Driver Personnel Instructions and Conduct Guidelines for Driving Operations

1 General

The instructions of the shift supervisor must be followed at all times by the employee (hereinafter also referred to as "Driver"). Additionally, the local processes of the respective driving operation apply. Should processes not be followed by the driver, depending on the severity of the incident, this may result in a warning, reprimand, or termination.  

2 Safety

2.1 Driver's Duty of Care:

Drivers at CleverSolutions have a special duty of care, as they are entrusted with the transport of persons. Safety is the top priority – this applies to the driver, passenger, and vehicle. This particularly includes compliance with the following regulations: StVO, PBefG, BOKraft, FeV, StVZO, UVV, and ArbZG.

2.2 Principles of Conduct:

Drivers must act carefully and considerately. They must behave in a way that no one else is harmed, endangered, or unduly inconvenienced.

2.3 Prohibited Conduct

  • Alcohol, Drugs, and Impairing Substances: Alcohol or other impairing substances (e.g., narcotics) may not be consumed before or during service. A 0.0 per mille limit applies.
  • Smoking in the Vehicle: Smoking is prohibited in the vehicle, even with open windows and 30 seconds before entering the vehicle.
  • Electronic Devices while driving: The use of electronic devices such as tablets or smartphones is prohibited while driving.
  • Eating and Drinking in the Vehicle: Eating food while driving is not permitted.
  • Service Despite Illness: Service may not be performed with infectious diseases according to § 34 para. 3 IfSG. The same applies if household members are affected. The supervisor must be informed if there are any doubts.
  • Reversing: Reversing is generally prohibited as it endangers safety and increases the risk of accidents. However, if reversing is unavoidable, the driver must ensure that no persons or vehicles are put at risk. Before reversing, warning signals must be given, the reversing path must be clear of obstacles, and the driver must constantly monitor the surroundings. Reversing should only be done to the minimum extent necessary and with extreme caution.
  • Unnecessary Warning Signals: Unnecessary warning signals, such as honking, must be avoided.
  • Vehicle Assignment: The vehicle may only be operated by personnel assigned to it in the shift schedule.
  • Misuse of Work Equipment: Work equipment may only be used for its intended purpose.

2.4 Accident Prevention Regulations

  • Driving Style and Speed: Speed limits must be strictly observed. If unsure, choose a slower speed. Driving must be defensive, anticipatory, and adapted to weather and traffic conditions.
  • Distance and Seating Security: Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Before departure, seats and mirrors must be correctly adjusted.
  • Seatbelts: Drivers and passengers are required to wear seatbelts. The driver must remind passengers of this before starting the journey.
  • Child Transport: Children under 12 years old or under 150 cm tall may only be transported with an appropriate booster seat.
  • Cargo Securing: Loose items and cargo must be securely stowed.
  • Fitness to Drive and Breaks: Regular breaks, fresh air, and stretching exercises are necessary to prevent fatigue. Drivers must wear sturdy footwear.
  • Annual Training: Drivers must attend an annual refresher course in accordance with UVV regulations.
  • Focus on the road: Full attention must always be focused on traffic.

2.5 What to do in case of accidents or breakdowns  

  • In case of minor damage: Clear the roadway to ensure traffic flow (then continue with the "Contact the police" point)
  • In case of significant damage secure the accident scene:
  • Stop
  • Turn on hazard lights
  • Put on high-visibility vest
  • Set up warning triangle
  • Leave the danger zone
  • Notify the police (Phone: 110)
  • Driver describes the accident calmly and factually.
  • Do not admit fault.
  • Obtain an accident report with a case number.
  • Ops Assistant or call Ops Manager
  • Secure evidence and photograph the accident scene:
  • Take photos of the damage and the surroundings from various perspectives.
  • Document damage to all involved vehicles or objects.
  • Witnesses Search for (if third parties are involved):
  • Note down the official address and phone number of the witnesses.
  • Passengers should also be considered as witnesses.
  • Contact details Record details of the other party involved in the accident (if third parties are involved):
  • Name, official address, phone number
  • License plate, make, and model of the vehicle
  • Accident Report to be filled out by driver (or collect info for Motum)
  • What happened? Photos? Police authority and incident number?
  • In case of damage to parked vehicles:
  • Wait 30 minutes for the vehicle owner.
  • Contact the police.
  • Leave a note with contact details and inform that the damage has been reported to the police. 

Note:

In the event of work-related accidents (including those on the way to or from work), the professional association's insurance coverage applies. In the event of work-related accidents, only a designated "Durchgangsarzt" (specialist for occupational accidents) must be consulted (the free choice of doctor is restricted, except for necessary first aid measures), and the supervisor must be informed. Based on the Durchgangsarzt's report, an accident report for the professional association must be completed immediately with the supervisor.

3 Tasks and Responsibilities at Shift Start

Drivers must start their shift on time with the assigned vehicle. One hour before the shift starts, drivers will receive an automatic WhatsApp reminder. This reminder must be confirmed by the start of the shift at the latest to ensure availability and punctuality. If there are any issues with confirmation, the shift supervisor must be informed immediately.

