Must-have motoring apps

We live in a connected world, with the daily average for watching all types of screen now standing at almost 7.5 hours. Just because your eyes are on the road, it doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of some of the best driving and car apps.

Modern driving has become more about the vehicle with getting insurance, taking directions and even basic maintenance skills often being managed or learned via a website or app. To help you find the most effective apps for your driving needs, we’ve compiled a list of driving apps that will help make your life easier.

Instant insurance to cover every moment

• Tempcover

Where else could we start? Tempcover in your pocket (download via the App Store or Google Play) offers insurance on the go with quotes in 2 minutes. There’s also instant access to all your policy documents - you won’t have to hunt in your emails anymore! - stored vehicle and driver details, and 30% off the Tempcover fee every time.

Map apps

GPS-assisted sat navs have been a common feature in domestic cars since the mid-2000s, with smartphone-based navigation and integrated in-dash systems taking over in the years since.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have enabled drivers to get directions via their smartphone and the following apps:

• Google Maps - Surely one of the most famous driving apps, Google Maps helps you get where you need to go with real-time traffic updates, a search by voice feature and information on over 250 million businesses and places.
• Waze - A live map offering real-time road alerts from drivers who are ahead of you, speed camera and safety alerts plus multi-lane guidance You can also use it to find petrol stations, prices and EV charging stations.
• Zapmap - This EV charging app gives electric car owners peace of mind by helping them find chargers near them - whether at home or further afield. You can even pay for charging at over 50,000 EV chargers across 40 charging networks through it.

Popular parking apps

While the Department for Transport rolls out the National Parking Platform across the UK, many drivers may stick with their favourite, traditional go-to or what they deem best parking app:

• RingGo - RingGo allows you to pay for parking in public, regulated, commercial and council-run car parks in seconds. It offers easy options for extending sessions, changing vehicles and downloading receipts.
• JustPark - With 100,000 reservable spaces across the UK available, JustPark lets you find the most appropriate option for each journey - whether you’re heading to work, into the city, to an airport or a stadium. It’s an easy alternative to street parking - with less chance of getting a fixed penalty notice.

Vehicle check apps

• PetrolPrices - Filter by brand or fuel type, distance or price and save as you fill up your car. PetrolPrices claim the average user of their app can save over £200 on fuel a year, while also checking out reviews and finding out other important information e.g. does the garage have a car wash?
• Vehicle Smart Car Check App - This app uses the DVLA API to provide a full UK history (including MOT and tax status) for all UK vehicles. You can use it to set reminders for MOT, tax, insurance and servicing while also looking back at MOT advisories and failures.

Pass the test with learner driver apps

• Vehicle Smart Theory Test App - A fitting companion to The Official DVSA Theory Test and Hazard Perception Kit for Car Drivers and ideal for using after getting extra practice though learner driver insurance, Vehicle Smart’s app helps learners prepare and revise while on the move with unlimited mock tests that are timed and scored just like the real thing.

While there isn’t a single car app that covers everything you need for driving, a combination of the above can definitely help you keep on top of everything - from directions on your next road trip (don’t forget temporary car insurance if you’re borrowing a vehicle or sharing the journey) to admin reminders when you’re approaching your service and MOT.

Sources

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/product-group-tests/63573/best-navigation-apps

https://www.motorpoint.co.uk/guides/essential-apps-to-improve-your-next-road-trip

https://news.motability.co.uk/motoring/top-apps-that-can-help-with-better-driving/

https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/blog/the-best-apps-for-driving.html

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/jun/25/adults-great-britain-time-mobiles-watching-tv-screen-ipa-survey

https://row.co.uk/blog/post/2019/07/02/Sat-Nav-And-The-Science-Behind-It

https://www.safedrivingforlife.info/shop/official-dvsa-theory-test-kit-car-drivers-elearning/#faqs