How to Get Started with PCO Car Hire in London?
Every day, thousands of people in London rely on Uber, Bolt, and other ride-hailing platforms to meet their travelling needs. This makes ride-hailing a lucrative career path for those who have a knack for driving and working on their own terms.
However, not many people are aware of how to get started. Some believe they need to own a car first, while others simply don’t know where to look.
In this article, we will explain how to get started with PCO car hire in London to help you get on the road and start earning fast. But first, we will discuss what PCO car hire actually is.
What is PCO Car Hire?
PCO car hire is the process of renting a private hire vehicle for ride hailing. These vehicles are fully licensed, insured, and approved by TfL (Transport for London) for private hire work.
This option is ideal for people who don’t have the funds to buy a car outright but want to start earning immediately.
How to Get Started?
Here’s a list of steps you need to follow to get started with PCO vehicle hire in London:
Step 1: Get a PCO Licence
Having a PCO licence is essential to hire a car. Even if you have a UK driving licence, you will need a PCO licence separately. Otherwise, you won’t be able to drive legally for Uber, Bolt and other ride-hailing platforms.
Getting a PCO licence is not difficult. Here’s what you need to do:
- Be 21 or older
- Hold a valid UK driving licence (minimum 3 years)
- Complete an enhanced DBS check
- Pass a medical exam
- Pass the TfL topographical skills test
- Meet the English language requirements
You will have to wait for 8-12 weeks to receive your licence after applying.
Step 2: Choose a Reputable PCO Car Hire Company
The PCO car hire company you choose plays a crucial role in your success as a PCO driver. Therefore, it’s essential that you choose the right car provider to avoid many headaches. The right company supports you at every step of your journey so you can deliver quality service to passengers. However, if you end up choosing the wrong company, your journey will be full of stress and frustration.
So, when choosing a car provider, take your time, compare options, and make sure their values align with your business goals. Here are some qualities of reliable PCO car providers in London:
- Fully licensed and ULEZ-compliant vehicles
- Affordable weekly rental rates
- Fair insurance policies
- Maintenance and servicing included
- Breakdown support
- Low deposits
Step 3: Pick the Right Vehicle
Many drivers choose wrong cars that can’t handle the demands of their job. As a result, they struggle to reach their earning goals.
When searching for a PCO car in the market, choose one that meets all TfL requirements. While looks and comfort matter as well, if the car you choose doesn’t meet TfL’s requirements, no matter how good it looks or how comfortable it is, you can’t legally offer rides to passengers.
An ideal PCO car is ULEZ compliant, less than 10 years old, and has at least four doors. If you drive a car that doesn’t comply with ULEZ regulations, you will have to pay £12.50 ULEZ charges per day. Let’s assume you drive 5 days a week, that’s £62.50 per week and £270.83 per month.
Step 4: Sign the Rental Agreement
After you have received your PCO licence, picked the right company, and chosen the right vehicle, the next step is to sign the contract. Take your time to understand every clause. Rushing through the process could lead you to sign a contract that doesn’t align with your goals.
Here are some things to look for when signing the contract:
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- Weekly rental cost: There should be no hidden costs or add-ons that might inflate the cost over time.
- Insurance coverage: Make sure you are getting comprehensive insurance which covers you from all angles.
- Breakdown policy: The company should provide 24/7 breakdown assistance so you are never left stranded.
- Mileage limits: The contract should include no or high mileage cap so you can do your job without stress.
- Return terms and conditions: Some companies require you to return the car with a full tank, while some charge extra fees if the car is returned in dirty condition. Make sure you have a clear understanding of return terms and conditions to avoid any surprises.
Step 5: You are Ready to Drive
The next and final step is to choose a ride-hailing platform like Uber, Bolt, etc. and upload the required documents to it. The documents typically include your PCO licence, PHV licence, MOT certificate, and details of private hire insurance. Most of these documents are provided by the PCO hire company. However, you will be the one uploading them so make sure to do it correctly.
If you provide incomplete documents, your application could be rejected. So, double-check everything before hitting ‘submit’ to avoid any delays.
Tip: If you want to focus on airport runs and group travellers, we recommend choosing a 7 seater car hire as these cars are bigger and allow you to serve more passengers/accommodate more luggage.
Conclusion
Getting started with PCO car hire in London is simple. You just have to become familiar with the process and take one step at a time. If you meet the necessary requirements and make informed decisions during the process, you can start driving within a matter of days.
So, carefully follow the instructions we mentioned in this article and good luck with the process.
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