Got more questions?
Uncovering answers to your Driva journey
If not we’re always happy to hear from you directly. Feel free to try us on contact@driva.co.nz or 0800 033 163
About Driva
We're new, and we want to tell you all about us
What is Driva?
We’re a digital car and personal loan platform that matches customers with lenders. In plain English, that means we help you navigate the long list of banks & lenders so that you can find the best rate for any occasion based on your personal situation.
We work with lenders all day every day, so you don’t have to. This means we can give you personalised rates from multiple lenders all in one place. It also means no threat of hidden fees or an interest rate that changes just before you sign the contract.
Is Driva a lender?
Driva is not a lender. Our mission is to guide you through the existing lenders in the market.
Rather than adding another name to the long list of lenders, we aim to simplify the process for you. We help you identify which lender from our panel will approve your loan at the lowest available repayment and that best suits your needs at any given time.
Is Driva trustworthy?
We believe so, but you don’t have to take our word for it.
Many of our customers do, which is why we’re rated "Excellent" on Trustpilot and have similar 5-star ratings on Google and Product Review. The Australian and New Zealand governments trust us too, as we operate under an Australian Credit Licence (ACL) and are registered as a New Zealand Financial Service Provider (FSPR). This means we are legally bound by regulators to follow strict compliance rules, ensuring that we adhere to the highest standards.
What can Driva assist me with?
Whether you need a new set of wheels, financing for large expenses, or funds for a trip around the world, Driva can help.
From commercial equipment and camper vans to trucks and motorbikes, our secured loans offer a diverse lender panel to meet a wide range of automotive needs.
Need to cover other large expenses? Driva's easy unsecured personal loans provide flexibility, allowing you to obtain funds for every occasion, from debt consolidation and medical expenses to holidays and home renovations.
No matter what you need a loan for, Driva's platform simplifies the process and ensures you get the best deal.
Do you handle used cars or private sales?
Absolutely! Our extensive panel of lenders covers both dealership and private sales, as well as new and used vehicles. Whether it’s vintage, used, or new, we can help!
Can Driva help me find a car?
Yes, Driva can connect you with our preferred Asset Specialists, experts in sourcing vehicles nationwide. They can assist Driva customers in accessing great deals on a wide range of used vehicles.
Speak to one of our friendly customer service agents for assistance in finding your next vehicle.
Is there someone I can speak to?
Absolutely! Our friendly and knowledgeable team is available to assist you anytime. Just give us a call at 0800 033 163 with any questions you may have!
Things to know
Important information to be aware of
How do I get my quote?
Simply follow a few online steps to provide your basic details, and you'll instantly receive your lowest repayment quotes from our lender panel. Driva’s platform automatically matches your profile against our lenders’ criteria to determine which loans you’re likely to qualify for and at what interest rate. These rates are personalised to your profile, unlike the generic starting rates you might see elsewhere that can change before you sign the contract.
I've already chosen my car. How long before I can pick it up?
The entire process can be completed as quickly as the same day, but the actual turnaround time for your application will depend on your chosen lender and how quickly you provide the required information and documents.
Our short online application takes only 2 minutes to fill out, and you can see your loan options instantly within your Driva Dashboard.
Once you’ve selected your lender and provided additional details (such as income, employment, and expenses), we will work with your chosen lender to lodge your application. Approval can take anywhere from a few hours to 48 hours, depending on the lender and how quickly you provide information to us. The Driva team works closely with our lending partners to ensure a speedy process, so you can be on the road in no time.
What documents will I need to apply?
To access your Driva Dashboard and get personalised rate estimates, you don’t need to provide any documentation. You can get preliminary loan matches with just some basic information.
When you’re ready to submit a loan application for approval, you’ll typically need your driver’s licence and two most recent payslips. Most lenders also require your last 3 months of bank statements, but with the Driva platform, you can retrieve these digitally. In some cases, we may ask for additional documents, but we’ll keep you informed about what we need and why.
