Updated: 12 November 2026
Before you head out
- Check that your Uber, Bolt and FreeNow accounts are active and linked to your fleet partner.
- In the car: licence extract, driver ID card in a visible spot, registration certificate with the taxi inspection, OC for passenger transport.
- Phone in a holder, a charger, a power bank and voice navigation.
- Small change, if you accept cash.
The full document list is in taxi inspections — documents and penalties.
Days 1–2: learn the apps
- Start at peak times, when there are lots of rides and you learn fast.
- Wait near a station or in the centre — easy pickups, plenty of requests.
- Find in the apps: the safety button, help contact, the destination mode and your earnings history.
- Run one app at first, then two or three once you feel confident.
Days 3–5: find your rhythm
- Note when and where you got the most rides. After a few days you’ll see your best hours.
- Don’t accept pickups from very far away — the drive to the passenger isn’t paid.
- Take a break every 2–3 hours. A tired driver drives worse and gets lower ratings.
- Watch your acceptance and cancellation rates — they affect how many requests you get.
End of the week: the settlement
After a week you get one settlement for all the apps together. The transfer is calculated like this:
net from the apps − 8% VAT − car rent (if you drive an owner’s car) − cash from passengers − 50 zł
You already have the cash, so we deduct it from the transfer. A detailed example is in how much an Uber and Bolt driver earns.
Common beginner mistakes
- Driving without a plan and cruising around looking for rides.
- Shifts that are too long, without breaks.
- No fuel invoices — you lose the 50% VAT refund.
- Ignoring fines and points — see the 2026 fines table.
Questions during your first week? Your Optymist manager answers 24/7 in Polish, Ukrainian, Russian and English.
FAQ
Should I start with just one app?
For the first days, yes, to learn the rules. Then run several at once — you wait less for rides.
When do I get my first payout?
After the first week. If you prefer daily payouts, the settlement costs 120 zł a week instead of 50 zł.
How many hours a day should I drive?
As many as you can safely. Take a break every 2–3 hours and drive mostly at peak times.
