Why drivers matter more than the app
A rider opens your app and sees a car or does not. If the car does not come, the rider does not come back. So supply of drivers is the base of everything else.
Recruiting is costly, and drivers who leave take their experience with them. Keeping a driver is almost always cheaper than finding a new one.
Start with clear terms
Drivers compare offers in the car park. Make yours easy to read.
- What you take: the fee or commission, in one sentence.
- When you pay: a fixed day each week or each month, always on time.
- What is extra: bonuses, airport rides, company accounts.
- What is expected: clean car, polite service, accepting jobs.
If your terms get better the longer a driver stays, say so. It gives a reason to stay.
Where to find drivers
- Other drivers. A referral bonus for a driver who brings a colleague is often your best channel.
- Taxi ranks and airports. Speak to drivers in person.
- Social media groups of local drivers.
- Job sites and local ads in your language.
- Driving schools and licence offices for new drivers.
Check what your city requires for taxi licences and vehicle checks before you promise anything.
Make the first week easy
A new driver decides in the first week whether to stay. Give them:
- A short, simple signup, ideally on the phone.
- A 15-minute walk-through of the driver app, with a test job.
- A named person to call with questions.
- A first job that goes well: a short ride, in a busy area.
Keep them: five habits
- Pay on time, every time. Nothing hurts trust faster.
- Show earnings clearly. A driver should see each ride and each fee.
- Give steady jobs. Fair dispatch, no favourites, and good demand in the area.
- Reward loyalty. Bonuses for completed rides, long service or good ratings.
- Listen. A monthly call or message group, and visible fixes for the problems drivers raise.
Measure it
Track a few numbers every month:
- New drivers signed up
- Active drivers (at least one ride in the last 30 days)
- Drivers who left, and why
- Acceptance rate: how many offers drivers accept
- Average earnings per hour online
FAQ
How many drivers do I need?
Enough that riders find a car quickly at your busiest hours. It depends on your city and your demand. Plan it with your platform provider.
Should I offer a referral bonus?
Yes, it is often the cheapest way to find good drivers. Pay it after the new driver completes a set number of rides.
Do drivers use their own cars?
In many markets yes, but it depends on your licence and your model. Check the rules in your city.
How do I stop drivers working for competitors too?
You usually cannot stop it. Make your app the best place to earn: fair terms, steady jobs and quick payouts.