The OptimoRoute Driver app gives you everything you need to complete your daily routes, including schedule, order details, route map and navigation, all in one place. In this article, we will go over the basics on how to get started using the driver app.
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| All plans | |
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| All regions | |
What is the OptimoRoute Driver app?
The OptimoRoute Driver app is a mobile app (iOS/Android) that drivers use to receive routes and schedules created by dispatchers in the OptimoRoute web app. Dispatchers plan and optimize routes on the web. Those routes are then sent directly to drivers through the Driver app. If a route or schedule changes, drivers receive the updates automatically.
What can drivers to in the app?
The OptimoRoute Driver app serves as a single workspace for the entire route. Drivers use one app to access route information, navigate stops, collect POD, complete jobs, and keep dispatch updated in real time.
As drivers complete their stops, the app keeps the dispatch team updated on progress. Dispatchers can see where drivers are and how routes are going, while drivers can focus on getting their work done.
Drivers can:
- View their full route or focus on the next stop
- See addresses, stop numbers, and order details
- Start turn-by-turn navigation using Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze, HERE, Garmin, or OptimoRoute Truck Navigation
- Switch easily between navigation and order details
- Capture proof of delivery with digital signatures, barcode scanning, photos, and notes
- Continue working without cell service (updates sync to the app when connection returns)
The app works on both phones and tablets, using minimal mobile data.
How this helps drivers on the road
The OptimoRoute Driver app keeps everyone on the same page while drivers are out working, without extra calls or check-ins.
While drivers are using the app:
- Driver inputs and actions are automatically sent to dispatch, like stop completions and proof of delivery
- Dispatch can send updated routes or new orders directly to the app throughout the day
- Activity is saved in analytics for easier route validation even weeks later.
This means fewer interruptions, fewer misunderstandings, and less back-and-forth during the day, keeping everyone in-sync.
Getting started
In order to get started with the driver app, you need the following things:
- The app downloaded onto a mobile device
- An activation key
Setting up the app
To getting up and running with the app:
- Download the OptimoRoute Driver App for iOs or Android on the device you want to use.
- Enter the 12-digit activation key (see instructions below)
- Click “Activate”
Getting an activation key
Activation keys are set up from the web application. Only administrators can generate an activation key and share it with drivers.
To generate an activation key:
- Go to Administration → Settings
- Then in the left menu, go to Driver app → Activation & status
- Find the driver you want to generate a key for
- Add their email address (optional) — this will send the activation key to their email address when you activate them
- Click “Activate” in the “Activation Key” column
This will generate a 12-digit activation key. If you input their email address, the key will be sent to them. Otherwise you can copy the key and send it how you see fit.
Inputting the activation key
Once the administrator has activated your driver app in OptimoRoute, you’ll get an email with instructions on how to install the OptimoRoute Driver App on your mobile device.
When you receive your email, you'll be prompted to either download the app if you haven’t already or input an activation key.
Location permissions
To make sure the app works correctly, you’ll need to allow location permissions. These permissions let the app use GPS in the background, so driver location and route progress are tracked accurately for both drivers and dispatchers.
Using the OptimoRoute Driver app
In this section we will explain how to start using the OptimoRoute Driver app for your daily work. Once the app is set up and ready to receive routes, your dispatcher will send a route to the app so you can begin your day.
Receiving routes
First things first, you will need a route. Dispatchers will send you a route from the OptimoRoute web application.
Dispatchers can send routes directly to the driver app by following the steps below:
- Go to Plan and Optimize in the web application
- Plan your routes
- Click the "Share routes" button
- Choose "Send to driver app"
- Review your routes
- Click "Send now"
This will send the routes directly to the drivers’ mobile devices. When routes are sent to the driver app, the driver will be notified of a new route and orders will appear in the “To Do” list.
You can read more about how this works here.
Going “On Duty”
Drivers must go “On Duty” to begin working in the app. This enables active route functionality such as order servicing, navigation, and, if allowed by admin settings, location tracking.
The on/off duty switch is located at the top right of the screen.