Before starting work, the employee must check the following points:

3.1 Completeness of Personal Documents

The driver must ensure that the following documents are complete, valid, and carried:

  • Valid driver's license
  • Valid passenger transport license (P-Schein)
  • ID card or passport

3.2 Completeness and Functionality of Vehicle Equipment

Before starting the shift, the driver must check the vehicle's equipment for completeness and functionality:

  • Damage report forms, fuel card, and vehicle registration document
  • Phone (undamaged and updated) and phone charging cable
  • Card terminal and card terminal charging cable
  • Accident reports and service card
  • High-visibility vest, warning triangle, and first-aid kit
  • Booster seat
  • Cleaning supplies: paper roll, cleaner, and broom
  • Wheelchair restraint system (if applicable, functional) and belts
  • Ice scraper

3.3 Vehicle Functionality

The functionality of the assigned vehicle must be checked:

  • All defects or damages must be documented and reported before and after the shift.
  • In case of serious defects, the driving service must not commence. In this case, the employee must immediately contact the shift supervisor.

3.4 Dashcam Functionality

The dashcam in the vehicle must be operational:

  • Any visible impairment of the dashcam's functionality must be reported immediately to the shift supervisor before starting the trip.
  • The driver must not impair the proper functioning of the dashcam – especially by:
  • Pulling out the power cable or the camera from its slot
  • Changing the recording angle
  • Soiling the lens
  • Other actions that disrupt or alter the functionality.

Note:

If personal documents are missing, the vehicle equipment is incomplete, or the functionality of the vehicle or devices is not guaranteed, the driving service must not commence!

4 Tasks and Duties during the Shift  

  • The Driver logs into the app (e.g., Padam, Via, Ioki), to be available for passengers to book. Advance bookings in the app must be taken into account.
  • Ride requests must be fulfilled immediately, to ensure punctuality and avoid delays for subsequent assignments. The Safety rules always take top priority (therefore, all traffic rules must be strictly observed, even in case of delays). The instructions from the driver app must be followed.
  • Trips without a booked ride order are not permitted.
  • Passengers may only board and alight at designated stops. Intermediate stops are not possible.
  • The driver checks the Ticket Validity and correctly processes fares. Sufficient change in appropriate denominations must be carried. All Cash Receipts must be correctly recorded in the payment terminal.
  • Break Times must be adhered to according to the shift schedule.
  • Incidents: In case of incidents/unusual occurrences, the Shift Supervisor to inform by phone.
  • Accessibility: For vehicles with accessibility features, the driver is obligated to properly transport and assist passengers in wheelchairs.
  • The Cleanliness of the vehicle interior must be regularly inspected and maintained. Should the vehicle be dirty on the outside, this must be reported to the shift supervisor and a wash order requested.
  • Friendly and courteous behavior is mandatory (e.g., assistance with luggage or boarding for elderly persons). The driver provides the customer with information about the service upon request.
  • Some accessible vehicles used. The driver is required to transport passengers in wheelchairs correctly and to provide them with the best possible assistance.
  • Should the passenger call the driver, their phone number must not be stored or reused. This naturally also applies to all other customer information. The Data protection must always be strictly adhered to
  • Neat clothing and a well-groomed appearance are mandatory (no tracksuits, jogging pants, etc.). If the employer provides work attire, it must be worn during working hours, kept clean, and treated with care. Cleaning is the responsibility of the driver. Any need for replacement must be reported promptly.

5 End-of-Shift Tasks and Responsibilities  

  • The vehicle is to be checked for Lost property to be checked.
  • Trash and heavy soiling must be removed. For significant soiling, the shift supervisor must be informed. If necessary, cleaning must also be carried out during the shift.
  • At the End of Shift the vehicle is always in the designated parking spaces on the company premises to be parked. Exceptions are in advance explicitly with the Dispatch to be coordinated.

6 Sick Leave and Absences  

The employee is obliged to notify the employer of any absence from work and its probable duration immediately and in good time before the agreed start of work, but in any case no later than two hours before the start of the shift on the first day of absence, by telephone to the shift supervisor at the workplace and additionally by email.

In the event of illness-related incapacity to workt , the employee must have the incapacity to work and its probable duration medically certified from the first day of illness.

Vacation requests must be submitted in a timely manner and in consultation with the supervisor. Vacation may only be taken once approved by the supervisor. The supervisor reserves the right to deny vacation requests (e.g., if it negatively impacts shift planning).

7 General Rules of Conduct  

In the office, at break areas, sanitary facilities, and, if applicable, on the premises of local transport companies, the driver is obliged to behave in an exemplary manner. Drivers may only stay in areas they are authorized to access. Smoking at petrol stations, car washes, workshops, and multi-storey car parks is strictly prohibited. Speed limits on company premises must be observed at all times.

The following rules of conduct must be observed towards passengers: Each passenger must be treated with respect and friendliness. Insults, discrimination, or harassment constitute a serious violation of service regulations. Sexual harassment of passengers and making private contact are strictly prohibited and will result in appropriate consequences. Should a passenger initiate a discussion on a topic where the driver holds a differing opinion, the driver must remain friendly and respectful and professionally conclude the topic. The driver may not solicit tips from passengers. Tips are a voluntary contribution from the customer, who is not obligated to give one. Furthermore, the driver is obliged to behave in an exemplary and collegial manner towards colleagues and superiors and to offer their support.