Is Private Hire Driving Worth It?
Platforms like Uber and Bolt have transformed travelling, as passengers no longer need to wait for a taxi or bus on the roadside. They can simply book rides through a few taps on their phones.
In addition to making life easy for passengers, the ride-hailing platforms have also created earning opportunities for drivers. Currently, over 100,000 people work as private hire drivers in London. Many of these drivers get vehicles through PCO car hire plans and love their jobs because they offer an escape from rigid schedules.
However, is a flexible routine enough to make private hire driving your permanent career? Let’s explore the answer below.
Article Highlights
This article covers:
- Brief overview of private hire driving
- Pros of private hire driving
- Important considerations
Kia eNiro
£125/week
Kia Niro 2
£260/week
Mercedes Benz EQE
£325/week
Mercedes E300 2025
£375/week
Mercedes-Benz E300e
£320/week
Toyota Prius
£200/week
What Is Private Hire Driving?
Private hire driving involves transporting paying passengers by a TfL-compliant car. All private hire journeys are booked through apps of licensed operators like Uber and Bolt. This rule is what separates private hire drivers from traditional taxi drivers. Taxis can pick up passengers from the streets without pre-bookings and use designated ranks. Private hire drivers cannot do this. That would be against the law.
Another difference between these two services is that private hire apps show fares before the trips start. On the other hand, traditional taxi drivers tell their passengers about fares at the end of the ride, depending on time and distance.
Also Read: Taxis vs Private Hire Vehicles: What’s the Difference?
Pros of Private Hire Driving
There are many advantages of being a PCO driver, including:
Flexible Working Hours
A flexible schedule is the main advantage of this job. Unlike traditional jobs where you work fixed hours, PCO driving allows you to choose when to work. You can also control the duration of your shift to fit in other tasks. For instance, you can drive after dropping your children off at school.
If you are a student, you can drive outside your study hours. Similarly, an early riser can work during mornings while night owls can drive during evening hours.
This freedom also extends to your personal life. You can take a day off without asking a manager or attend a doctor’s appointment without filing a request. This type of independence is not possible through a traditional job.
Get on the Road with Fleeto!
Explore our flexible plans and maximise your earnings.
Potential to Earn Well
Drivers who plan their shifts well can earn around £1,000 or more per week before expenses.
The most lucrative times for PCO drivers are peak hours and weekend nights. The demand for drivers significantly increases during these times. As a result, platforms like Uber and Bolt implement higher fares. A short trip can pay like a long ride during peak hours.
Over time, you will learn which trips and hours are most profitable in London.
Be Your Own Boss
As a PCO driver, no supervisor watches over you, and no manager dictates your break times.
Your main responsibility is to provide a quality service. The booking platform will connect with passengers. Also, there is no corporate ladder to climb. Your performance is measured by your service quality and customer ratings. So, focus on keeping your passengers happy to receive positive feedback.
Ready to drive on your own terms? Fleeto offers the best PCO car hire plans to help start your independent driving journey. Hire a reliable, compliant PCO car from Fleeto and turn the key on your freedom. Keep customers happy, earn positive feedback, and improve your reputation with every trip. Start driving and earning today.
Opportunities for Growth
PCO driving offers clear paths for progression. The most direct path is upgrading your vehicle. Many drivers who start with a standard car upgrade to executive vehicles or 7-seaters to drive for Uber Exec or UberXL. These services charge passengers higher fares to increase driver earnings per trip.
Some experienced drivers also expand their operations and manage small fleets of vehicles. They rent them out to other drivers to create a passive income stream, while they continue to drive themselves part-time.
Also Read: Uber Driver Earnings in London: Everything You Need to Know
Important Things to Consider
Your operating costs can consume a large portion of your income. For instance, fuel is a major weekly expense. Its prices often go up and rarely come down, so you should consider driving a PHEV or EV to avoid rising fuel costs.
London’s emission charges also impact your profits. The £15 Congestion Charge applies daily on non-electric vehicles in Central London. From 2 January 2025, it will increase to £18 and also apply to EVs.
Similarly, the £12.50 ULEZ charge affects non-compliant vehicles. All these costs add up and create a high financial barrier to making adequate profits.
Start Earning Today.
So, Is PCO Driving Worth It?
The answer depends entirely on your circumstances and approach. Success in private hire driving requires a strategic mindset. You need to manage costs and learn which hours and routes are most profitable.
If you don’t own a car, a PCO car hire plan can help you get started without hefty initial costs. However, you must still earn enough to cover your weekly hire fee comfortably.
Your personality also determines your success. If you can stay organised without a boss and love new challenges, you can build a thriving career in this field.
Also Read: Best Ride-Hailing Apps in London for Drivers in 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a private hire driver and a taxi driver?
Private hire drivers can only take pre-booked trips through the apps of licensed operators like Uber or Bolt, while taxi drivers can pick up passengers directly from the street or taxi ranks.
How much can private hire drivers earn in London?
Earnings vary depending on hours worked, location, and timing. Many full-time drivers earn around £1,000 or more per week before expenses by focusing on peak hours and high-demand areas.
Is it better to hire or buy a PCO car?
Hiring is ideal if you want to avoid large upfront payments and maintenance responsibilities. Buying suits drivers planning to work long-term and who can manage ongoing insurance and maintenance costs. Fleeto’s flexible hire and rent-to-buy plans offer both options.
What are the biggest challenges private hire drivers face?
Common challenges include long working hours, rising operating costs, competition for rides, and maintaining high passenger ratings to build a positive reputation on the platform.
How flexible is private hire driving as a career?
It’s one of the most flexible jobs in London. You choose your working hours and decide when to take time off. It’s perfect for students, parents, or anyone who values independence.
Suggested Blogs
To get more information like this
Subscribe to our newsletter
Ready to Hit the Road? Explore Fleeto’s Flexible Plans and Start Earning!
Our driver-friendly PCO hire and rent-to-buy plans make it easy to get a TfL-compliant car and start working as a PCO driver. With manageable fees and fast approvals, you can pick your preferred car and drive away within minutes.
