Driving time logger

A simple and efficient app designed to help drivers log their driving time digitally, replacing the need for paper-based logbooks.

Juho Torkkeli

Juho Torkkeli

3/15/2022 · 2 min read

Monochrome app icon featuring symbols like shovels, a steering wheel, and a bed in a grid layout.

Overview & Background

During my time in military service, drivers were required to maintain a paper-based driving log. This proved challenging—especially during deployments—when time was limited, and there was not always a pen or the opportunity to record status changes. The paper log essentially acted as a tachograph, but was impractical in fast-paced situations.

Issue addressed: The difficulty of manually recording driving statuses in real-time led to the need for a faster, more accessible digital solution.

The goal was to simplify and digitize the process of status tracking (driving, resting, other work, break) so that entries could be made quickly and without needing paper or a pen. This would make it easier for drivers to later transcribe or review their driving records.


Development Process

To address the problem, a minimalistic and fast user interface was developed where users can select their current status: driving, resting, other work, or break.

Key requirements and decisions:

  • The app needed to operate quickly and smoothly on mobile devices.
  • All data had to be stored locally for offline access.
  • A daily history view was added so users could easily review and copy their entries into the official logbook.

Outcome

The result is a lightweight app that:

  • Remembers the user’s last selected status.
  • Provides a calendar view for browsing daily status history.
  • Allows efficient review and manual logging of driving data.

Next Steps / Future Improvements

  • Support for Apple Watch to enable status changes directly from the wrist.
  • Home screen widgets for even faster status updates.

Technologies & Tools

  • Dart / Flutter