15 Apps Every Taxi Driver Should Have on Their Phone
Let's face it - driving isn't just about getting passengers from A to B anymore.
Today's professional taxi and private hire drivers are also navigators, accountants, mechanics, customer service experts, weather forecasters, and sometimes even therapists!
The good news? Your smartphone can do a lot of the heavy lifting.
Here are 15 apps that can genuinely save you time, money, and stress during your shift.
📍 1. Google Maps
Best for: Everyday navigation
Still one of the most reliable navigation apps available. Live traffic updates, road closures, alternative routes, and street view make it a must-have.
Driver Tip: Download offline maps in case you lose signal.
🚦 2. Waze
Best for: Avoiding traffic and speed cameras
Powered by drivers, Waze alerts you to accidents, traffic jams, police presence, potholes, and hazards before you reach them.
Perfect during busy weekend shifts.
⛽ 3. PetrolPrices
Best for: Finding cheaper fuel
Fuel is one of your biggest expenses.
A quick check before filling up could save hundreds of pounds over the course of a year.
💳 4. SumUp
Best for: Taking card payments
Many independent drivers use SumUp for quick, reliable card payments with competitive fees.
No cash?
No problem.
📒 5. Expensify
Best for: Tracking business expenses
Keep receipts organised, log fuel purchases, and make tax time far less stressful.
🧾 6. MileIQ
Best for: Mileage tracking
Automatically records every journey so you don't have to remember where you've been.
Ideal for self-employed drivers.
🌦️ 7. Met Office Weather
Best for: UK weather forecasts
Knowing when heavy rain or snow is coming helps you prepare for busier periods and slower traffic.
✈️ 8. FlightRadar24
Best for: Airport work
Perfect if you regularly collect passengers from airports.
Track delayed or early flights in real time so you're not waiting unnecessarily.
🎵 9. Spotify
Best for: Long shifts
Whether it's relaxing music or podcasts, the right audio can make a 12-hour shift feel much shorter.
(Keep the volume sensible!)
☕ 10. Too Good To Go
Best for: Cheap food on the road
Grab discounted meals and snacks from cafés and restaurants near you.
Ideal when you're working late.
🅿️ 11. RingGo
Best for: Paying for parking
No more searching for coins.
Pay, extend, or end parking sessions directly from your phone.
💬 12. WhatsApp
Best for: Staying connected
Useful for communicating with family, fellow drivers, or your local driver group.
(Always pull over safely before replying.)
🎙️ 13. Voice Notes
Best for: Quick reminders
Remember a customer request, tomorrow's booking, or a maintenance reminder without writing anything down.
🔧 14. Your Vehicle Manufacturer's App
Best for: Keeping an eye on your vehicle
Many modern vehicles allow you to check tyre pressure, fuel levels, service schedules, and even lock your car remotely.
Worth exploring if your vehicle supports it.
📅 15. Your Calendar App
Best for: Staying organised
Keep track of vehicle servicing, licence renewals, MOT dates, insurance renewals, and important appointments.
A missed renewal can mean missed earnings.
Bonus Tip: Don't Fill Your Phone with Apps You Never Use
Every driver works differently.
Airport drivers need different tools than school-run drivers.
Night drivers have different priorities than daytime drivers.
The best toolkit isn't the one with the most apps - it's the one that helps you earn more while making your shift smoother and less stressful.
Over to You...
Every experienced driver has that one app they couldn't work without.
What's yours?
Drop it in the comments and tell us why. You might just help another driver discover their new favourite tool.