---
title: "Instant bookings vs. preorders: what drivers need to know"
description: "Learn the difference between instant booking and pre-orders."
url: https://help.light.onde.app/en/articles/60-instant-bookings-vs-preorders-what-drivers-need-to-know
collection: "Driver app"
updated: 2026-11-01
language: en
alternates: [es]
---

# Instant bookings vs. preorders: what drivers need to know

Learn the difference between instant booking and pre-orders.

The system offers two types of ride requests:

-   Instant bookings – for immediate ride requests.
    
-   Preorders – for rides scheduled in advance.
    

**Instant bookings**

Instant bookings are created when a customer needs a ride right away. These requests:

-   Are assigned to drivers via the Intelligent Queue Algorithm.
    
-   Are shown only to drivers within their working radius and the company's operational area.
    
-   Trigger a short sound alert and a 10-second escalating ringtone.
    
-   Appear with a green screen in the app.
    

![Ride request offer screen shows a route with three stops, fare and distance, pickup and drop-off details, and a notice that pickup is outside the selected radius. Visible: 5 min, 3.5 km, 1.3, Classic, ~ 15.50 USD, Center 2919, Richmond State.](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/helparticle/20261029101505_9935.png)

**Preorders**

Preorders are scheduled rides that customers book in advance. These bookings:

-   Are sent to 500 drivers within the operational area, regardless of their location.
    
-   Can be received even if a driver is off shift (unless the "Receive preorders while off shift" setting is disabled).
    
-   Trigger a short sound alert and a 10-second escalating ringtone.
    
-   Appear with a turquoise screen in the app.
    
-   Can be accepted immediately or later via the "Preorders" tab.
    
-   Stay in the notification panel until manually removed, even if another driver accepts them.
    

![Airport transfer request screen shows a route map, trip details, and a Swipe to accept control. Visible: See later, Nov 22, 19:38, Airport transfer, 15.50 USD, Center 2919, Richmond State, Shopping Mall “Giant”, Dubai Mall.](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/helparticle/20261029101505_8723.png)