PLATFORM GUIDELINES

These guidelines help create a safe, respectful community for everyone using the Okly platform.

Last updated: 17 February 2026

These Okly Platform Guidelines apply to everyone using the Okly platform and are incorporated into the Okly Terms of Service and Okly Driver Terms of Service (including any Supplemental Terms).

These guidelines help create a safe, respectful community for everyone using the Okly platform. Okly is a technology platform that connects riders seeking transportation with independent drivers who set their own hourly rates. The contractual relationship for the provision of transportation services is between the rider and the driver directly.

Okly operates across Australia. Rideshare regulation varies by state and territory. All users must comply with the laws applicable in their jurisdiction. These guidelines apply nationally and supplement (but do not override) any applicable Commonwealth, state, or territory law.


1. Treat Everyone with Respect

For Everyone:
  • Treat all riders, drivers, and others with respect, courtesy, and dignity at all times
  • No harassment, intimidation, threats, violence, stalking, or sexual misconduct — there is zero tolerance for sexual assault or violence of any kind
  • No physical contact with others except when offering or providing requested assistance (for example, helping with luggage or accessibility needs)
  • No discriminatory conduct based on protected attributes under applicable Australian law, including race, colour, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, pregnancy, political opinion, or any other characteristic protected under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), Age Discrimination Act 2004 (Cth), and applicable state and territory equal opportunity legislation
  • Maintain appropriate behaviour and boundaries at all times
  • Do not contact other users after a trip ends, except to facilitate the return of lost items through the platform
For Riders:
  • Do not damage the vehicle or cause unreasonable mess
  • You may be charged reasonable cleaning or damage fees for damage beyond normal wear and tear
  • No smoking or vaping in the vehicle at any time
  • Do not consume alcohol or illegal substances during the trip
  • Be ready at the pickup location at the agreed time — drivers' time is valuable
For Drivers:
  • Communicate clearly and professionally regarding pickup, route, and safety issues
  • Keep your vehicle clean, comfortable, and presentable for riders
  • Do not threaten riders with ratings, cancellations, complaints, or refusal of service to coerce tips, cash payments, or off-platform arrangements

Ratings and Reviews

Both riders and drivers can rate and review each other after each trip. Ratings promote trust, accountability, and transparency across the Okly community.

For Everyone:
  • Reviews must be honest, fair, and based on your genuine experience during the trip
  • Do not post false, misleading, fabricated, defamatory, obscene, discriminatory, or hateful content
  • Do not include personal information about the other party (such as full name, address, or phone number)
  • Do not post spam, advertising, or content unrelated to the trip
  • Do not manipulate ratings through fake accounts, incentives, collusion, or threats

Okly reserves the right to remove reviews that violate these guidelines. Users who maintain a rating below the minimum threshold may have their access suspended, with notice and an opportunity to improve before any action is taken.

2. Help Keep One Another Safe

Age and Passenger Requirements

For Riders:
  • You must be at least 18 years old to use the Okly platform independently
  • Do not request trips for unaccompanied minors — Okly is not intended for transporting unaccompanied minors
  • If travelling with infants or small children who require child car seats or booster seats under applicable law, you must provide and properly install the appropriate restraint
  • Provide accurate information about the number of passengers when requesting a trip
For Drivers:
  • Provide accurate vehicle information (including make, model, colour, and registration) in your driver profile and keep it current
  • Ensure the vehicle displayed in the app matches the vehicle you are driving
  • You are not required to transport unaccompanied minors and may decline such requests without penalty

Safety Practices

For Drivers:
  • Drive safely and comply with all road rules, speed limits, and applicable passenger transport laws at all times
  • Always wear a seatbelt and require all passengers to wear seatbelts
  • Do not drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs — maintain 0.00 BAC at all times while providing services
  • Do not drive when fatigued or unfit to drive; take rest breaks as needed
  • Do not use your mobile phone while driving (except for hands-free navigation)
  • Keep your vehicle roadworthy, clean, and safe at all times
  • Report safety incidents to Okly and, where required, to your state or territory transport regulator promptly
For Riders:
  • Wear a seatbelt at all times — it is the law in all Australian states and territories
  • Follow reasonable safety directions from the driver (e.g., safe pickup points)
  • Provide accurate pickup and destination details
  • Be ready at pickup time and respond to reasonable driver messages about pickup/trip
  • Do not request or take trips while behaving unsafely (including severe intoxication) — drivers may end trips for safety reasons
  • Do not distract the driver or ask them to break any road rules
For Everyone:

In an emergency, call 000 first. This includes accidents, medical emergencies, or criminal activity. Then report the incident to Okly through the Help Center as soon as it is safe to do so.

