You cannot request a specific driver by name, but you can request driver characteristics through Uber's filter options
Uber does not let you pick an individual driver before you request a ride. Once you open the app and enter your destination, you see available vehicle types — UberX, Uber Comfort, UberXL, and others depending on your city — but not the names or photos of drivers who will accept your request. The driver assignment happens after you confirm your ride, and you cannot swap to a different driver once one is assigned unless you cancel and request again.
What you can control is the type of vehicle and service level. Uber Comfort requires drivers with higher ratings and newer cars. Uber Green limits matches to hybrid or electric vehicles. These filters narrow the pool of drivers who can accept your ride, which indirectly shapes who shows up — but you still cannot name a specific person.
If you have used Uber before and want the same driver again, there is no "favorite driver" feature in the app. Your best option is to request a ride at the same location and time of day when that driver was working, though there is no may provide they will be available or will accept your request.
Key Takeaways
- Uber assigns a driver after you request a ride; you cannot see or choose them beforehand.
- You can filter by vehicle type (UberX, Comfort, Green, XL) and service level, which narrows the driver pool but does not let you name a specific person.
- Uber does not have a "favorite driver" or "request this driver again" feature built into the app.
- If you cancel a ride after a driver is assigned, you may be charged a cancellation fee and will be matched with a different driver on your next request.
- Drivers can see your pickup location and destination before accepting, so they choose whether to take your ride — you do not choose them.
What happens when you request a ride
When you enter your destination and select a vehicle type, Uber's system sends your request to drivers in your area who are currently online and logged into that service level. Drivers see your pickup location, destination, and estimated fare — but not your name or photo until they accept. They decide whether to take the ride based on the route and pay, not the other way around.
Once a driver accepts, their name, photo, car details, and license plate appear in your app, and you can see them moving toward your pickup location on the map. At this point, the match is locked in. If you cancel, Uber may charge you a cancellation fee (usually $5 to $10, though this varies by city and time of day), and you will be matched with a different driver on your next request.
The entire process — from request to driver assignment — typically takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes in busy areas and longer in quieter zones. During surge pricing, more drivers come online, but the assignment system does not change; you still cannot pick who accepts your ride.
Filtering by vehicle type and service level
Uber offers several vehicle categories, and each has different driver requirements. UberX is the standard option with the lowest base fare. Uber ComfortUber Green
UberXL and Uber Suv are larger vehicles for groups or luggage; they have higher fares and fewer drivers available. Uber Black is a premium service with professional drivers, higher ratings, and luxury vehicles; it costs significantly more and is not available in all cities. Each category has its own driver pool, so choosing Comfort instead of UberX narrows the drivers who can accept your request — but you still cannot name a specific person.
If you have a preference for a certain type of car or driver experience, selecting a higher service level is the closest you can get to customization. However, during busy times, even premium options may have longer wait times or fewer available drivers.
Why Uber does not allow driver selection
Uber's matching system is designed to balance speed, fairness, and driver income. If riders could pick specific drivers, wait times would increase because drivers would receive fewer requests overall — some would be chosen often, others rarely. This would also create incentives for drivers to game the system by asking regular customers to request them by name, which Uber's terms of service prohibit.
From a fairness standpoint, allowing driver selection could enable discrimination. Uber's algorithm is built to prevent riders from filtering by driver characteristics like race, gender, or age, which is both an ethical and legal requirement. A "pick your driver" feature would circumvent those protections.
Drivers also benefit from the current system. Because Uber assigns rides algorithmically based on location and availability, drivers with lower ratings still receive requests, and new drivers can build a customer base without competing for visibility. If riders could cherry-pick, drivers with fewer five-star reviews would earn less, even if they provide safe, reliable service.
What to do if you want to ride with the same driver again
There is no official way to request a specific driver through the Uber app. However, you can increase the odds of matching with someone you liked by requesting a ride at the same location, time of day, and day of the week when you previously rode with them. Drivers tend to work consistent schedules, so a driver you used on Tuesday mornings may be online at the same time the following week.
If you had a particularly good experience, you can rate the driver five stars and leave a comment in the rating screen. High ratings help drivers maintain their standing and may make them more likely to accept rides in your area, though this does not may provide they will be your next driver.
Some riders have reported success asking the driver directly — after the ride ends and you have both exited the app — whether they work the same time slot regularly. If they do, you know when to request. However, Uber's terms of service prohibit drivers from arranging rides outside the app or accepting payment outside the platform, so this approach works only if you both use Uber normally.
How ratings and driver quality affect your experience
While you cannot pick a driver, your own rating affects who is willing to accept your rides. Drivers can see your rating before accepting, and drivers with high ratings (4.8 and above) may decline rides from passengers with lower ratings. If your rating is below 4.5, some drivers may avoid your requests, which can increase your wait time.
Your rating is built from driver feedback after each ride. Factors that lower your rating include being late to the pickup location, leaving the car dirty, being rude, or canceling frequently. Factors that raise it include being ready on time, being courteous, and tipping. If you want better driver experiences, maintaining a high rating is more effective than any other strategy.
Conversely, if you consistently rate drivers poorly, Uber may eventually deactivate your account for being a problematic rider. The platform is designed to protect both sides, so treating drivers with respect and rating fairly is in your interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I message a driver before they accept my ride?
No. You cannot see or contact a driver until after they have accepted your request. Once they accept, you can message them through the app to clarify your pickup location or let them know you are running late. Drivers are not required to respond, but most do.
What if I do not want to ride with a specific driver?
You can cancel your ride after a driver is assigned, though Uber may charge a cancellation fee. If you cancel, you will be matched with a different driver on your next request. Canceling frequently can lower your rating, so use this option only when necessary.
Does Uber have a "preferred driver" or "favorite driver" feature?
No. Uber does not offer a way to mark drivers as favorites or request them again. The only workaround is to request rides at the same time and location where you previously matched with that driver, hoping they are online and accept your request.
Can I request a driver with a certain rating or background?
You can filter by service level — Uber Comfort drivers have higher ratings (4.85+) and newer cars — but you cannot specify a minimum rating or request a background check beyond what Uber requires of all drivers. All Uber drivers pass a background check before they are approved to drive.
What if a driver cancels after accepting my ride?
If a driver cancels after accepting, you are not charged a cancellation fee. You will be automatically matched with another driver, or you can request again. Drivers who cancel frequently may face deactivation, so this is uncommon.