Once approved, if you’re applying for a vehicle loan, all we need is the vehicle sales invoice and proof of comprehensive insurance.
For unsecured personal loans, the process is even easier. After approval, you’ll receive digital contracts for electronic signing, and funds will typically be transferred the same day.
Why do you need information about my financial position?
We understand that a loan application requires a lot of information.
Driva and our lending partners are strictly regulated by the National Consumer Credit Protection Act in Australia and the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act in New Zealand. This is beneficial because it ensures we collect enough information about your financial position (including your income, expenses, and assets) to make a reasonable assessment of the suitability of the loan for your situation.
Rest assured, this information is securely stored and only used to provide credit advice and content to you.
Can I add a co-applicant?
This depends on the lender. Some lenders allow you to add a partner or child as a co-applicant, meaning they will assess both parties’ income and expenses when considering the application.
Keep in mind that some lenders will consider the lower of the two credit scores when calculating your interest rate, so in some cases, you might get a better rate as a single applicant.
If I am applying as a sole applicant, why do you need information about my partner?
Unless you specifically request it, we won’t add your partner as a co-applicant. However, most lenders will still want to know your partner’s employment and income situation. This information is only used to accurately split expenses, and your partner won’t be on the loan contacts (and won’t be liable for the loan repayments.
For example, if you and your partner are renting together and paying $1,000 a month, the lender needs to know that your partner is also earning an income to split this expense 50-50. Rest assured, both your information and your partner’s information are stored securely and used only for this purpose.
I don’t know which car I’m after, can I still get a loan?
Yes, you can get your loan ‘pre-approved’ even if you haven’t chosen your car yet. For secured loans (typically for vehicles from 2008 or newer), the interest rate will be affected by the age of the vehicle you eventually select. When you seek pre-approval, we’ll estimate based on the most likely vehicle age and price range you’re considering.
If you're looking at an older vehicle (typically 2007 or older), we can explore unsecured loan options. This way, you can have funds available before you visit the dealership or private seller, making the process faster and more convenient.
You can always adjust the vehicle details or loan amount later in the process, and getting pre-approval doesn’t commit you to anything.
If I’m approved, where does the money go?
With a secured vehicle, the lenders will send funds directly to your dealership or private seller once they have run the appropriate checks on your vehicle.
If you have requested an unsecured personal loan, the funds will most likely be sent to your account directly at settlement. There are some exceptions to this, such as debt consolidations, where the lender pays funds directly.
How does pre-approval work?
You can get pre-approved for a specific loan amount at an interest rate before committing to a vehicle. This gives you the confidence to shop online or at the dealership. Even if you don’t know the final amount or exact vehicle you want, we can still get you pre-approved and update the final amount and vehicle details before settlement.
Once you’ve been pre-approved, our specialised Settlements team will be able to manage your application and guide you through the settlement stage depending on what stage of your vehicle search you’re in. Once you have locked in a vehicle you’re happy with, your dedicated settlement agent will run through the final steps of settlements which normally require tax invoice, insurance and contract signing.
I’ve changed my mind on what car I want. Do I need to start a new application?
Not at all, your existing application can still be used. It is important you let us know though so we can update your loan accordingly as it can have an impact on the lender and/or interest rate you will be eligible for.
Simply reach out to your assigned Driva Agent, or email us through contact@driva.co.nz
The process
Our platform is quite streamlined. Here's the detailed scoop.
My portal says my status is Referred. What does this mean?
Referred means you’ve passed the Driva assessment process, and your application has been shared with your chosen lender. They will contact you directly from here with updates and to request any further information as needed.
My portal says my status is Lodged. What does this mean?
Lodged means you’ve passed Driva’s credit assessment process, and your application has been shared with your chosen lender for final review. Driva will let you know once we have an update from the lender typically within 24 hours.
My portal says my status is Under Review. What does this mean?
