How Old can a Car be for PCO in 2025?
Working as a PCO driver in London requires you to meet a specific criteria your car should meet. If you are already a driver in London or trying to become one, you must know the vehicle requirements for PCO. How old can a car be for PCO is the most common question asked by drivers. This article will answer this question with a detailed description.
Key Takeaways
- Your car must be under 10 years old.
- Newer cars are better for many reasons, such as good fuel –efficiency, engine condition, etc.
- Newer cars experience lower insurance premiums than older cars
Car Age Requirement for PCO Licence
TfL implemented car age requirements in January 2012. According to this requirement:
- Your car must be under 10 years old.
In April 2012, TfL updated this requirement. According to updated policy,
- Your car must be under 5 years old.
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Why Car Age Matters for PCO Approval
TfL added car age requirements to its policies for several reasons. These reasons are mentioned below.
- Newer cars have advanced safety features, ensuring safer rides for both driver and passenger.
- TfL promotes low-emission cars to reduce carbon footprints, and most of the newer cars are Zero Emission Capable (ZEC), such as EVs.
- Newer cars are modern, and they are more reliable than older ones, eliminating breakdown incidents.
- Customer satisfaction is another point that TfL considers, and newer cars meet the riders’ expectations by offering advanced features.
The Effect of Car Age on Insurance
Older cars are highly susceptible to breakdown due to lower reliability. They are less safe for drivers and passengers in case of accidents. Therefore, insurance companies charge high premiums when dealing with old cars. Hence, newer cars can save much on insurance expenses compared to older ones.
New Vs Used Cars
Money matters when choosing between a new and used car for PCO. Newer cars can reduce the cost of maintenance and repairs. However, used vehicles can reduce the down payment. What you should choose depends on your pocket range & needs.
If you have enough savings for an initial deposit to rent a new car, you must go for it. It offers many benefits, such as customer satisfaction, fuel efficiency, good engine condition, lower emissions, etc. However, if you are considering a used car due to less savings for an initial deposit, you must inspect the used car before renting it. Going with a newer car is a better option since it helps drivers get relief from many additional expenses that older cars experience.
Does a Newer Car Increase Your Earnings
A newer car substantially affects your earnings for obvious reasons stated below:
- As discussed earlier, newer cars are more reliable than older ones. This way, they can reduce downtime, letting you keep moving consistently.
- Similarly, they offer fuel efficiency, enabling you to cut down operational costs and keep more of your income.
- They offer a highly relaxing experience and ensure the satisfaction of passengers. As a result, you receive handsome tips.
- Furthermore, most newer cars are exempt from ULEZ charge because they have low emissions and are generally more environmentally friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does TfL have a car age requirement for PCO drivers?
The TFL wants to promote safety, low emissions, and customer satisfaction. All of this is only possible with newer cars as they have advanced features that meet the evolving TFL requirements.
What if my car is older than 10 years?
You need to change your car if it is older than 10 years to keep working as a PCO driver in London.
Can I use a car older than 10 years for ride-hailing if it meets emission standards?
You can’t use a car which is over 10 years old for ride-hailing even if it meets emission standards. You need a PCO licence to drive your vehicle on any ride-hailing platform, and TfL only gives a licence to cars under 10 years old.
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