The short answer
Rideshare and gig delivery platforms already track drivers while they work. Where extra GPS tracking helps is your own records: business mileage, working patterns and safety — someone you trust knowing where you are on a late shift. For small delivery firms employing drivers, a team tracking app adds dispatch and route history.
For self-employed rideshare and delivery drivers
- Mileage records. Keeping a record of business mileage helps with tax. Route history is far more accurate than memory.
- Knowing your best areas and hours. Your own route history shows where your time goes.
- Safety. Sharing your location with a trusted person on late shifts.
Route optimisation and safety for delivery firms
If you run a small delivery business with employed drivers, tracking helps you dispatch the nearest driver, give customers ETAs and plan better rounds. See GPS tracking for logistics and delivery companies.
Battery tips for drivers
- Keep the phone on charge in a dashboard mount.
- Use a 30 to 60 second interval unless you need live following.
- Exclude your tracking app from battery optimisation so it keeps running.
More in battery life.
Privacy for drivers
If an employer or platform tracks you, UK data protection law still applies: you are entitled to know what is collected and to request your data. See can your employer track your phone.
Common questions
Do rideshare apps track drivers?
Yes, while you are logged in and working. You can request the data a platform holds about you under UK data protection law.
Is GPS good enough for mileage records?
GPS route history is typically far more accurate than a hand-written log. Check HMRC's current guidance on the records you need to keep.