In-App Safety Features

Okly offers a range of in-app safety features designed to support users during trips. Available features may vary and are subject to change. We encourage all users to familiarise themselves with the safety tools available in the app.

Privacy and Recording

Dashcams and Recording Devices

Drivers may use dashcams or other recording devices that capture video and/or audio during trips. These recordings can serve as important evidence for Okly, law enforcement, or insurance providers if an incident occurs. Some Australian states and territories require specific security camera systems for certain vehicle types — drivers must comply with all applicable requirements.

Important considerations for drivers:

  • Riders may have concerns about how video, images, or conversations captured by recording devices will be used. Australian laws vary by state and territory, with some requiring rider consent before recording and others restricting or prohibiting audio recording of private conversations. You are responsible for understanding and complying with the recording and surveillance laws in your state or territory
  • Display clear, visible signage in your vehicle indicating that recording is in use, and notify riders before the trip starts (using in-app chat or other available communication methods)
  • Due to legal restrictions in most Australian states, do not record audio of private conversations inside the vehicle unless you have obtained all required consents
  • You may submit recordings to Okly at your discretion and in accordance with applicable laws. Okly will review submitted recordings and take appropriate action in line with these Platform Guidelines and our Terms of Service

For all users:

Sharing or streaming another person's image, audio, or video recording on social media or in other digital or physical public locations without consent is a violation of these Platform Guidelines. Such actions may result in immediate account suspension and investigation by our safety team. Do not use recordings to harass, threaten, intimidate, or unlawfully disclose personal information.

3. Follow the Law

For Everyone:
  • Use the platform for lawful purposes only
  • Do not request or facilitate illegal activity
  • Do not request or pay for trips off-platform with a driver or rider you met through the Okly platform
  • Do not attempt to circumvent the platform's intended processes
For Drivers:
  • Hold a current, full (unrestricted) Australian driver licence appropriate for the vehicle class being operated
  • Hold the driver accreditation, authorisation, or certification required by your state or territory to provide rideshare services
  • Register your vehicle for commercial/rideshare use where required by your jurisdiction
  • Maintain a current vehicle safety inspection, certificate of fitness, or roadworthiness certificate as required
  • Pass all required background checks, including a National Police Check and any additional checks required by your state or territory
  • Display any mandatory identification, signage, labels, or QR codes required by your state or territory regulator while providing services
  • Maintain insurance required for passenger transport/rideshare use (see Section 5 for details)
  • Hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST regardless of your turnover, as required for all rideshare drivers
  • Comply at all times with all applicable Commonwealth, state/territory, and local laws, regulations, and regulator requirements
  • Provide reasonable evidence of compliance to Okly on request
  • Promptly notify Okly if your licence is suspended or expired, accreditation changes, vehicle becomes unroadworthy, or insurance changes materially

Your responsibility: It is the driver's sole responsibility to obtain and maintain all licences, accreditations, registrations, inspections, insurance policies, and approvals required by law. Okly checks documents submitted by drivers during onboarding and verifies accreditation status through available accreditation systems. However, Okly cannot guarantee the ongoing authenticity, validity, or currency of any licence, accreditation, or registration. Drivers remain solely responsible for ensuring all required licences, accreditations, and registrations are current and valid at all times. Operating without required licences, accreditations, or registrations is a breach of these guidelines and may constitute a criminal offence.