Under Review means your application is with a specialist Driva credit agent for final review and verification of your loan eligibility. We’ll get back to you shortly with either an update or a request for further information to ensure your likelihood of approval is maximised.
My portal says my status is Approved. What does this mean?
Approved means your loan application has been fully approved - you can see final loan details including loan amount and interest rate in your Driva portal.
If you’ve applied for a secured vehicle loan, you will be introduced to a dedicated Settlement Agent to walk you through the final documents (e.g., Vehicle Sales Invoice) before settlement and funds transfer can occur.
If you’ve applied for an unsecured personal loan, you may even receive contracts straight away from your chosen lender for digital signing before funds can transfer.
My portal says my status is Awaiting Documents. What does this mean?
Awaiting Documents means you have completed our digital application form; however, we are still waiting for you to upload a few key documents before our credit assessment can commence. This typically includes your most recent payslips, drivers licence and 3 months of bank statements.
My portal says my status is Withdrawn. How do I proceed?
Withdrawn means your application has been put on hold by Driva - either at your request or because we haven’t heard from you in a little while.
If you’ve applied within the last 90 days and would like to get your application moving again, you can simply email us at contact@driva.co.nz or call us on 0800 033 163 to re-open your application.
If you’ve applied over 90 days ago, you’ll need to start a new application - simply head to dash.driva.com.au
My portal says my status is Declined. What can I do from here?
This means your application has unfortunately not met any of our lender’s credit criteria and we are unable to assist with your loan requirements.
If you’d like to understand why, either refer to the email we sent you that advised of your decline; email us at contact@driva.co.nz or call us at 0800 033 163.
I’m being asked for proof of my partner’s income. Why would you need this?
Unless you specifically request it, we won’t add your partner as a co-applicant. However, most lenders will still want to know your partner’s employment and income situation. This information is only used to accurately split expenses, and your partner won’t be on the loan contacts (and won’t be liable for the loan repayments.
For example, if you and your partner are renting together and paying $1,000 a month, the lender needs to know that your partner is also earning an income to split this expense 50-50. Rest assured, both your information and your partner’s information are stored securely and used only for this purpose.
I'm being asked to provide my banking username and password. Is this safe?
Most lenders in both Australia and New Zealand will ask to see your most recent 90 days of banking conduct to verify your income, expenses and ability to repay the loan you are requesting.
We work with Illion so that you can securely provide your bank statements to us. This requires you to provide your username and password in our secure portal - rest assured, Driva cannot see and does not store any of this login information. It is a secure system run by one of New Zealand’s largest credit bureau’s, Illion, and widely used by New Zealand lenders.
If you still have concerns, please feel free to reach out to us at contact@driva.co.nz or call us on 0800 033 163.
Our lenders
We work with them all day everyday, so you don't have to
Which lenders do you work with?
We work with over 50 different lenders across Australia and New Zealand to provide you with options that suit both the asset you’re considering and your personal situation. We’ve carefully selected our partners to ensure a seamless customer experience and competitive rates across various loan applications.
Lenders price differently for different customers, considering multiple factors when determining loan eligibility and rates. Each lender focuses on different customer attributes and has varying preferences.
With Driva, we do the hard work of finding the most suitable lender and rate for you. Simply enter some basic personal information to see tailored rates from each lender, allowing you to choose the best option for your needs.
Do Driva's lenders charge fees?
Yes, all lenders charge fees, so it's important to consider them when choosing a lender.
With Driva, all lender fees and charges are included in your personalised quotes. The monthly repayment figure you see is exactly what will be deducted from your account each month, fully inclusive of all costs. No more hidden fees!
How does Driva get paid?
Driva charges a brokerage fee based on the total value of the loan, which is included in your quoted monthly repayments. This fee is a minor part of your overall repayment. Additionally, lenders pay us out of their own pocket for referring high-quality customers to them.
