More about Drive Smart
This page explains some of the details behind how Drive Smart works, including how it uses your phone, what you need to get started, and how your score is calculated.
We’re pausing Drive Smart for all customers
Key details
- From Thursday 14 May we’re pausing Drive Smart for all customers. We’re using this time to review how we can make sure Drive Smart better supports you.
- Customers who wish to keep using their Drive Smart device, app and rewards, will have the choice to opt in.
If something is not working
If your journeys are not appearing
This usually happens when:
- Your phone was not in the car
- Your phone’s battery was low
- Your settings were not switched on
- Your app or phone needs updating
What to do:
- Keep your phone with you during journeys
- Check your settings are enabled
- Update your app and phone
If this only happens once, you do not need let us know.
If it keeps happening, or you think it has affected your score, contact Direct Line Motability on 0300 037 3737.
Why Drive Smart needs your phone settings
Drive Smart uses your phone to help detect when a journey starts and to understand how your vehicle is driven.
It only records journeys when you are in your Scheme vehicle. It does not track you all the time.
To work properly, a few settings need to stay switched on:
Bluetooth
Connects your phone to the device in your car so journeys start automatically.
It does not contain location data and cannot be used to track where you are. It will not interfere with other devices.
Location services
Used to measure things like speed and movement during a journey.
Journeys are only recorded when your phone connects to your vehicle.
Motion and fitness
Helps detect when a journey starts using sensors in your phone.
This does not give access to personal health information or other apps.
Your data
The security of your personal data is our top priority. Your data is used to:
- Power the app
- Provide driving feedback
- Support insurance purposes
The app only has access to the data collected through Drive Smart, and the basic details needed to set up your account.
Phones and compatibility
What you’ll need
To use Drive Smart, you and any drivers on your lease will need:
- A compatible smartphone
- An email address
Most smartphones are supported, but some models may not be compatible.
If you do not have a smartphone or email
If using a smartphone is not possible for you, contact DLM on 0300 037 3737. We'll talk you through your options.
If you change your phone
If you get a new phone, you’ll need to:
- Reinstall the app
- Sign in with your existing account
Once signed in, your journeys will continue as normal. Make sure your settings are switched on.
Understanding your score
Drive Smart builds a picture of how your vehicle is driven over time.
How scoring works
Each journey is given a trip score. Your weekly score reflects your driving across the whole week.
It is based on patterns over time, not one journey on its own.
What affects your score
Your score is influenced by:
- Staying within speed limits
- Smooth braking and acceleration
- Controlled cornering
- Driving at higher-risk times, such as late at night or early morning
You’ll get feedback in the app to help you improve.
Usage as part of your score
Drive Smart also looks at how often and how long your vehicle is used.
You can still use your car as much as you need. There are no limits on how often you can drive.
Making lots of trips in one day, or driving for long periods without a break, can increase accident risk. When this happens:
- Your usage score may reduce
- It will not affect your lease
- Usage alone will not give you a weekly red score
Drive Smart is designed to support safer driving, not limit your independence.
Rewards
If you receive a green or amber weekly score, you may earn reward points.
These can be banked each week in the app.
If you do not bank your points each week, you’ll lose them.