State and Territory Regulators

Rideshare is regulated in every Australian state and territory. The specific requirements differ by jurisdiction. Drivers must comply with the requirements of their relevant regulator:

  • VIC: Safe Transport Victoria (STV) — Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Act 2017
  • NSW: Point to Point Transport Commissioner — Point to Point Transport (Taxis and Hire Vehicles) Act 2016
  • QLD: Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) — Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Act 1994
  • WA: Department of Transport — Transport (Road Passenger Services) Act 2018
  • SA: Department for Infrastructure and Transport — Passenger Transport Act 1994
  • TAS: Department of State Growth — Taxi and Hire Vehicle Industries Act 2008
  • ACT: Transport Canberra — Road Transport (Public Passenger Services) Act 2001
  • NT: Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics — Commercial Passenger (Road) Transport Act 1991
For Riders:

Do not use the platform to transport unlawful or hazardous items, including:

  • Illegal drugs
  • Explosives
  • Weapons (drivers may refuse service for any weapons, even if lawfully possessed)
  • Hazardous chemicals
  • Biohazards
  • Stolen goods

4. Account Integrity and Honest Use

For Drivers:
  • Use only your verified driver account; do not share accounts or allow substitution without Okly approval
  • Provide accurate information for onboarding/verification and keep it current
  • No GPS spoofing, fake trips, collusion, identity misuse, or manipulation of platform features
  • Follow the platform flow for arrivals, cancellations, and trip completion
  • Do not use automated tools (bots, scrapers, crawlers) to access the platform
For Riders:
  • Do not let another person use your Okly account
  • You may maintain only one active Okly account
For Everyone:
  • Provide accurate account information and keep it updated
  • No fraud, including payment fraud, identity fraud, or misrepresentation
  • Do not collect or harvest personal information of other users without their consent
  • Do not engage in price-fixing or any anti-competitive conduct

5. Insurance

For Drivers:

You must maintain, at your own cost, the following insurance coverage at all times while offering services through the platform:

  • Compulsory Third-Party (CTP) Insurance: As required by law for all registered vehicles in your state or territory
  • Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance: That covers use of the vehicle for commercial passenger vehicle/rideshare services. Standard personal motor vehicle policies may not cover rideshare use — you must confirm coverage with your insurer
  • Public Liability Insurance: Strongly recommended, covering claims arising from injury or property damage to passengers or third parties during the provision of rideshare services

Important: Okly maintains business insurance for its own operations as a Booking Service Provider. However, Okly's insurance does not cover drivers, their vehicles, or riders in respect of individual trips. Okly does not provide insurance for any party in relation to individual trips. Riders should consider their own personal insurance needs (e.g., travel or personal accident insurance).

6. Accessibility and Inclusion

Assistance Animals

For Riders:

Riders may travel with a recognised assistance animal (such as a guide dog) in accordance with applicable federal and state/territory law.

For Drivers:

You must not refuse service because a rider has a recognised assistance animal. Refusing to carry an assistance animal is unlawful under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) and applicable state/territory legislation, and will result in removal from the platform. This obligation applies regardless of personal preferences, allergies, or religious beliefs (subject to any reasonable adjustment processes available at law).

For Everyone:
  • Treat people with disability respectfully and do not interfere with accessibility aids

Okly is committed to improving the accessibility of its platform and services for users with disabilities.

7. How Okly Works

Platform Role

Okly is a technology platform that connects riders with independent drivers. We provide the booking technology, payment processing, and communication tools. Okly does not itself provide transportation services. Drivers are independent contractors, not employees, agents, partners, or joint venturers of Okly.

Pricing

Fares are calculated based on the driver's hourly rate (set independently by each driver within minimum and maximum limits displayed in the app) and the estimated trip duration. Okly may provide suggested rates but drivers are not required to accept them. An estimated fare is shown before booking and is fixed once the driver accepts the Trip, regardless of traffic or delays. The fare also includes:

  • Service Fee: A percentage-based fee charged by Okly for use of the platform. The current Service Fee rate is disclosed in the app. Okly may change the Service Fee rate from time to time by providing notice in the app
  • Government Levies: Where applicable, per-trip levies imposed by state or territory governments are added to the fare and remitted to the relevant authority
  • Tolls and Extras: Road tolls, airport fees, or other third-party charges incurred during the trip are passed through to the rider at cost

Payments

All payments are processed through the platform via Okly's authorised, PCI-DSS compliant third-party payment processor. Okly does not store full credit card details. Riders must maintain a valid payment method linked to their account. Payments to drivers are remitted on a regular cycle (weekly or as otherwise notified) to the driver's nominated Australian bank account, less the Service Fee and any applicable deductions.