Starting your first order
To start working on an order, click on the order in the “To Do” list.
This will open up the order details where you can:
- Navigate to the order
- Start or complete the order
- Add proof of delivery
Once you start the service on an order, the duration timer will begin.
When servicing, the first order will be under the "ON THE WAY" section. The remaining orders are listed in sequential order under "SCHEDULE."
Starting navigation
If you need to get to the location of the first order, you can navigate using the OptimoRoute Driver app. You can send locations to popular mobile navigation services like Google Maps and Waze without leaving the app. If you have large trucks, you can also use the built-in OptimoRoute Truck Navigation.
To begin navigation:
- Select the order at the top of the list. This opens up the order details.
- Click "Start Navigation"
Choosing "Start Navigation" opens up the default navigation app for your device, giving you turn by turn directions to the order.
At any point you can return to the order details:
- iOS – either press the back arrow (←) on the top left of your screen, or double click the home button and pick the OptimoRoute Driver app.
- Android – either press the back button, or select the Overview button and choose the OptimoRoute Driver app.
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The “Start navigation” button may appear disabled if you’re already very close to the next stop. This is expected. It helps prevent navigation apps from giving incorrect or unnecessary directions when stops are nearby. In these cases, you can usually reach the stop visually or on foot.. |
Starting and ending service
Once you have arrived at your location, you can start the service. Starting the service explicitly starts a duration counter so that you can clock how long a particular job took.
To start and end service:
- Click "Start Service" (1) to record the real start time of the order, as well as the real duration of the job
- Once the order is finished, click "Done" (2)
- Then choose "Completed" (4) or if you are unable to complete an order, select "Failed" (3).
- Fill out any proof of delivery information required
- Then slide to complete
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Geofencing is available if you want service start and end times to be triggered automatically upon arrival at or departure from a location. To learn more, click here. |
Adding proof of delivery/service
Proof of delivery (POD) allows drivers to capture confirmation that an order has been completed. It is configured by an administrator in the web app and completed by drivers in the mobile app.
Once enabled, drivers can record proof of delivery using signatures, photos, or notes. Customizable forms are also available. Contact support for more information.
Using the route map
The route map shows you an overview of the stops you will be making. To see your entire route on a map, select the "Map" option at the bottom of your screen.
On this screen you can see your stops, with the stop number inside of each pin.
At the bottom of the screen is the basic information for the highlighted order. You can swipe left or right to view other order summaries and their location on the map.
Adjusting settings and configurations
Driver workflow and driver app settings are configurable to meet a variety of operational needs.
Driver workflow settings
Driver workflow settings allow administrators to control how drivers interact with orders in the mobile app, giving flexibility over how routes are executed and how data is captured.
These settings can be configured to:
Allow drivers to reject orders (with optional proof requirements)
Let drivers complete orders out of sequence (override route order)
Enable drivers to undo completed orders to make changes
Control how service is recorded (e.g., hide start service or simplify completion)
Add options like marking orders as completed or failed
Allow faster actions from the order list (start/complete without opening details)
Require drivers to manually start and end routes for more accurate tracking
Simplify the interface (e.g., button vs. slider, fewer confirmations)
In order to change the driver workflow settings in the OptimoRoute Driver app:
- Go to Administration→Settings→Driver app
- Choose “Configuration” from the left menu
Here you will find all the different configurations that can help you customize your Optimoroute experience. If you need help, just contact us.
Driver app settings
Drivers can further adjust settings for the driver app in the “Settings” section. In this section of the OptimoRoute Driver app, you will find the following options:
- On duty switch
- Enable/disable location tracking
- Map marker display
- Enable/disable geofencing
- Default navigation settings
- Color Theme - Dark or light mode
- Language settings
The OptimoRoute Driver app is designed to simplify your daily work by bringing routes, navigation, order details, and real-time updates into one place. Once set up, drivers can focus on completing their routes efficiently while staying connected with dispatch.
By following the steps in this guide and using features like On Duty, navigation, and proof of delivery correctly, you can ensure accurate tracking, smoother operations, and better overall route performance.