Whether you're renting for a few hours or a weekend getaway, booking a car with Drive mate is simple. This guide walks you through the process and explains what to expect in terms of cost.
What You Need Before Booking
Before you book, make sure you have:
A valid driver’s licence
A verified Drive mate account
A credit or debit card for payment
Age eligibility (typically 21+ depending on the car)
Steps to Book a Car
You can book using the Drive mate mobile app or the website
1. Search for a Car
Enter your pickup location, dates, and time in the search bar. You can also filter by:
Car type (SUV, sedan, electric, etc.)
Price range
Instant booking availability
Host rating
2. Select a Car
Tap on a listing to view:
Photos
Features
Daily/hourly price
Distance included
Fuel policy
3. Check Availability & Requirements
Some cars require approval by the Host ("Request to Book"), while others are instantly bookable. Completing account verification and making a payment does not automatically confirm bookings that require host approval. Hosts typically have up to 24 hours to respond to booking requests, during which your booking remains unconfirmed.
4. Tap “Book Now”
For Instant Booking: Your trip is confirmed immediately.
For Request Booking: The Host has 12–24 hours to respond (you’ll be notified). If the host does not respond within this window, consider searching for alternative cars, particularly those available for instant booking, to avoid delays.
5. Enter Trip Details
Confirm pickup/drop-off time and location
Add any promo code
Review estimated cost breakdown
6. Complete Payment
Pay with a saved card or add a new one
You'll see a confirmation screen once the payment is successful After confirmation by the host, you’ll receive trip details, including pick-up information, approximately one hour before the trip begins.
Be sure to check your email or app notifications for updates.
How Much Does It Cost?
At Drive mate, you can either rent by the day. Minimum rental duration is 24 hours. Your trip can start and end at any time you and your host agree on; however, the smallest unit we’ll charge is 24 hours.
A trip’s total cost is made up of these elements:
Trip Price: This is a vehicle’s listed rate multiplied by the trip length.
Each host sets their own standard daily rate. Your trip price includes:
Fee Type
Description
Trip Rate
Hourly or daily rate set by the Host
Drive mate Service Fee
Covers support, insurance, and platform services
Kilometre Overage
If you exceed the included distance
Optional Extras
Add-ons like baby seats, prepaid fuel, etc.
Security Deposit
Sometimes held and refunded post-trip (if applicable)
Trip Fee: The trip fees vary depending on the age of the driver and the trip price.
Processing Fee: Processing fee: a 2.5% processing fee covers payment provider costs
Overall, total trip cost is generally 30-40% cheaper compared to traditional rental companies.
Final pricing is shown before you confirm your booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book last-minute?
Yes! Many cars offer instant booking for same-day rentals.
Is there a minimum booking duration?
Yes, most cars have a 1–2 hour minimum — check the listing.
What payment methods are accepted?
Major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.). Prepaid cards may not be accepted.
Can I book on behalf of someone else?
No. The account holder must be the one driving the car.- When is my booking officially confirmed? Your booking is confirmed only after host approval (if required) or instantly upon payment if using the instant booking feature.
What should I do if the host hasn’t responded? Consider browsing for cars with instant booking options or reach out to Drive mate support for further assistance.
Need Help?
If you're having trouble booking, contact Drive mate support:
In-App: Go to Help > Contact Support
Email: support@drivemate.com
Call: Call our 24/7 support line at 03 4160 2205.