DriveU Alternatives: Apps & Services Similar to DriveU for Hiring Drivers in Mumbai

Aug, 11 2025

You’re trying to solve one clear problem: “I need a professional driver for my own car-what works like DriveU?” The short answer: a mix of on-demand driver apps, local “call driver” agencies, and car-with-driver rentals (when you don’t mind using their car). Availability changes by city and time of day, and prices move with demand. I’ll keep it practical so you can book confidently today, especially if you’re in Mumbai.

TL;DR: What’s similar to DriveU right now

Here’s the quick read first, then we’ll get into booking steps, price ranges, safety checks, and backup plans.

• DriveU alternatives: For Mumbai, your closest like-for-like options are local “call driver” agencies (often listed on Google Maps as “Driver on Call/Chauffeur on Call”). Nationwide, EziDrive (Bengaluru/Chennai) is similar in spirit but isn’t Mumbai-first.
• When apps are busy: Use car-with-driver services (Savaari, Ola Outstation, Uber Intercity) if you’re okay using their car, not yours.
• For recurring needs: Consider monthly chauffeurs via staffing agencies or verified local operators.
• Typical Mumbai pricing (Aug 2025): Rs 120-200/hour (2-4 hour minimum), night surcharge Rs 200-400 after ~10 pm, outstation driver fee Rs 1,200-1,600/day + food + stay.
• Safety must-dos: Check license, ID, and company verification; clarify duty hours, overtime, cancellations, and night charges before the ride; confirm your car insurance covers a licensed driver.

Source notes: Price bands and features reflect public rate cards in popular apps and Mumbai chauffeur agencies observed in Aug 2025; always confirm current rates in-app or over chat before you book.

What counts as “similar to DriveU” in Mumbai today?

• On-demand driver apps: Primarily DriveU. EziDrive is similar but stronger in Bengaluru/Chennai. In Mumbai, coverage beyond DriveU varies day-to-day.
• Local “call driver” agencies: Operate citywide with WhatsApp/phone dispatch and vetted drivers on shifts (search “Chauffeur on Call Mumbai” or “Driver on Call Mumbai” on Google Maps).
• Car-with-driver platforms: Savaari, Ola Outstation, Uber Intercity, Meru Outstation-ideal if you don’t need to use your own car.
• Monthly chauffeurs: Staffing vendors and community-vetted drivers for daily office runs or family use.

Names to know by city (non-exhaustive, availability shifts with time):

• Mumbai: DriveU (app). For like-for-like backups, scan Google Maps for “Driver on Call Mumbai,” “Chauffeur on Call Mumbai,” and “Temporary Driver Mumbai”-you’ll find multiple agencies with active dispatch desks and Google reviews.
• Bengaluru/Chennai: EziDrive is the closest peer to DriveU; also several “call driver” operators with hourly pricing.
• All metros: Car-with-driver platforms-Savaari (in-city, outstation), Ola Outstation, Uber Intercity, Meru-for when using their car is fine.

How to pick and book the right driver service (step-by-step)

Use this simple flow to decide quickly, then book without paying more than you should.

1. Decide your use case in one line. Example: “Drive me and my car home from Bandra to Powai at 11:30 pm,” or “Two-day Lonavala trip in my car with a driver.” The use case drives the best option.
2. Pick the matching service type.
   • One-time in-city in your car → On-demand app or local call-driver agency
   • Outstation in your car → App/agency that supports outstation duty (driver day-rate + food/stay)
   • You’re okay with their car → Car-with-driver platform (package rates)
   • Recurring daily use → Monthly chauffeur via staffing/vendor
3. Check current availability and pricing. Open the app (DriveU if available; EziDrive in BLR/Chennai). In Mumbai, also message 2-3 call-driver agencies for a quote and ETA. Ask for: hourly rate, minimum hours, night charge, overtime, waiting, parking, and cancellation policy.
4. Confirm safety and paperwork. Ask for the driver’s full name, driver’s license number, and the ID they’ll carry. If it’s an agency, ask if the driver is background-verified and whether they offer replacement support if someone cancels mid-shift.
5. Clarify duty limits upfront. Standard duty caps are 8-12 hours/day; overtime starts after that. For late night (post 10-11 pm), confirm night surcharge and any mandatory cab drop for the driver after duty.
6. Sort payment and receipts. Prefer UPI/card via app or agency link. Request a GST invoice if you need one for work. Confirm whether tips are expected (they’re optional; Rs 50-200 is common for smooth trips).
7. Before you hand over the keys. Do a quick walk-around, note existing dents, check fuel, keep RC and insurance in the car, and set ground rules: speed limits, no phone use while driving, AC usage, and route preference.

Pro tips to save time and money:

• Set a minimum. If you’re booking just for a drop, book the smallest billable block (2-3 hours) to avoid unused time.
• Shift your slot by 30 minutes. Moving away from the 6-9 pm peak often lowers wait time and sometimes removes surge.
• For outstation: You typically cover the driver’s food and basic stay; agree a flat daily food allowance (Rs 300-500) to avoid awkwardness.
• Ask for the same driver next time. Agencies prioritize repeat customers; it improves comfort and reliability.
• Insurance check: Most Indian comprehensive policies allow any licensed driver with the owner’s permission. Call your insurer once, note the confirmation on your phone.