Cancellations

Riders may cancel a booking within the grace period displayed in the app at the time of booking without incurring a cancellation fee. Cancellations made after the grace period, after the driver has arrived at the pickup location, or where the rider fails to appear within a reasonable time (no-show), may attract a cancellation fee. Grace periods and cancellation fees are subject to change and will be clearly disclosed in the app. These fees compensate the driver for time and fuel. Repeated cancellations by drivers after acceptance may result in temporary suspension.

Taxes

For Drivers:

As an independent contractor, you are solely responsible for all tax obligations arising from your use of the platform, including income tax and GST. Rideshare services are subject to GST — you must be registered for GST regardless of your turnover. Okly provides trip and earnings records to assist with your tax reporting obligations. Okly also reports transaction data to the Australian Taxation Office as required under the Sharing Economy Reporting Regime. Drivers should maintain their own independent records for tax purposes, as recommended by the ATO.

8. Your Privacy and Data

Okly collects, uses, stores, and discloses personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). This section provides a summary — our full Privacy Policy is available on our website and within the app.

What We Collect

  • Account information: Name, email address, phone number, date of birth, profile photo
  • Driver-specific information: Driver's licence details, vehicle registration, accreditation numbers, ABN, bank account details, background check results
  • Location data: Real-time GPS during trips (for tracking, safety, and fare calculation), and general location to connect riders with nearby drivers
  • Payment data: Processed by our PCI-DSS compliant payment processor — Okly does not store full card numbers
  • Trip data: Pickup/drop-off locations, duration, route, fare, ratings, and reviews
  • Device and usage data: Device type, OS, app version, IP address, and usage patterns for app improvement and troubleshooting
  • Communications: In-app messages and communications with Okly support

How We Use It

We use your information to operate and improve the platform, facilitate bookings and payments, verify identity and credentials, enable ratings and reviews, investigate complaints and safety incidents, comply with legal obligations (including reporting to regulators and tax authorities), communicate with you about your account and trips, and detect and prevent fraud.

Who We Share It With

  • Other users: Limited information to facilitate trips (first name, photo, vehicle details, rating). Additional details such as the driver's full name and ABN may be visible on trip invoices and receipts for tax and record-keeping purposes
  • Service providers: Payment processors, identity verification, cloud hosting, and customer support, under contractual obligations to protect your data
  • Regulators and law enforcement: State/territory transport regulators, the ATO, and law enforcement where required by law
  • Legal proceedings: Where necessary to comply with a court order, subpoena, or legal obligation
  • Business transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of Okly's business, subject to the Privacy Act

Data Security and Retention

Okly implements reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information, including encryption and access controls. We retain data for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfil its purposes and comply with legal obligations. When no longer needed, it is securely destroyed or de-identified.

Your Rights

Under the Privacy Act and APPs, you have the right to:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate, incomplete, or out-of-date information
  • Request deletion of your personal information, subject to our legal retention obligations
  • Withdraw consent for specific uses (noting this may affect your ability to use the platform)
  • Lodge a complaint with us or the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au

Overseas Data Transfers

Some of our service providers are located outside Australia. Where data is transferred overseas, we take reasonable steps to ensure it's handled consistently with the APPs, as required by APP 8.

Automated Decision-Making

Where personal information is used for substantial automated decisions that significantly affect you (e.g., account suspension based on algorithmic rating thresholds), Okly will disclose this. You may request that Okly review such decisions, and Okly will consider such requests in accordance with its internal review processes.

9. Investigations and Cooperation

For Drivers:

Cooperate with reasonable investigations by providing relevant information (for example, explanations, screenshots, photos, or recordings you lawfully control), subject to legal rights and privacy obligations.

For Riders:

Cooperate with Okly's reasonable requests for information during investigations, subject to your legal rights.

10. Enforcement

Okly may warn, restrict, suspend, deactivate, or terminate accounts for serious or repeated breaches of these Platform Guidelines.

