Hiring a driver for a day: what to know before you book

By the Nesttr team · 22 September 2026 · 3 min read

Plenty of families own a car but do not always have someone to drive it. Perhaps you have an outstation wedding, a long hospital day for a parent, a full day of errands across the city, or you simply prefer not to drive in heavy traffic after an injury. Hiring a driver for a day solves this neatly, but a few checks and clear expectations make the difference between a smooth day and a stressful one.

When a day driver makes sense

• Hospital and diagnostic visits, where parking and waiting can take hours.
• Weddings and family functions in another part of the city or a nearby town.
• Airport and railway station runs at odd hours.
• Errand days with several stops: bank, passport office, shopping and back.
• Recovery periods, after surgery or an injury when you should not be driving.
• Outstation day trips where you would rather relax than drive both ways.

Check the essentials

Driving licence. The driver should hold a valid licence for the type of vehicle you own (for example, light motor vehicle for most cars). Ask to see it before you hand over the keys. On Nesttr, helpers complete identity and address verification before accepting bookings; you can still ask to see the licence on the day.

Your car's insurance. Your vehicle's insurance and pollution certificate (PUC) should be valid. Keep the registration certificate and insurance copy in the car — DigiLocker copies are accepted in many states.

Experience with your type of car. If your car is automatic, an EV, or unusually large, mention it at the time of booking.

Agree the terms up front

Most disagreements come from things nobody discussed. Before the day, agree on:

• Start and end time, and the hourly rate for any time beyond the booked hours;
• Fuel — usually the car owner pays for fuel, since it is your car;
• Tolls and parking — usually paid by the car owner;
• Meals — on a full-day booking, allow a proper lunch break or provide a meal allowance;
• Return travel — if the day ends far from where the driver lives, or late at night, discuss how they will get home.

Nesttr shows the hourly rate for Driver for a Day before you confirm, so there are no surprises on the core price.

Brief the driver clearly

Share the plan for the day in one message: addresses in order, approximate times, and who will be travelling. Mention anything special — an elderly passenger who needs help getting in and out, a wheelchair in the boot, or a child seat. If the day includes a hospital visit, tell the driver where drop-off and pick-up are allowed.

Safety tips for the day

• Share the driver's name and the day's plan with a family member.
• Keep your phone charged and location sharing on if you are travelling alone.
• Do not leave valuables visible in the car when it is parked.
• Expect the driver to follow speed limits and traffic rules — and say so if they do not. A good driver will never be offended by a request to slow down.
• Remember that drivers need rest. On long trips, plan a 15–20 minute break every two to three hours.

Outstation trips

For trips outside your city, check whether your state requires any permit or tax for the route (usually relevant for commercial vehicles, not private cars driven by a hired driver, but worth confirming for interstate travel). Plan the return time so the driver is not driving long distances late at night when tired. If you are staying overnight, discuss accommodation and meals for the driver in advance.

At the end of the day

Check the car together for any damage, pay the agreed amount promptly, and leave an honest rating. Ratings help good drivers build their reputation and help other families choose well.

If the day also involves accompanying an older relative inside the hospital, consider pairing the driver with a Hospital & Appointment Escort, so someone stays with your relative while the driver handles parking. Our hospital appointment checklist covers what to bring.

A good day driver takes a real load off your shoulders. With clear terms and a simple brief, you can sit back and let someone else deal with the traffic.

Common questions

Who pays for fuel and tolls when hiring a driver for my car?

Usually the car owner pays for fuel, tolls and parking, while the booking price covers the driver's time. Confirm this before the day to avoid confusion.

Can a hired driver drive my automatic or electric car?

Many can, but not all drivers are used to automatics or EVs. Mention your car type when booking and ask the driver to confirm they are comfortable with it.

What documents should be in the car?

Keep the registration certificate, valid insurance and PUC certificate in the car, either as physical copies or in DigiLocker, and check the driver's licence before the trip.

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