A little practice. More confidence.

Lessons on travel and getting home

Check Your Ride Details: getting home lesson

Real moments. A few choices. Words that work.

Cancel the ride in your app and move to a well-lit area near other people to request a new one. Practice the moment in a short Surefoot lesson.

Practice lessons

Tap an answer, drag the card left or right, or use the arrow keys.

Read this lesson as text

You are standing outside a busy campus venue waiting for your ride home. A car pulls up to the curb, and the driver rolls down the window to call your name.

You look at your phone to verify the ride details before opening the door.

Which of these is a warning sign that you should not get into the car?

  • The driver is playing a popular pop song on the radio.
  • The license plate and car model do not match what is shown on your app.
  • The car has a small air freshener hanging from the rearview mirror.

Recommended

The license plate and car model do not match what is shown on your app.

If the vehicle, license plate, or driver details do not match your booking, do not get in. A driver might offer a convincing explanation or try to rush you, but you do not owe them a debate. Stay outside the car and use your app to cancel the ride. Arrange another ride from a place with other people nearby. If someone tries to force you into a vehicle, call 911 first.

Your next step

Cancel the ride in your app and move to a well-lit area near other people to request a new one.

Words you can use

“This doesn't match my booking. I'm not getting in.”

Sources: RAINN

Questions about “Check Your Ride Details”

Why is it important to check your ride details before getting into a car?

Verifying that the license plate, vehicle model, and driver match your app ensures you are entering the correct vehicle rather than an unauthorized car.

Staying outside the vehicle allows you to spot mismatched details safely before putting yourself in a vulnerable position. If the information does not match, you can decline the ride and cancel it directly in your app.

Source: RAINN

What can you say if a ride-share driver pressures you to get in despite mismatched details?

You can state clearly, "This doesn't match my booking. I'm not getting in," and step back from the vehicle.

You do not owe a driver a debate or an explanation if their vehicle details do not match what your app displays. Firmly stating that you will not get in allows you to set a clear boundary and walk away toward a well-lit location near other people.

Source: RAINN

What should you do if someone tries to force you into a car that does not match your app?

You should call 911 immediately if someone attempts to force you into a vehicle against your will.

Move toward a well-lit area near other people as quickly as possible to seek safety and assistance. Prioritize reaching a secure location with crowd presence rather than remaining near the curb or arguing with the driver.

Source: RAINN

Why should you avoid getting into a ride-share car when the license plate does not match?

You should avoid entering a car with mismatched details because getting inside makes it much harder to leave if the situation becomes dangerous.

Drivers may offer convincing excuses for why their car or license plate differs, but getting into an unverified vehicle exposes you to serious safety risks. Remaining outside keeps you in control of your movement so you can cancel the ride safely.

Source: RAINN

How can you help a friend who feels unsafe after canceling a mismatched ride-share booking?

You can support a friend by waiting with them in a well-lit, populated area until a safe replacement ride arrives.

Help them cancel the incorrect ride through their app and verify the details of the new vehicle together before they open the door. If they feel threatened or followed after declining a ride, stay with them and call 911 if necessary.

Source: RAINN

Last updated October 12, 2026.

All questions and answers

If something is happening now

Call 911. Stay with the person and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.