Driver Permissions
Drivers need specific device permissions for RouteBot to work properly. This guide explains each permission and how to configure them.
Required Permissions Overview
Drivers need more permissions than parents or employees:
| Permission | Required For |
|---|---|
| Notifications | System alerts and updates |
| Foreground Location | Track position while app is visible |
| Background Location | Track position while app is minimized |
| Camera | Scan the vehicle code after the route-end check, on routes using this step |
Why Permissions Matter
Without proper permissions:
- Parents/passengers can't see your location
- Approach notifications won't work
- Routes may not function correctly
- QR scanning will fail
Notification Permission
What It Does
Allows the app to notify you when a parent changes a Will Not Ride entry for a passenger on your school route.
How to Grant (First Time)
- A dialog appears when needed
- Tap Allow or OK
Checking/Enabling Later
iOS:
- Go to Settings > Servistesin
- Tap Notifications
- Toggle "Allow Notifications" on
Android:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Servistesin
- Tap Notifications
- Enable notifications
Location Permissions
Foreground Location
What it does: Allows tracking when app is open and visible
Required for: Basic route tracking
How to grant:
iOS:
- Dialog: "Allow Servistesin to access your location"
- Select While Using the App
Android:
- Dialog: "Allow Servistesin to access this device's location?"
- Select While using the app
Background Location
What it does: Allows tracking when app is minimized or screen is off
Required for: Continuous tracking during routes
Why it's essential: Without this, location stops updating when you:
- Switch to another app (like Google Maps)
- Lock your screen
- Receive a phone call
- Use any other app
How to grant:
iOS:
- Go to Settings > Servistesin > Location
- Select Always
Android:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Servistesin > Permissions > Location
- Select Allow all the time
Important: Background location is critical for drivers. Without it, parents lose tracking when you're not looking at the app.
Camera Permission
What It Does
Allows the app to scan the vehicle QR code after you have checked the empty vehicle at route end. The scan logs route completion.
Employee shuttle QR attendance is a separate action: the employee scans the vehicle's plate QR using their own app. See QR Code Scanning for both workflows.
Required For
Routes using the driver route-end QR check.
How to Grant
iOS:
- Dialog: "Servistesin Would Like to Access the Camera"
- Tap OK or Allow
Android:
- Dialog: "Allow Servistesin to take pictures and record video?"
- Tap Allow
If Not Using QR Codes
If your routes don't require QR scanning, you won't be prompted for camera permission.
Permission Flow in the App
When you open a route that needs permissions:
Automatic Detection
- App checks which permissions are missing
- Shows explanation screens for each
- Guides you through granting
Step-by-Step Process
The app may show permission screens like:
- Notification permission - "We need notifications to keep you updated"
- Location permission - "Location is required for route tracking"
- Background location - "Background location enables tracking when app is minimized"
- Camera permission - "Camera is needed for QR code scanning" (if applicable)
After Granting
- Route functions normally
- You can start and operate routes
- Tracking works properly
If You Deny
- App may show the permission request again
- Some features won't work
- You can grant later in device settings
Checking Your Permissions
iOS
- Go to Settings > Servistesin
- Review each permission:
- Location: Should be "Always"
- Notifications: Should be "On"
- Camera: Should be "On" (if needed)
Android
- Go to Settings > Apps > Servistesin > Permissions
- Review:
- Location: Should be "Allow all the time"
- Camera: Should be "Allow" (if needed)
- Notifications: Should be "On"
Troubleshooting Permissions
"Permission denied" errors
- Go to device Settings
- Find Servistesin
- Open Permissions
- Grant the required permission
"Cannot start route"
If you can't start a route:
- Check all permissions are granted
- Especially background location
- Restart app after granting
Location not updating
- Verify location is set to "Always" / "Allow all the time"
- Check GPS is enabled on device
- Disable battery optimization (Android)
Camera not working
- Check camera permission is granted
- Close other camera apps
- Restart Servistesin
Battery Optimization (Android)
Android may limit background apps to save battery. Disable this for Servistesin:
Method 1: App Settings
- Go to Settings > Apps > Servistesin
- Tap Battery
- Select Unrestricted or No restrictions
Method 2: Battery Settings
- Go to Settings > Battery
- Find Servistesin
- Disable battery optimization
Why It Matters
Battery optimization can:
- Stop background location updates
- Kill the app when minimized
- Cause tracking gaps
Permission Best Practices
Before Your Shift
- Verify all permissions are set correctly
- Test that location is working
- Check camera if QR is used
If Asked to Grant Again
- Some updates may require re-granting
- Permission prompts are normal
- Grant to maintain functionality
Privacy Note
Your location is only tracked:
- While routes are active
- Not between routes
- Not when logged out
- Data goes only to RouteBot system
Summary Checklist
Use this checklist to verify your setup:
| Permission | Setting | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Notifications | Enabled | ☐ |
| Location | Always / All the time | ☐ |
| Camera | Enabled (if using QR) | ☐ |
| Battery Optimization | Disabled (Android) | ☐ |
Next Steps:
- Background Tracking - How location tracking works
- Starting a Route - Begin operating routes
- Driver Overview - General driver guide