner in Paris, France

1. Be gentle with the door

In most modern cars, you don’t need Hulk-like strength to shut the doors. Just close it as you would any other regular door, which is carefully. And do so regardless of your mood.

2. Ask your driver to adjust temperature

You don’t need to suffer through heat or cold. All you need to do is ask the driver to adjust the temperature. They’ll be happy to help, and appreciate it more than, for example, a spontaneously opened window on the motorway.

3. Make a little conversation

Drivers enjoy what they do, and a pleasant chat and polite attitude actually helps them stay focused — especially on longer rides.

Going the extra mile is easier than you think

During a long ride, the passenger asked to stop at a grocery store. He didn’t add the stop in the app, but I didn’t mind — he grabbed a drink for me too! How thoughtful! — Driver partner in Brașov, Romania

Drivers agree that even the smallest of gestures can take you from a great to a perfect rider rating — and a little kindness can really make their day. To find out what drivers say about you, start by checking your rider rating in the app.