Your first shared car trip in 3 steps, without the hassle

Book, unlock, check, drive, return. For anyone who has never driven a shared car before: here is what to expect on the first trip.

Before you start

You need three things in order before you can book a shared car: a valid driving licence (category B), a verified account with the provider, and a payment method (often iDEAL or direct debit). Most providers verify your licence with a quick video check. Allow a few minutes to up to a business day before your account is active.

1. Booking

In the provider's app you choose a car and a time slot. For popular times (Friday afternoon, weekends) booking early is wise. You can usually book up to a year or more in advance.

You can generally cancel the booking free of charge up to 30 minutes before the start time. After that, you usually pay part of the rate, or even the full booked period, because the car was reserved for you during that time.

2. Opening the car

At the booked time you open the car via the app. The car is at the location shown in the app. With some providers and models you do not need a physical key at all: opening and starting happens entirely through the app. With others, the key is in the glove compartment or centre console.

Do a quick walk-around to check for any damage. If you spot something that was not in the “previous trip” photo, take a picture and report it via the app. That way you won't be charged for it.

3. Driving

Just like driving your own car. A few things to keep in mind:

Keep an eye on whether there is enough fuel or charge for your trip and a bit of buffer. The fuel card or charging card is usually in the centre console or glove compartment, sometimes in the sun visor. With an electric car you can use a fast charger such as Fastned along the way. With a petrol car, you fill up as normal on the way and pay with the provider's fuel card.

Smoking is prohibited in shared cars.

Returning the car

At the end of your trip you bring the car back to the spot where you picked it up. With MyWheels this varies per car: sometimes it's a fixed spot, sometimes a designated zone you can park anywhere within, without returning to the exact same spot; this can even differ within a single city. SIXT share works with a larger service area: no fixed spot and no zone, you park wherever works within that area. Always check your provider's app for the exact rules. Locking is done via the app.

Leave the car tidy so the next user can get straight in. If the car is dirty after your trip and needs washing, let the provider know via the app.

And if something goes wrong?

Flat tyre, dead battery, door won't open? Call your provider's helpline, listed in the app. A replacement car will be arranged, or roadside assistance will come to you. These issues are uncommon, but you're not on your own if it happens.