Complete Driver Guide

1Pre-Shift Checklist

Before starting your shift, ensure:

• Vehicle is clean and roadworthy
• Phone is charged and GPS is enabled
• Insurance and licensing documents are current
• App is updated to the latest version

2Starting the Shift

To begin your working day:

• Open TaxiSolo Assistant
• Tap the large "Start Shift" button on the home screen
• The app records your start time automatically
• GPS tracking begins for mileage calculation
• Job notifications are enabled

Active Shift Features

While your shift is active, the app provides:

• Real-time GPS Tracking: Continuous location monitoring
• Automatic Mileage: Distance calculation for tax purposes
• Job Notifications: Alerts for upcoming bookings
• Earnings Tracking: Live updates of daily revenue
• Time Monitoring: Working hours calculation

1End Shift Process

When finishing work:

• Complete all active jobs
• Navigate to Home screen
• Tap "End Shift" button
• Review the shift summary
• Confirm to save shift data

2Shift Summary

The end-of-shift report includes:

• Total Hours: Working time for the shift
• Jobs Completed: Number of successful bookings
• Total Earnings: Gross revenue for the day
• Miles Driven: Total distance covered
• Fuel Costs: Estimated fuel expenses (if configured)

1Accessing the Booking Screen

Create bookings through multiple entry points:

• Tap "Bookings" in bottom navigation
• Use "New Booking" quick action on dashboard
• Tap the floating "+" button
• Use voice command "Create booking" (if enabled)

2Customer Information

Enter comprehensive customer details:

• Full Name: First and last name for identification
• Phone Number: Primary contact (automatically saved to contacts)
• Alternative Number: Secondary contact if available
• Email: For booking confirmations (optional)
• Special Requirements: Wheelchair access, child seats, pet transport
• Payment Method: Cash, card, account customer

3Location Selection

Set pickup and drop-off locations using multiple methods:

Pickup Location Options:

• Address Search: Type full address or postcode
• Map Selection: Tap directly on the map
• Current Location: Use your current GPS position
• Favorites: Select from saved frequent locations
• Recent: Choose from recently used addresses
• Contacts: Import from phone contacts with addresses

Destination Options:

• Same methods as pickup location
• Multiple Destinations: Add waypoints for complex journeys
• As Directed: Leave blank for customer-directed routes
• Return Journey: Automatically set return to pickup location

Automatic Fare Calculation

The app calculates fares automatically based on:

• Distance: Route distance in kilometers
• Time of Day: Different tariffs for day/night/holidays
• Journey Duration: Estimated travel time
• Special Charges: Boundary charges, waiting time, extras

Boundary Charges

Additional charges apply for out-of-area pickups:

• Outside to Outside: Dead mileage charge from boundary to pickup
• Minimum Charge: 0.5km boundary charge
• Automatic Detection: GPS determines if boundary charge applies

Scheduling Options

• ASAP: Immediate pickup (default)
• Scheduled: Set specific date and time
• Recurring: Daily, weekly, or custom patterns
• Advance Booking: Up to 30 days in advance

Multiple Destinations

Handle complex journeys with multiple stops:

• Add unlimited waypoints between pickup and final destination
• Automatic route optimization for efficiency
• Individual pricing for each leg of the journey
• Waiting time charges at intermediate stops

School Run System

Specialized features for school transport:

• Student Management: Track individual students
• Route Optimization: Efficient pickup sequences
• Safety Features: Parent notifications and tracking
• Recurring Schedules: Automatic term-time bookings

1Joining a Rank

To join a taxi rank queue:

• Navigate to the Rank tab
• Select your current rank location
• Tap "Join Queue" to enter the rotation
• Your position in the queue is displayed
• Receive notifications when you're next

2Queue Management

The rank system provides:

• Fair Rotation: First-in, first-out queue system
• Real-time Updates: Live queue position tracking
• Driver Communication: Message other drivers in queue
• Automatic Progression: Move up as jobs are taken

1Taking a Rank Job

When it's your turn:

• Receive notification that you're next
• Customer approaches your vehicle
• Tap "Take Job" to start the booking
• Enter destination quickly
• Begin journey with GPS navigation

