Driver Guide
Welcome to the Hakwa Driver Guide! This guide will help you succeed as a driver on the Hakwa platform and maximize your earnings.
1. Requirements
Driver Requirements
- Valid driver's license (minimum 2 years)
- Clean driving record
- Age 21 or older
- Background check clearance
- Valid phone number
Vehicle Requirements
- 4-door vehicle (sedan, SUV, or minivan)
- Vehicle must be 10 years old or newer
- Valid vehicle registration
- Valid insurance coverage
- Clean and well-maintained
- Air conditioning functional
Required Documents
- Driver's license (both sides, clear photo)
- Vehicle registration document
- Insurance certificate
- Vehicle inspection report (if applicable)
- Profile photo (professional, clear face)
2. Getting Started
Sign Up Process
- Download the Hakwa Driver app from App Store or Google Play
- Create your account with email (magic link authentication)
- Enter your personal information (name, phone, address)
- Add your vehicle information (make, model, year, plate number, color)
- Upload required documents (driver's license, registration, insurance)
- Submit your application for admin review
- Wait for approval (usually 1-2 business days)
- Once approved, you can go online and start accepting requests!
Approval Process
After submitting your documents, our admin team will review your application:
- Document verification (1-2 business days)
- Background check (if required)
- Vehicle inspection (may be required)
- You'll receive email notification when approved
- If rejected, you'll receive feedback on what needs correction
3. Going Online
Availability Toggle
Control when you receive trip requests with the online/offline toggle:
- Open the Hakwa Driver app
- On the home screen, tap the availability toggle
- When green, you're online and will receive requests
- When gray, you're offline and won't receive requests
💡 Pro Tips for Going Online
- Go online in high-demand areas (downtown, shopping centers, airports)
- Peak hours: 7-9 AM, 12-2 PM, 5-7 PM on weekdays
- Weekend evenings typically have high demand
- Keep your vehicle clean and ready before going online
- Ensure phone is charged and you have data connection
4. Accepting Trip Requests
Receiving Requests
When a rider books nearby, you'll receive a notification with:
- Rider's name and rating
- Pickup location and distance from you
- Destination (if not a rental)
- Estimated fare
- Service type (hail, rental, intercity)
Accept or Reject
✅ Accept
Tap "Accept" to confirm the trip. You'll immediately navigate to the active trip screen with directions to the pickup location.
❌ Reject
Tap "Reject" if you can't take the trip. Note: High rejection rates may affect your driver score.
⚠️ Important
You have limited time to accept requests (usually 15-30 seconds). Requests auto-expire if not accepted. Multiple missed requests may temporarily suspend new request notifications.
5. Managing Active Trips
Trip Stages
En Route to Pickup
Follow GPS directions to the pickup location. Contact rider if needed. When you arrive, tap "I've Arrived".
Waiting for Rider
Wait for the rider to board. You can call or message them. After rider boards, tap "Start Trip".
Trip In Progress
Follow GPS to destination. Drive safely and courteously. Your location is tracked and shared with the rider.
Arrive at Destination
When you reach the destination, tap "Complete Trip". Process payment and rate the rider.
Communication
Contact riders when needed:
- In-App Chat: Tap the chat icon to message the rider
- Phone Call: Tap the phone icon to call directly
- Common Reasons: Can't find pickup location, stuck in traffic, arrival update
Canceling a Trip
If you need to cancel after accepting:
- Tap "Cancel Trip" button
- Select a reason (rider no-show, emergency, etc.)
- Confirm cancellation
- Note: Frequent cancellations affect your driver rating
6. Earnings & Payments
How You Earn
Your earnings are calculated based on:
- Base Fare: Minimum fare for any trip
- Distance: Per kilometer rate
- Time: Per minute rate (for rentals)
- Service Type: Different rates for hail, rental, intercity
- Platform Fee: Hakwa takes a small commission (usually 15-20%)
💰 Maximizing Your Earnings
- Work during peak hours for more trip requests
- Position yourself in high-demand areas
- Accept rental bookings for higher fares
- Maintain a high rating to get more requests
- Respond quickly to trip requests
- Provide excellent service for tips (if applicable)
Viewing Your Earnings
- Open the app and go to the "Earnings" tab
- See today's, weekly, and monthly earnings
- View earnings breakdown by trip
- Export earnings reports for tax purposes
Payment Methods
- Cash: Collect directly from riders, keep the full amount
- M-PAiSA: Digital payments transferred to your M-PAiSA account
- Payout: Digital earnings paid weekly to your bank account or mobile money
7. Rating System
Your Driver Rating
Your rating is the average of all ratings received from riders. It's displayed in your profile and visible to riders before they book.
- Excellent: 4.8 - 5.0 stars
- Good: 4.5 - 4.7 stars
- Average: 4.0 - 4.4 stars
- Below Average: Below 4.0 stars
Tips for High Ratings
- Keep your vehicle clean inside and out
- Drive safely and follow traffic laws
- Be courteous and professional
- Arrive promptly at pickup locations
- Use GPS and take efficient routes
- Respect rider preferences (music, AC, conversation)
- Help with luggage when appropriate
- Maintain your vehicle (AC, cleanliness, comfort)
Rating Riders
After each trip, rate your rider from 1-5 stars. This helps maintain platform quality.
Quick Feedback Tags:
8. Safety Guidelines
🚨 Safety First
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained and safe
- Follow all traffic laws and speed limits
- Wear seatbelt and ensure riders wear theirs
- Keep emergency contacts readily available
- Report any safety incidents to Hakwa support immediately
Emergency Procedures
- For immediate danger, call emergency services (911)
- Use the in-app emergency button to alert Hakwa
- End trip immediately if you feel unsafe
- Document incidents with photos/notes when safe to do so
- Report all incidents through the app or contact support
Rider Verification
Before starting each trip:
- Confirm rider's name matches the booking
- Ask rider to confirm their destination
- Don't pick up riders who aren't on the app
- Trust your instincts - cancel if something feels wrong
9. Best Practices
Vehicle Maintenance
Regular cleaning, servicing, and maintenance. Keep air freshener, wipes, and water available.
Professional Appearance
Dress cleanly and professionally. First impressions matter.
Efficient Routes
Use GPS navigation and know your area well. Avoid traffic when possible.
Communication
Be friendly but professional. Respect rider preferences for conversation.
Time Management
Arrive promptly. Be patient with riders who are running slightly late.
Ready to Start Driving?
Download the Hakwa Driver app today and start earning on your schedule!