An apartment address can identify the building without explaining how a driver reaches your car. The pedestrian entrance might be on another street, the vehicle behind a security gate and the keys upstairs. Planning those connections makes a future pickup easier to describe.
Drivers on Demand (DOD) is preparing a marketplace connecting customers with verified independent drivers who drive customer-provided eligible vehicles. Auckland personal and business services are planned for 2 November 2026, subject to product alignment and readiness. Bookings are not open. This guide helps prepare a future enquiry; it does not confirm access arrangements or driver availability.
Separate the meeting point from the parking bay
Describe where you will meet the driver first. “Basement, bay 24” may identify the vehicle but leave someone outside a locked building.
A useful brief gives the pedestrian entrance, a recognisable landmark and the person meeting the driver. Then explain the route to the car: parking level, bay number and any lift or stair access. Check the building’s visitor procedure with its manager if necessary.
DOD’s customer information asks for vehicle and journey details. For an apartment pickup, include the access arrangements as part of those details.
Agree who opens doors and holds the keys
Decide who will meet the driver, open the relevant doors and release the vehicle. If someone else holds the keys, confirm that they will be available at the intended time.
Do not assume reception or building security can hand over your car keys. Ask them first and check any applicable building procedure. For a company-provided vehicle, use the business handover guide to identify the authorised contacts.
Keep access information proportionate. The pickup-notes guide helps you describe the meeting point without including unnecessary personal information. Avoid putting reusable building access codes into a general enquiry.
Explain the exit as well as the entrance
Consider what happens after everyone reaches the car. Does the vehicle gate need a remote? Is there an exit ticket? Will the key holder travel, or must someone remain nearby to operate the gate?
Describe any known restriction that affects the actual vehicle, such as a posted clearance limit. Verify uncertain building details instead of relying on memory. A customer’s previous experience entering the garage does not explain every step to a new driver.
Allow time for the driver to become familiar with the car while parked. The driver setup guide covers the seat, mirrors, controls and navigation.
Treat the driveway exit as part of the journey
Finding the exit does not establish that it is clear to use. NZTA’s Road Code instructs drivers leaving a driveway to stop at its end, check the road and footpath for hazards and give way as required. Building access instructions do not replace those road-user responsibilities.
New Zealand Police also advises checking driveways before entering or leaving and knowing where children are. A familiar garage still needs attention each time a vehicle moves.
Prepare a complete pickup brief
| Detail | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Meeting point | Pedestrian entrance and landmark |
| Contact | Person meeting the driver |
| Vehicle | Registration, parking level and bay |
| Keys | Who holds and releases them |
| Access | Doors, lifts and building visitor procedure |
| Exit | Gate remote, ticket or other arrangement |
| Uncertainty | Anything needing confirmation before relying on the pickup |
An illustrative brief might say: “Meet me at the main lobby entrance. I will escort you to basement level one, identify the car and provide the keys and gate remote.” This is a planning example, not a confirmed DOD workflow.
During prelaunch, use Contact DOD for general questions. An enquiry or launch-list registration does not reserve a driver or approve a building-access arrangement. For travel before bookings open, arrange a suitable option that is already available.
Prepared using current DOD content and official NZTA and New Zealand Police guidance checked on 21 October 2026.