2Quick Booking Creation

Streamlined process for rank customers:

• Destination Only: Customer details optional
• Instant Fare Calculation: Immediate price estimate
• GPS Tracking: Automatic route recording
• Quick Completion: One-tap job finishing

Jobs List Interface

The Jobs tab displays all your bookings with:

• Current Jobs: Active and in-progress bookings
• Upcoming Jobs: Scheduled future bookings
• Today's Jobs: All bookings for current date
• Status Indicators: Visual job status (pending, active, completed)
• Priority Sorting: Most urgent jobs at the top

1Starting a Job

To begin a scheduled booking:

• Tap the job in your list
• Review customer and location details
• Tap "Start Job" to begin
• GPS navigation activates automatically
• Job timer starts for accurate tracking

2During the Job

While job is active:

• Navigation: Turn-by-turn directions to pickup/destination
• Customer Contact: One-tap calling and messaging
• Job Timer: Automatic time and distance tracking
• Status Updates: Mark arrived, passenger on board, etc.

3Completing Jobs

To finish a booking:

• Arrive at final destination
• Tap "Complete Job" button
• Confirm final fare amount
• Select payment method (cash/card)
• Add any notes or feedback
• Job moves to completed status

Modifying Existing Bookings

Edit job details when needed:

• Customer Information: Update contact details
• Locations: Change pickup or drop-off addresses
• Timing: Reschedule date and time
• Special Requirements: Add or modify notes
• Pricing: Manual fare adjustments if needed

Change Management

The system handles modifications intelligently:

• Automatic Recalculation: Fares update based on new details
• Conflict Detection: Warns of scheduling conflicts
• Customer Notification: Optional SMS alerts for changes
• Change History: Track all modifications for reference

Core Navigation Features

• Real-time GPS Tracking: Continuous location monitoring
• Turn-by-turn Directions: Voice and visual navigation
• Traffic-aware Routing: Automatic route adjustments
• Multiple Map Providers: Google Maps, OpenStreetMap options
• Offline Maps: Basic navigation without internet

Intelligent Route Calculation

The app provides advanced routing:

• Automatic Optimization: Fastest route calculation
• Multiple Destinations: Efficient waypoint ordering
• Alternative Routes: Options for different preferences
• Traffic Integration: Real-time congestion avoidance
• Road Restrictions: Considers vehicle size and type

Route Preferences

Customize routing behavior:

• Fastest Route: Minimize journey time
• Shortest Route: Minimize distance
• Avoid Tolls: Skip toll roads when possible
• Avoid Highways: Use local roads only
• Eco-friendly: Most fuel-efficient route

GPS Status Monitoring

Monitor GPS performance:

• Satellite Connection: Number of connected satellites
• Location Accuracy: Precision in meters
• Speed Monitoring: Current vehicle speed
• Heading Information: Direction of travel
• Altitude Data: Height above sea level

Phone Management

The app includes a full-featured dialer:

• Direct Calling: Call customers with one tap from bookings
• Contact Integration: Automatic contact creation and management
• Call History: Complete log of all calls made
• Hands-free Operation: Voice commands and Bluetooth support
• Call Recording: Optional call recording for disputes (where legal)

Automated Messages

Send professional messages automatically:

• Booking Confirmations: Automatic confirmation when booking is created
• Arrival Notifications: "Driver arrived" messages
• Delay Alerts: Notify customers of delays
• Payment Confirmations: Receipt messages after job completion

Custom Messaging

Send personalized messages:

• Template Messages: Pre-written messages for common situations
• Custom Text: Write personalized messages
• Delivery Confirmation: Know when messages are received
• Message History: Complete SMS conversation log

Message Templates

Common message templates include:

• "Your taxi is on the way, arriving in X minutes"
• "Your driver has arrived and is waiting outside"
• "Running 5 minutes late due to traffic, apologies"
• "Thank you for choosing our service. Fare: £X.XX"
• "Booking confirmed for [date] at [time]. Thank you."

