If you’ve ever hopped in an Uber and not asked the driver how their night is going, you’re a creative soul and I salute you.

It’s true: you’re a rare and special being, because most Uber conversations tend to follow a script that’s as mind-numbingly repetitive as a mandatory lecture. But if you’re the chatty type and you feel like having a gab, shake it up a bit with conversation starters that are at least a little bit more unusual – and get yourself a five-star rating in the process.

#1 “What’s the longest fare you’ve ever had?”

To start them chatting, ask them a question about their work. It’s an easy sell and you want to ease them into the conversation. You can’t go from telling them your address to asking them their deepest secrets. You’d be surprised at the answer, too. Some people apparently have the funds to splurge on huge cross-country jaunts that I could only ever dream of. Catching an Uber from Sutherland to Byron Bay? Not on my budget.

#2 “Have you got any crazy stories of drunk people?”

If you’re in the city on a Friday or Saturday night, chances are your Uber driver has had some pretty dodgy experiences with passengers a little worse for wear. Sure, it may not be a great moment for them to relive a (no doubt) uncomfortable experience, but at least then you’ll know where to avoid sitting and where not to touch. Plus, whether you’re a good person or not it’s always just a little bit funny to hear of someone else’s misfortune.

#3 “What do you do outside Uber?”

This is easily one of the most interesting questions you could ask, because you never know what you might hear. Some people may tell you that they Uber full time, while others are pretty damn left field. I’ve been on Uber trips with drivers who work pretty out-of-the-box jobs: a pastor, a bounty hunter and a nurse have all been ticked off my list (and yes, I realise that it sounds like the makings of a very bad joke).

#4 “What’s your go-to karaoke song?”

If there’s music blaring, this is a great opportunity to connect with your driver (and make it less embarrassing when you absentmindedly start singing along to the music). Hook up the Spotify and start cycling through your greatest hits. I recommend some chart-topping duets if you both get really into it. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell is always a crowd pleaser, FYI.

#5 “Where’s the best place you’ve ever travelled?”

A lot of Uber drivers are pretty widely travelled, so it’s always interesting to see where they’ve been. Besides, when you’re stuck in a car on your way home from work, wouldn’t you rather dream about a holiday? And even if they haven’t been overseas, you might hear a recommendation on a really cool spot in the city that you never knew even existed. That’s almost better than hearing about places far off overseas because at least then you can check it out even easier. Almost.

#6 “Would you rather fight 100 duck-sized horses or one horse-sized duck?”

I couldn’t NOT include this, because everyone needs to answer this question at least once in their life. In my experience the answer is 50/50, though it skews slightly to the side of the horse-sized duck. Though I personally disagree (ducks are vicious and I won’t hear a word to the contrary), you can’t argue with statistics.

(Lead image: Sex and the City/HBO)