This article outlines how Guests can modify or extend trips on Drive Mate and what happens if a car is returned late.
These rules ensure flexibility while respecting Hosts’ time and future bookings.
How to Modify a Trip (Before Pickup)
You can modify your trip to change pickup or drop-off times before your trip begins.
Steps to Modify a Trip
Open the Drive Mate app.
Go to My Trips > Upcoming Trips.
Tap on the trip you want to modify.
Select Modify Trip and adjust times as needed.
Confirm changes and wait for approval (if required).
Modification Rules
Booking Type
Is Host Approval Required?
Notes
Instant Booking
No – Auto-approved
Subject to calendar availability
Non-Instant Booking
Yes – Host must approve
Host notified after your request
Other Conditions:
You cannot shorten the trip. Modified duration must be equal to or longer than the original.
Modifications are allowed only if there are no overlapping bookings or calendar blocks.
How to Extend a Trip (After Pickup)
Running late? You can request an extension after your trip has started to update your drop-off time.
Steps to Request an Extension
Open the Drive Mate app.
Go to My Trips > Active Trips.
Tap Extend Trip and select your new drop-off time.
Confirm the extension request.
Extension Rules
Booking Type
Is Host Approval Required?
Notes
Instant Booking
No – Auto-approved
Subject to calendar availability
Non-Instant Booking
Yes – Host must approve
Host notified in real time
Important:
You can only change the drop-off time, not the pickup time.
Extensions may be rejected if the vehicle is already booked for another trip.
Late Return Policy
Returning a car late affects the next Guest and the Host. Drive Mate enforces the following policy for fairness:
Grace Period
A 15-minute grace period is allowed for late returns.
Applies only to shorter trips (under 24 hours). Longer bookings may have longer windows.
Charges for Late Returns
Delay Type
Charges to Guest
Beyond Grace Period
Hourly trip rate + Drive Mate service fees + processing fees
Extra Kilometres Driven
Per-kilometre rate set by the Host
Inconvenience Fee
$30 (if no impact on future bookings)
$75 (if next booking is affected)
Substantial Delay
Additional fines or repossession fee (if return time is uncertain)
Example: If a vehicle is returned 5 hours late:
You will be charged for 5 hours at the car’s listed rate, plus service and processing fees.
Any kilometres driven during this time are charged separately.
Automatic Charging
Drive Mate may charge your saved payment method automatically for:
Confirmed late return hours
Kilometre overage
Any applicable inconvenience or repossession fees
What Hosts Receive
(For Guest transparency only – full host earnings policy is listed separately)
Fee Type
Host Payout Amount
Extended Trip Earnings
Based on added hours at listed rate
Late Return
Host’s rate per hour + km overage
Inconvenience Fee
$20 (no future booking impacted)
$50 (future booking impacted)
Need Help?
If you're unable to modify or extend your trip in the app, or your return is delayed due to emergencies:
Email: support@drivemate.com
In-App: Go to Help > Contact Support
Call: Call our 24/7 support line at 03 4160 2205.