Okly will act reasonably and proportionately and may provide reasons where practicable, except where doing so would compromise safety, security, or an investigation.

You may request a review via the Okly Help Center. Appeals will be reviewed and a determination communicated within a reasonable timeframe.

Content Moderation

Okly reserves the right to review, edit, or remove any user-submitted content (including reviews) that violates these guidelines. Users may report content through the in-app reporting feature. Okly complies with the Online Safety Act 2021 (Cth) and will cooperate with the eSafety Commissioner regarding complaints about cyberbullying, image-based abuse, or other harmful online content.

11. Dispute Resolution

If you have a complaint or dispute, please try to resolve it through Okly support first. We will acknowledge complaints promptly and endeavour to resolve them within a reasonable timeframe.

Your statutory rights are preserved. Nothing in these guidelines limits your right to lodge a complaint with your state or territory transport regulator, the ACCC, Consumer Affairs in your state, the OAIC, your state tribunal (e.g., VCAT, NCAT), or any court of competent jurisdiction. You are always free to pursue any remedy available to you under Australian law.

12. Australian Consumer Law

Our services come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), set out in Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). Nothing in these guidelines excludes, restricts, or modifies any right or remedy you have under the ACL that cannot be excluded, restricted, or modified by law.

Under the ACL, you are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have services remedied if they fail to meet consumer guarantees and the failure does not amount to a major failure.

Okly has endeavoured to ensure these guidelines do not contain unfair contract terms as defined in Part 2-3 of the ACL. If any term is found to be unfair by a court, that term is void and the remainder continues to apply.

13. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, and subject to Section 12 (Australian Consumer Law):

  • The Okly platform is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. Okly makes no warranties (express or implied) regarding availability, accuracy, or fitness for purpose, except to the extent such warranties cannot be excluded under Australian law
  • Okly does not guarantee that the platform will be available at all times, uninterrupted, secure, or error-free
  • Okly's total aggregate liability for all claims arising from your use of the platform is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law
  • Okly is not liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including loss of profits, revenue, data, or goodwill, whether based on contract, tort (including negligence), or any other legal theory
  • Okly is not responsible for the quality, safety, legality, or suitability of transportation services provided by drivers. Any dispute about the service itself is between the rider and driver

14. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Okly Pty Ltd, its directors, officers, employees, and agents from any claims, losses, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from:

  • Your use of the platform or any breach of these guidelines
  • Your violation of any applicable law or regulation
  • Any content you submit through the platform
  • Your interaction with any other user, including during a trip
  • (For drivers) your provision of transportation services, including any personal injury, death, or property damage

Your liability under this clause will be reduced proportionately to the extent that Okly caused or contributed to the relevant loss. This obligation survives termination. This indemnity applies to the maximum extent permitted by law.

15. Intellectual Property

The Okly platform — including its design, software, source code, graphics, logos, trademarks, and trade names — is owned by or licensed to Okly Pty Ltd. You receive a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable licence to use the platform in accordance with these guidelines.

You must not, without Okly's prior written consent, copy, modify, reverse-engineer, decompile, or disassemble any part of the platform, use Okly's branding, or create derivative works.

By submitting content through the platform (including reviews), you grant Okly a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual licence to use that content for operating and improving the platform.

16. Account Suspension and Termination

You may close your account at any time through the app or by contacting support. Outstanding payment obligations and liability for prior conduct survive termination.

Okly may suspend or terminate your account if you breach these guidelines, pose a safety risk, fail to maintain required credentials (drivers), receive multiple substantiated complaints, or where required by law.

17. Changes to These Guidelines

We may update these Platform Guidelines from time to time. For material changes that affect your rights or obligations, we will provide at least 30 days' notice via the app or email, except where a shorter notice period is necessary due to safety concerns, legal requirements, or regulatory changes. Continued use after the effective date means you accept the updated terms. If you do not agree, stop using the platform and close your account before the change takes effect.

Questions or Concerns?

If you have questions about these Platform Guidelines or need to report an incident, visit the Okly Help Center.

For privacy complaints, you may also contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.

For transport safety or regulatory concerns, contact your state or territory transport regulator.