According to a document leaked from the San Francisco Uber office, Uber drivers are at risk of getting fired if they maintain a rating below 4.6, as reported by Business Insider. Currently, just two to three percent of Uber drivers are below the threshold.

In 2026, the Uber rating system remains a critical "quality control" mechanism for the platform. If a driver's average rating falls below a specific threshold—typically around 4.6 or 4.7 stars depending on the city—they may face temporary deactivation from the app. When a driver's rating starts to dip, Uber sends "quality warnings" and offers access to educational materials or "quality sessions" to help them improve their service. If the rating does not improve, the driver may be required to pay for and complete a professional third-party retraining course to regain access to the platform. Serious "one-star" reviews involving safety violations, discrimination, or illegal behavior can lead to immediate and permanent deactivation without the possibility of appeal. Conversely, drivers with high ratings (4.85+) often receive "Pro" status, which grants them rewards like priority airport pickups, fuel discounts, and even tuition coverage, incentivizing a high standard of service for every rider.