Real-time Earnings Tracking

Monitor your income throughout the day:

• Live Updates: Earnings update as jobs are completed
• Job Breakdown: Individual job values and totals
• Payment Methods: Separate tracking for cash and card payments
• Hourly Rates: Calculate earnings per hour worked

Business Expense Tracking

Record and categorize business expenses:

• Fuel Costs: Automatic calculation based on mileage
• Vehicle Maintenance: Service, repairs, and MOT costs
• Insurance: Vehicle and public liability insurance
• Licensing: Taxi license and renewal fees
• Other Expenses: Cleaning, equipment, phone bills

Receipt Management

Keep track of all business receipts:

• Photo Capture: Take pictures of receipts
• Automatic OCR: Extract amount and date from receipts
• Categorization: Organize expenses by type
• Cloud Storage: Backup receipts to Google Drive

Comprehensive Reporting

Generate detailed financial reports:

• Daily Summaries: Complete day's earnings and expenses
• Weekly Reports: Seven-day performance overview
• Monthly Statements: Full month financial summary
• Tax Reports: HMRC-ready summaries for tax returns
• Profit & Loss: Net income after expenses

Export Options

Export financial data in multiple formats:

• PDF Reports: Professional formatted reports
• CSV Files: Import into Excel or accounting software
• Email Reports: Send directly to accountant
• Cloud Backup: Automatic backup to Google Drive

Pattern Management

Set up recurring appointments for regular customers:

• Daily Patterns: Same time every day
• Weekly Patterns: Specific days of the week
• Monthly Patterns: Same date each month
• Custom Patterns: Complex schedules (e.g., every other Tuesday)

Pattern Features

• Automatic Generation: Bookings created automatically
• Exception Handling: Skip holidays or specific dates
• Bulk Modifications: Change entire pattern at once
• Customer Notifications: Automatic reminders

Incident Documentation

Comprehensive accident reporting system:

• Photo Documentation: Multiple photos from different angles
• GPS Location: Exact accident location recording
• Time Stamping: Precise incident time and date
• Weather Conditions: Automatic weather data
• Witness Information: Contact details of witnesses

Insurance Integration

Streamlined insurance claim process:

• Insurance Details: Store policy information
• Claim Numbers: Track claim references
• Report Export: Generate insurance-ready reports
• Email Integration: Send reports directly to insurers

Connectivity Monitoring

Monitor and troubleshoot connectivity issues:

• Internet Connection: Test data connectivity
• GPS Signal: Monitor satellite reception
• Server Connectivity: Test app server connections
• API Response Times: Monitor service performance

Troubleshooting Tools

• Connection Repair: Automatic connection fixes
• Cache Clearing: Clear app data to resolve issues
• Performance Monitoring: Track app performance metrics
• Error Reporting: Automatic error log generation

Start of Day Routine

1. Check vehicle condition and cleanliness
2. Ensure phone is charged and GPS enabled
3. Start your shift in the app
4. Review scheduled bookings for the day
5. Check for any app updates or notifications
6. Verify insurance and licensing are current

During Operations

• Keep GPS Enabled: Continuous location tracking
• Respond Promptly: Answer job alerts quickly
• Update Status: Mark arrived, passenger on board, etc.
• Maintain Communication: Keep customers informed
• Drive Safely: Use hands-free features while driving

End of Day Routine

1. Complete all active jobs
2. End your shift in the app
3. Review daily earnings and job count
4. Record any expenses incurred
5. Backup data to cloud storage
6. Clean vehicle for next day

Professional Standards

• Punctuality: Arrive on time for all bookings
• Communication: Keep customers informed of delays
• Vehicle Condition: Maintain clean, comfortable vehicle
• Professional Appearance: Dress appropriately
• Courtesy: Be polite and helpful at all times

Legal Compliance

• Licensing: Keep taxi license current and displayed
• Insurance: Maintain valid taxi insurance
• Vehicle Testing: Ensure MOT and taxi test are current
• Data Protection: Handle customer data responsibly
• Local Regulations: Follow local taxi regulations

Regular Maintenance

• Daily Backups: Enable automatic cloud backup
• Monthly Exports: Export financial data for records
• Contact Updates: Keep customer information current
• App Updates: Install updates promptly
• Storage Management: Clear old data periodically