Uber does not have an official feature to request a driver by gender, but some riders use workarounds and Uber has tested women-only ride options in certain cities
Uber's main app does not include a button or setting that lets you choose a female driver. When you request a ride, you see the driver's name, photo, and rating after they accept — but you cannot filter by gender before matching. If a driver you do not want to ride with accepts your request, you can cancel and request again, though this may add wait time or trigger a cancellation fee if you do it repeatedly.
Uber has run pilot programs in some cities that do offer women-only or women-preferred ride options, but these are not available everywhere. The availability, name, and exact rules of these programs change by location and over time. Your best step is to check your own Uber app to see whether such an option appears in your city.
Key Takeaways
- Uber's standard app does not have a gender filter, so you cannot request a female driver before a match is made.
- You can cancel a ride after the driver accepts if you prefer not to ride with them, but cancelling repeatedly may result in fees.
- Some cities have had pilot programs for women-only or women-preferred rides, but these are not nationwide and rules vary by location.
- If a women-only option exists in your area, it typically appears as a separate ride type or toggle within the app.
How to check if a women-only ride option is available in your area
Open your Uber app and look at the ride type selection screen — the place where you normally choose between UberX, Uber Comfort, or other options. Some cities display a women-only or women-preferred ride type as a separate choice. The name and appearance of this option varies: it may be called "Women+", "Women Preferred", or something similar depending on where you are.
If you do not see a women-only option on your ride type screen, it is not currently available in your location. Uber does not have a separate settings menu to turn this feature on; it either appears as a ride type or it does not. If you want to know whether your city has tested or plans to test such a program, you can contact Uber support through the app's help section, though they may not have information about future rollouts.
What happens if you cancel after seeing the driver's information
Once a driver accepts your request, their photo, name, and vehicle details appear on your screen. At this point, you can cancel the ride if you change your mind. Tap the cancel button, and the driver will be notified that the ride was cancelled.
Cancelling is free if you do it before the driver arrives or within a short window after they arrive (rules vary slightly by city). However, if you cancel repeatedly — especially after drivers have already started driving toward you — Uber may charge a cancellation fee or flag your account. Frequent cancellations can also lower your rating and may eventually result in deactivation. For this reason, cancelling should be a last resort, not a regular practice.
Why Uber does not offer a gender filter in most places
Uber has stated that a universal gender-filter feature raises legal and operational concerns. In the United States, federal civil rights law prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics, and a blanket gender filter could expose both Uber and drivers to legal risk. Additionally, Uber says that gender-based filtering could reduce earning opportunities for drivers and create operational complexity.
The pilot programs Uber has run in specific cities are structured differently — they typically allow women riders to request women drivers, but do not restrict men from using the service or prevent women drivers from also accepting standard rides. These programs operate under specific local rules and partnerships, which is why they remain limited to certain areas.
Alternative options if you want more control over your ride
If the standard Uber experience does not meet your needs, you have other choices. Some cities have ride-sharing services or taxi companies that specialize in women drivers or women-only rides; searching online for "women-only rideshare [your city]" or "female taxi service [your city]" may turn up local options. You can also ask friends or family for recommendations on services they trust.
Another option is to use Uber's scheduled rides feature (available in some cities) to book in advance, which may give you more time to review driver information before the ride begins. You can also add emergency contacts in the Uber app, which lets trusted people track your ride in real time — a safety feature that does not depend on driver gender.
How to report a safety concern with a driver
If you have a safety concern during or after a ride, report it to Uber when ready through the app. Open the trip details, tap "Report a Safety Issue," and describe what happened. Uber takes these reports seriously and investigates them. Depending on the report, Uber may deactivate the driver, require additional training, or take other action.
If you feel unsafe during a ride, you can also contact local police. Uber's in-app reporting is separate from law enforcement and does not replace calling 911 if you are in when ready danger. Keep a record of the date, time, driver name, and vehicle details for your own records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I message a driver before they arrive to ask if they are female?
Uber's app does not allow you to message a driver before they accept your ride request. Once a driver accepts, you can message them through the app, but by that point they have already committed to the ride. Messaging to ask about gender after acceptance may feel uncomfortable for both you and the driver.
What if I live in a city with a women-only ride option but cannot find it?
Check that you are using the latest version of the Uber app — outdated versions sometimes do not display new features. If the app is current and you still do not see the option, restart the app or restart your phone. If it still does not appear, contact Uber support through the app's help menu to confirm whether the feature is active in your location.
Will cancelling a ride hurt my rating?
A single cancellation does not automatically lower your rating, but repeated cancellations can affect how drivers and Uber view your account. Drivers may be less likely to accept your future requests if you have a pattern of cancelling. Uber may also charge fees or take action if cancellations become frequent.
Are there ride-sharing services other than Uber that offer women drivers?
Yes, depending on your city. Lyft, traditional taxi services, and local ride-sharing companies may offer women-driver options or women-only rides. Search online for services in your area, or ask local community groups for recommendations. Availability and pricing vary widely by location.