From organising your finances to simply ordering a pizza, there’s no end to what our smartphones can now help us to do. For us drivers, they’re even more valuable as they can assist us in getting out of all manner of sticky situations – as long as they’re equipped with the right mobile apps to do so. 

But since there are so many to choose from, we’ve done the legwork and tried and tested dozens of driving apps to deduce which ones are really essential for your smartphone. Here is our ‘must-have’ list of the best driving apps available for Android and iOS, so you can get downloading now!

Google Maps

Your phone may come equipped with a built-in maps app, but we haven’t yet seen one that compares to Google Maps. This awesome (and free) smartphone app gives you the ability to plan routes using its sophisticated, yet easy-to-use SatNav feature, detect and avoid traffic jams and incidents with real-time reports, save favourite locations and even explore the area around you, whether you’re looking for a petrol station, cash machine, restaurant or even a florist. It’s not just useful for drivers either, as you can find walking, cycling and public transport directions to your destination too.

RAC Traffic

If avoiding traffic is something that’s really crucial to you, the free RAC Traffic app will soon become your best friend. Using real-time, up-to-the-minute data it provides UK-wide traffic information, and displays congestion hotspots on major and minor roads with Google Maps. If you’re with the RAC you’ll find it even more beneficial as you can call for their assistance directly from the app.

AA Parking

Wave goodbye to desperately driving around town, hunting for an inexpensive parking space by downloading the AA Parking app. This invaluable companion for savvy drivers integrates with Google Maps to help you pinpoint free and paid parking spaces near you, and in some areas of the UK it even provides real-time information on parking space availability, the opening hours and exact cost! The extra added benefit of Google Maps integration is that once you’ve found a car park that suits you, it will guide you straight there. This is one app that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.

Shell miGarage

Are you a forgetful type who struggles to keep tabs on all the key dates for your car? Join the club – and also download the Shell miGarage app, which can log all of the important information for your vehicle and remind you when it’s time to do everything from change your oil and check your tyre pressure, to renew your insurance and book in a service. Hailed as a ‘mini-mechanic’ for your pocket, it’s the easiest way to keep track of everything and avoid last-minute scrambles.

Petrol Prices Pro

Avoid paying through the nose at the pumps with the Petrol Prices Pro app, which shows you the location, details and current fuel prices of your nearest petrol stations, so you can compare and find the cheapest available. It’s a simple, no-frills app that will soon pay for itself, although it’s only updated Monday to Friday so you may want to get into the habit of filling up only during the week.

UK Fuel Calculator

Once you’ve found the cheapest price for your tank of fuel, work out how far it will get you with the UK Fuel Calculator app. It works out the cost of a journey by using either the national average fuel cost, or a price you enter manually, and the distance you plan to travel. This makes it especially handy when you’re deciding between driving and taking public transport, or if you’re sharing the cost with passengers and want to see how much everyone should chip in. 

The LK Performance team hope that you’ll find these driving apps useful, but don’t forget that it’s against the law to use your phone while driving. Make sure your journey is properly planned before you set off and if you’re using a SatNav app, that you use an appropriate hands-free device that doesn’t obstruct your view. We want your driving to be enjoyable, but also safe and responsible too!