Smartphones have made our lives easier in all kinds of ways - not least when we're behind the wheel.
Here's our pick of the best apps for driving - each one designed to solve a particular driving issue, saving you time, money and hassle.
Most of these are free driving apps, but some are paid or offer in-app purchases. Most are also funded by ads.
Note: All apps are available for both iPhone and Android.
Start Rescue
Free
What does it do?
The free app from Start Rescue enables you to report your breakdown quickly and easily.
An overview of the Start Rescue app
There’s never a good time for your car, motorcycle or van to breakdown. Luckily, the free Start Rescue mobile app provides a hassle free solution for reporting your breakdown.
There's no need to panic if you don’t know where you are, the Start Rescue app will track your location using your smartphones GPS.
Once you have entered all of your details, you will be sent a message saying who is coming and how long they will be.
If you’re not yet a Start Rescue customer, don’t worry you can still use the ap, and you will be provided with a quotation for Pay on Use assistance.
Waze
Free
What does it do?
Helps drivers plan routes and issues real-time traffic updates.
An overview of Waze
The first version of Waze appeared way back in 2006 (then called FreeMap) and has since become a go-to app for Android and iPhone users behind the wheel.
Whether you're using it for a regular driving route, or you're driving somewhere new, Waze is an easy-to-use and effective solution.
Along with vivid, easy-to-see icons, it allows drivers to add information about traffic congestion, which other drivers can view.
While it won’t help you get to your destination quicker, it gives you a better idea of how long it will take - ideal if you're headed to a work or social meeting.
It enables drivers to connect socially and even lets you manually control music streaming. It even has a web-based version.
On the downside, it's tricky to create directions from locations other than the one you're already in, and it lacks terrain, and 3D/satellite imagery - things that Google Maps does well.
And it doesn't work offline.
But overall, Waze is a powerful route planning tool and among the best free driving apps.
It’s also of great use to pedestrians and cyclists.
Google Maps
Free
What does it do?
Allows drivers to plan routes, and can be used offline.
An overview of Google Maps
Installed on every Android, Google Maps is relied upon by millions of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians every day.
What sets it apart from apps like Waze (also owned by Google) is the level of detail in the maps; business and residential addresses are easy to find, and creating a route from a destination other than your current one is straightforward.
Since most of us take our phones everywhere, it's an ideal backup if you've forgotten your sat-nav.
Choose from three map types: Default (the classic easy-to-read map); Satellite (photographic view of the area), and Terrain (showing high/low ground, rivers etc).
It can also show specific information related to public transport, traffic congestion, cycling routes, air quality and wildfires.
There's even 3D functionality and Street View - which allows you to see your destination in a kind of augmented reality - useful when looking for a specific address.
Google Maps is an excellent back-up or even alternative to a satnav, although location data is occasionally out-of-date, and it isn’t able to alert users to recent problems or obstacles - such as a blocked road or a street fair.
While designed for people moving by all modes of transport or on foot, it’s one of the best driving apps for iPhone or Android.
Smart Dash Cam
Free
What does it do?
Converts your smartphone into a dash cam
Overview of Smart Dash Cam
More UK drivers than ever now have a dash cam installed in their car. But it can be a costly purchase.
Smart Dash Cam is a free way to turn your phone into a dashcam.
It records everything the camera is pointing at so you can use it as evidence if you're involved in a collision or scrape.
But while insurers may offer lower premiums to those who use dash-cams, it's not clear if using an app like Smart Dash Cam is accepted by them as an alternative to a 'proper' hardware dashcam.
One of the best car apps for saving money, since you don’t have to fork out for a real dashcam.
Petrol Prices
Free
What does it do?
Shows you where the cheapest petrol pump is in your area.
An overview of Petrol Prices
This simple but effective app helps you control the cost of fuel by pinpointing the lowest pump prices near you.
From a low of 108p per litre in 2020, petrol prices have soared to around 160p at time of writing.
The Petrol Prices app has perhaps never been so useful.
However, some of the reviews of the app suggest the prices are not always accurate.
It's best to read the feedback and make up your own mind!
Just Park
Free
What does it do?
Enables you to book parking spaces wherever you are.
Overview of Just Park
The best apps are the simplest - and Just Park is a great example. Simply search, book and pay for a space.
It aims to take the stress out of finding a parking space - and saving you time.
You can even earn an extra income on the app by listing your own parking space.
As well as being a 'side hustle', it also helps alleviate limited parking nationwide.
Find My Parked Car
Free
What does it do?
Shows you where you parked your car.
An overview of Find My Parked Car
Cars are undeniably large - but we can still lose them! It's a particular problem in multi-storey car parks.
But Find My Parked Car - another simple but effective app - eliminates the problem.
Just enter your car's GPS location on the app so it can guide you back later on.
You can also take snaps of your parking space, and set alarms for when your ticket runs out.
Reviews suggest the app is effective, but some are put off by the high number of ads. However, watching a few ads is arguably better than spending ages hunting down your car!
One of the best car apps for parking.
PlugShare
Free
What does it do?
Shows you the nearest EV chargepoint and how well it is working.
An overview of PlugShare
Looking for somewhere to juice up your EV? PlugShare has the solution.
Not only can you find your nearest chargepoint, but users can add feedback about specific sites - so you'll know if a particular chargepoint is faulty or charging slowly. It also tells you if the site is free or not.
The app has received positive reviews on Apple's App Store and Google Play.
MileIQ
Free
What does it do?
Tracks journey lengths for accurate expenses.
An overview of MileIQ
It's not easy working out how many miles you've driven for business purposes, but MileIQ makes it easy - saving you time and stress.
MileIQ harnesses your phone's clock and GPS system to log start and stop times, as well as distance travelled.
You can even enter the reimbursement rate per mile, and label journeys as business or personal with the swipe of your finger.
DVSA Theory Test Kit
Cost: £4.49
What does it do?
Helps you memorise the rules of the road for your theory test.
An overview of DVSA Theory Test Kit
If you're anxious about passing the DVSA Theory Test, this app could help you pass with flying colours.
The app gives you the kind of questions you'll face in the exam, and even boasts hazard perception tests like the real ones.
With very high ratings, this app enables you to fill spare moments with theory test cramming - help ensure you pass the first time.
Radarbot: Speed Camera Detector & Speedometer
Free
What does it do?
Pinpoints nearby speed cameras.
An overview of Radarbot
This app is especially useful if you're driving on unfamiliar roads, ensuring you know exactly where nearby speed cameras are.
And yes, speed camera detectors are completely legal - although there's no certainty they'll remain so.
While we're certain none of our readers would ever break the speed limit, apps like this do help focus the mind on driving at a safe speed.
Arguably the best speed camera app available.
Drivescore
Free
What does it do?
Helps you improve your driving skills.
An overview of Drivescore
Among the most useful driving quality apps on the market, Drivescore monitors your driving style and suggests ways you could improve.
The app can help drivers save money on insurance and other services.
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