You won't encounter any hidden fees from us or our lenders. We pride ourselves on transparency, and you will always see a breakdown of all fees, including our brokerage fee, when you receive your quotes.
Your rates are higher than what your lenders advertise?
While this might seem surprising, many lenders advertise generic rates that can increase when it’s time to sign the loan contract. Driva, however, calculates rates based on your unique circumstances, ensuring transparency and accuracy from the start.
We are so confident in our access to the lowest rates and repayments in the market that for all personal loans and used vehicle loans, Driva offers a Best Rate Promise. If you are approved for a better repayment rate anywhere else, we’ll match it and throw in a $300 gift card.
In the unlikely event we can’t match it, we’ll still give you the $300 voucher, obligation-free! T&C’s apply
What is a comparison rate?
A comparison rate helps you determine the true cost of a loan. It’s important to understand the type of "rate" advertised by a lender. If the "rate" is the interest rate, it won’t include additional fees. However, if the "rate" is the comparison rate, it includes all fees, offering a more transparent and accurate comparison.
At Driva, we clearly specify the comparison rate for every consumer loan, allowing you to see which loan will cost you less. Our tip: rely on the comparison rate or monthly repayment figure instead of the quoted APR or interest rate, as these can be misleading.
What is an APR?
The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) is the annual interest rate quoted by the lender, excluding any fees and charges that may apply to your loan amount.
Be cautious when relying solely on APRs, as they can be misleading without considering additional fees. Comparison rates and monthly repayments often provide a clearer picture when comparing lenders.
What is a balloon payment?
A balloon payment is the final amount you pay at the end of your loan, usually expressed as a percentage of the total loan value.
While a higher balloon payment lowers your monthly repayments, it increases the total interest you pay over the life of the loan. This is because you're deferring the payment of the balloon amount until the end, allowing interest to accrue in the meantime.
If you anticipate your car’s value at the end of the loan will be higher than your balloon payment plus any accrued interest, opting for a balloon payment can help lower your monthly repayments. Otherwise, it’s generally best to avoid balloon payments.
Lenders often cap the maximum balloon payment, especially for older vehicles, to mitigate risk.
Credit score
What it means, and how we protect it
Does my credit score impact my rates?
Yes, your credit score plays a significant role in determining your eligibility for a loan with every lender.
For some lenders, your credit score also affects the interest rate they offer; the higher your score, the better the rate you’ll receive.
Does applying for quotes with Driva impact my credit score?
No, getting your rates with Driva doesn’t impact your credit score. This is one of the key benefits of using Driva instead of applying directly with a lender, where an enquiry is typically recorded on your file immediately.
Your credit score is only affected once you’ve chosen your preferred lender, submitted your final application, been vetted by the Driva team, and given your consent. At this point, your application is shared with the chosen lender, and a full credit report is run. This process ensures that you avoid unnecessary credit inquiries on your file. We only authorise credit checks when we are confident of your high chance of approval and you are ready to proceed.
How does Driva access my credit score without impacting my credit file?
Using the information from your initial enquiry, we perform a “soft credit check” through Equifax in Australia and Equifax and Centrix in New Zealand. This allows us to obtain the credit score that lenders use to price your loan, without recording an enquiry on your credit file.
How can I view my credit score and credit history?
Your credit score is a single number summarising your credit history, used by lenders to decide your loan eligibility and, in some cases, the interest rate. You can check your credit score for free with one of our partners.
To understand the details behind your credit score, you’ll need to access your full credit history. You can obtain this for free directly from Equifax on their website.
For advice on improving your credit score and the loan rates you can access, feel free to email us at contact@driva.co.nz or call us at 0800 033 163.
I think my credit score or credit history is inaccurate, can you help?
We can only access the information provided by Equifax on your credit file and cannot make any amendments or lodge resolution requests on your behalf.
If you believe your credit score is incorrect, you can work directly with Equifax to resolve the issue via the Equifax corrections portal.