Examples, price ranges, checklists, and FAQ

Let’s ground this in real scenarios so you can mirror and book fast.

Example 1: Late-night ride home after a dinner in Bandra. You want your car home, not left at a valet. Open DriveU first; if the ETA is long, call two local “Driver on Call” agencies from Google Maps. Ask for: arrival time, 2-3 hour minimum block, night surcharge. Expect Rs 400-700 total for a 2-3 hour block with a small night fee, depending on distance and wait time.

Example 2: Airport drop at 5:30 am from Powai. Pre-book the night before. Apps or agencies will ask for pickup buffer (20-30 minutes). Confirm terminal entry rules and parking. Keep cash/UPI for the driver’s return trip if the agency requires it; some include that in a flat fee.

Example 3: Weekend drive to Lonavala in your car. Book an outstation driver day-rate for two days. Agree on duty hours (e.g., 7 am-9 pm), breaks, and your responsibility for food/stay. Typical driver fee: Rs 1,200-1,600/day. Budget extra for tolls and parking.

Example 4: Elderly parent’s weekly hospital visit. Use the same driver each week if possible. Agencies will mark your slot as recurring, which improves reliability. Share medical needs upfront (gentle braking, AC preference, speed limit).

Quick decision guide (keep this handy):

• If you must use your car tonight: App → local agency → trusted private driver in your network, in that order.
• If you value zero coordination: Book car-with-driver; you avoid handover and insurance checks, but you’ll pay per km/package.
• If you want consistency for family: Go monthly chauffeur; insist on police verification and a replacement clause.

Typical Mumbai price bands (Aug 2025):

• Hourly (in-city): Rs 120-200/hour, 2-4 hour minimum block. Some agencies round up to the next hour.
• Night charge: Rs 200-400 after around 10-11 pm (varies by provider).
• Outstation driver day-rate: Rs 1,200-1,600/day + food (Rs 300-500/day) + basic stay if overnight.
• Waiting/parking: Charged to the customer when applicable; clarify before booking.
• Cancellation: Commonly one hour charge if the driver was dispatched; always ask.

Verification checklist (do these every time):

• Driver shares name, recent photo, and last 4 digits of license number.
• Agency confirms background verification/police check in writing (chat/email is fine).
• You confirm duty start time, minimum billable hours, and overtime rate.
• You confirm night surcharge, cancellation fee, and what happens if the driver cancels mid-shift (replacement ETA).
• You keep RC, PUC, and insurance in the car; you’ve confirmed your insurer allows a licensed driver.

Mini-FAQ (likely follow-ups):

• Are there other nationwide apps exactly like DriveU in Mumbai? As of Aug 2025, no large app matches DriveU’s Mumbai footprint one-to-one. Your practical backup is a reputable local call-driver agency.
• Is EziDrive in Mumbai? EziDrive focuses on Bengaluru and Chennai. If you split time across those cities, it’s a solid like-for-like option there.
• Can I book for just a one-way drop? Yes, but you’ll usually pay a 2-3 hour minimum. It’s still worth it if you need your car home.
• Can these drivers handle automatics and SUVs? Yes-say the transmission type and car model while booking. For large SUVs, some agencies send senior drivers.
• What about liability in case of a scratch? Ask the provider’s policy beforehand. Most agencies treat minor wear as part of city driving but hold the driver responsible for negligence. Your comprehensive insurance remains primary for claims.
• Do I need to offer meals? In-city, no. For outstation, yes-either provide meals or pay a daily allowance (agree it while booking).
• Is cash safer than UPI? Prefer UPI/card for a record. Cash tips are fine. Always ask for an invoice for business use.
• Does Urban Company offer drivers? Not as a standard service in Mumbai as of Aug 2025. If they test it, you’ll see it in the app categories.

Scenarios and trade-offs (so you pick right):

• Late-night safety: On-demand app bookings include traceability and SOS features; agencies vary-ask them to share the driver tracking link when possible.
• Speed vs savings: Local agencies can be faster at odd hours; apps may be cheaper with promos. Check both.
• Control vs convenience: Using your car gives you control over cleanliness and boot space. Car-with-driver saves you from handovers and insurance checks.
• Reliability over weeks: A monthly chauffeur provides consistency and smoother mornings; cost is higher upfront but worth it for families.

Next steps / Troubleshooting:

• If the app shows no drivers: Call two local “Driver on Call” agencies (from Google Maps) and request ETA + quote. Book the earliest that meets your safety checks.
• If the agency is vague on verification: Politely pass. Shortlist the next provider. A clear yes/no on verification is non-negotiable.
• If your plan shifts by 1-2 hours: Message support immediately-agencies often adjust without penalty if the driver hasn’t started.
• If the driver arrives late: Time-stamp your communication. Ask the provider to start billing from the actual start or offer a goodwill adjustment.
• If you’re quoted very low: Double-check hidden fees (night, overtime, parking). Ultra-low hourly rates often get offset by add-ons.
• If you need the same driver again: Save the driver’s code/name and tell the agency your next date right away; repeat customers get priority.

If you only remember one thing: define your use case first, then choose the service type that matches it. Apps and agencies both work-your best pick depends on time of day, how soon you need a driver, and whether you must use your own car.