IMPORTANT: This Driver Agreement is a legally binding contract between you ("Driver") and WheePool. By registering as a driver on the WheePool platform, you agree to all terms in this agreement.
1. Driver Status
1.1 Independent Individual
As a driver on WheePool, you acknowledge and agree that:
- You are an independent individual, NOT an employee, agent, or contractor of WheePool
- WheePool does NOT control how, when, or where you drive
- You are NOT obligated to accept any ride requests
- You may use other platforms or services simultaneously
- WheePool does NOT provide employment benefits, insurance, or worker's compensation
1.2 Cost-Sharing, Not Commercial Transport
Key Understanding: WheePool is a cost-sharing platform. You are sharing your pre-planned journey with passengers who contribute to your travel costs. You are NOT operating a taxi, ride-hailing, or commercial transportation service.
- You may only offer rides on journeys you were already planning to make
- Passenger contributions should only cover actual travel costs (fuel, tolls, wear and tear)
- You should NOT make a profit from WheePool rides
- You are NOT required to have a professional driving permit (PrDP)
2. Driver Requirements
2.1 Personal Requirements
- Age: Must be at least 21 years old
- License: Valid South African driver's license held for at least 2 years
- Identity: Valid South African ID or permanent residence permit
- Background: No serious criminal convictions
- Fitness: Medically fit to drive
2.2 Vehicle Requirements
- Registration: Vehicle must be registered in South Africa with valid license disk
- Age: Vehicle must be 15 years old or newer
- Condition: Roadworthy and well-maintained
- Seats: Minimum 4 doors and 4 passenger seats with working seatbelts
- Insurance: Valid vehicle insurance (minimum third-party liability)
3. Insurance Requirements
CRITICAL: WheePool does NOT provide insurance coverage. You are solely responsible for ensuring you have adequate insurance for yourself, your vehicle, and your passengers.
3.1 Minimum Requirements
- Third-Party Liability: Mandatory minimum coverage as required by law
- Comprehensive Coverage: Strongly recommended
- Passenger Liability: Strongly recommended
3.2 Your Responsibility
- Verify your insurance policy covers carpooling/cost-sharing arrangements
- Some insurers may require notification of carpooling activities
- Keep insurance documents current and accessible
- WheePool may request proof of insurance at any time
4. Driver Obligations
4.1 Safety Obligations
- Sober Driving: Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any impairing substances
- Rested Driving: Do not drive when fatigued
- Traffic Laws: Obey all road rules and speed limits
- Seatbelts: Ensure all passengers wear seatbelts
- Phone Use: No handheld phone use while driving
- Vehicle Maintenance: Keep vehicle in safe, roadworthy condition
4.2 Service Obligations
- Arrive at pickup locations on time
- Follow the agreed route unless there are safety concerns
- Treat passengers with respect and courtesy
- Maintain a clean and comfortable vehicle
- Honor confirmed ride commitments
- Verify passenger identity before starting the ride
4.3 Platform Obligations
- Maintain accurate profile and vehicle information
- Keep documentation current (license, registration, insurance)
- Respond to messages in a timely manner
- Report accidents, incidents, or safety concerns
- Comply with WheePool's Terms and Community Guidelines
5. Payments and Earnings
5.1 Cost Contribution Structure
Passengers pay a cost contribution calculated based on:
- Distance traveled
- Estimated fuel costs
- Toll fees (if applicable)
- Vehicle wear and tear allowance
5.2 WheePool Service Fee
WheePool deducts a 15% service fee from each ride to cover:
- Platform development and maintenance
- Payment processing fees
- Customer support
- Safety features and verification
5.3 Payment Processing
- Payments are processed through secure payment providers (Paystack)
- Earnings are credited to your WheePool driver wallet
- You can withdraw earnings at any time once funds are available
- Minimum withdrawal: R50 | Maximum: R50,000 per transaction
- Maximum 3 withdrawals per day
5.4 Payout Fees and Timing
- Standard Payout: A flat fee per withdrawal (current fee displayed in app)
- Processing Time: 24-48 business hours
- Fees are deducted from the withdrawal amount
- Payout times may vary based on banking hours and public holidays
- Fee amounts are set by our payment processor and may change
Cost Saving Tip: Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to save on fees. The fee is flat regardless of amount.
Bank Account Responsibility: You are responsible for providing accurate bank account details. Failed payouts due to incorrect details may still incur fees, which WheePool reserves the right to recover.
6. Liability and Indemnification
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: This section contains important limitations on WheePool's liability and your indemnification obligations.
6.1 WheePool's Limited Liability
WheePool shall NOT be liable for:
- Any accidents, injuries, death, or property damage occurring during rides
- Actions, omissions, or conduct of passengers
- Theft, loss, or damage to your vehicle or personal property
- Passenger misconduct, assault, harassment, or criminal acts
- Disputes between you and passengers
- Your compliance with insurance requirements
- Any indirect, consequential, or punitive damages
- Vehicle mechanical failures or breakdowns
- Traffic violations, fines, or penalties you incur
6.2 Driver Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless WheePool, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from:
- Your use of the WheePool platform
- Your provision of rides to passengers
- Your violation of this Agreement or any applicable laws
- Your negligence or willful misconduct
- Any accident or incident involving your vehicle
- Claims by passengers or third parties
6.3 Assumption of Risk
By using WheePool as a driver, you acknowledge and assume full responsibility for:
- The inherent risks of transporting passengers
- Ensuring your vehicle is safe and roadworthy
- Maintaining adequate insurance coverage
- Complying with all applicable laws and regulations
- Your own safety and the safety of your passengers
7. Account Suspension and Termination
7.1 Grounds for Suspension/Termination
WheePool may suspend or terminate your driver account for:
- Safety violations or concerns
- Low ratings (below 4.0 average)
- Multiple complaints from passengers
- Violation of this Agreement or Community Guidelines
- Fraudulent activity
- Invalid or expired documentation
- Criminal activity
7.2 Your Right to Terminate
You may terminate this Agreement at any time by:
- Completing or canceling any pending rides
- Withdrawing any outstanding earnings
- Deleting your account through the app or contacting support
8. Tax Responsibilities
Tax Notice: You are solely responsible for determining your tax obligations. WheePool does not provide tax advice. Consult a tax professional regarding your specific situation.
- You may be required to declare earnings from WheePool to SARS
- WheePool will provide earning statements upon request
- WheePool does not withhold taxes from your earnings
- You are responsible for any applicable VAT obligations
9. Verification Process
Before you can offer rides, WheePool will verify:
- Your identity (ID document)
- Your driver's license
- Your vehicle registration
- Your vehicle insurance
- Vehicle photos
Re-verification may be required periodically or when documents expire.
10. Changes to This Agreement
WheePool reserves the right to modify this Driver Agreement at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email and in-app notification. Continued use of the platform after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the modified Agreement.
11. Contact Information
Acknowledgment: By registering as a driver on WheePool, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Driver Agreement, the Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Community Guidelines.
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Thank you for being a WheePool driver!