GPS Driver ID Setup: Automatic Driver Identification for Fleet Trackers
Updated: Sep 8
Setting up GPS Driver ID correctly starts with matching the tracker, keypad or reader, and driver workflow. This guide explains automatic driver identification for fleets using Teltonika, Queclink and related hardware.
Driver identification turns a GPS tracker from a tool that tells you where a vehicle went into one that tells you who was driving it. Setting it up is straightforward once you understand the parts involved: a compatible tracker, a driver identification keypad or tag, and a few minutes of configuration. This guide walks through how to set up driver identification on a GPS tracker, step by step, whatever fleet you run.
What You Need to Identify Drivers
Two pieces of hardware make driver identification work: the GPS tracker already fitted to the vehicle, and a driver ID input device — usually a keypad. The keypad lets each driver enter a personal PIN, or tap a card or tag, so the tracker can stamp every trip with the right driver. Before buying, confirm your tracker supports driver ID and which connection method it uses. For a full comparison of the options, see our Driver ID Keypad Guide: PIN vs BLE vs iButton & RFID.
Step 1: Choose a Driver Identification Method
There are four common methods — PIN keypad, Bluetooth (BLE), iButton and RFID — and each suits a different fleet. PIN keypads are the most practical for shared and pool vehicles because there is no token to lose. BLE keypads avoid wiring. iButton and RFID use a physical token. Our keypad comparison guide breaks down the trade-offs in detail.
Step 2: Pick a Compatible Keypad
Match the keypad to your tracker and environment. For rugged, outdoor vehicles, a wired IP68 unit like the STL-1307 is a solid choice; for dual PIN-and-card flexibility, the GC-2673 adds a 13.56 MHz NFC reader; and to avoid running cables, the NN-21382 BLE keypad pairs wirelessly. You can see the full line-up on our driver identification keypad range.
Step 3: Wire or Pair the Keypad to the Tracker
Wired keypads connect over the 1-Wire (iButton) interface — trackers such as the Teltonika FMB225 expose a 1-Wire data line for exactly this. Bluetooth keypads pair wirelessly with BLE-capable units like the Teltonika FMT100. Wired installs are permanent and tamper-resistant; BLE installs are faster and cleaner. Follow your tracker's wiring diagram, and keep the keypad within easy reach of the driver.
Step 4: Assign Driver PINs and Configure Your Platform
In your telematics platform, create a driver record for each person and assign a unique PIN or tag ID. Enable driver authentication in the device configuration so the tracker expects an ID at the start of each trip. Optionally, set the tracker to warn — or immobilise — if no valid ID is entered, which prevents unauthorised use.
Step 5: Test and Roll Out
Before fitting the whole fleet, test one vehicle end to end: enter a PIN, drive, and confirm the trip is attributed to the right driver in your platform. Once it works, replicate the configuration across the fleet. Pre-configured hardware makes a large rollout far quicker — ask your supplier whether keypads and trackers can be shipped ready to install.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardware do I need for driver identification?
A GPS tracker that supports driver ID, plus a driver identification keypad or tag. The keypad connects to the tracker over 1-Wire or Bluetooth and lets each driver enter a PIN.
How does a driver ID keypad connect to a GPS tracker?
Wired keypads use the 1-Wire (iButton) interface; Bluetooth keypads pair wirelessly over BLE. Your tracker's supported method determines which keypad to choose.
Can I use the same keypad with any tracker brand?
Most keypads support major brands — Teltonika, Queclink, Ruptela and Digital Matter — as long as the connection method matches. Always confirm compatibility before ordering.
How do drivers log in?
Each driver enters their unique PIN on the keypad, or taps a card or tag, at the start of a shift. The tracker records the ID alongside the trip data.
Can driver identification prevent unauthorised vehicle use?
Yes. When paired with a tracker that supports immobilisation, the keypad can prevent the vehicle from starting until a valid PIN is entered.
Get Driver Identification Right First Time
Setting up driver identification comes down to matching a keypad to your tracker, wiring or pairing it, and assigning PINs in your platform. Tracking Hardware UK supplies driver ID keypads and compatible GPS trackers from stock, pre-configured on request. Browse our driver identification keypad range → or get in touch to confirm compatibility.
Related Hardware
Related hardware from UK stock: iButton readers, NFC readers and Driver identification systems.
Complete Driver Identification Kits Guide
This article is part of our driver identification content hub. For the full buying framework, hardware comparison and deployment checklist, read the complete Driver Identification Kits guide.
Useful next steps for choosing hardware
For the full commercial options, start with the Driver Identification Kits guide and the live driver identification keypad page before choosing PIN, RFID, iButton or BLE.
For fleets outside the UK or with shared vehicles across depots, the Driver Identification for African fleets guide covers accountability and practical rollout choices.
Hardware needed before Driver ID setup
Before configuring Driver ID in the platform, confirm the physical hardware first. Start with the Driver Identification Keypad range and match the keypad to the tracker, vehicle type and driver workflow.
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