What are the best cars for Uber driving in the UK? There’s a lot to consider, from all fuel efficiency to comfort, safety, and maintenance, as well as how the vehicle appears on the road. Choosing the greatest Uber cars in London may be a difficult decision and one that should not be made quickly.

The car industry provides users with thousands of options, which may be both a benefit and a curse when deciding which car is ideal for your Uber employment.

What are the qualities of the best Uber cars?

When evaluating the greatest Uber cars, the rider’s pleasure is the first thought that springs to mind. However, your driving performance is the basis of this — chrome and leather are only the base of the iceberg when it comes to consistently getting five-star driver evaluations and tips.

What you really need is a helpful instrument that will get you through this without a hitch while keeping as much money in your pocket as possible. Here are some things to check for when selecting a car for Uber driving:

1. Excellent fuel economy

The most expensive element of any car’s operation is the energy required to move it, whether it has a demanding petrol engine, a sophisticated electric motor, or some form of hybrid technology beneath the bonnet. Each category has benefits and drawbacks that make it suited for diverse applications, but one thing is certain: the more you move towards full-electric, the reduced your daily energy costs will be.

2. Low or fixed-price service expenses

Given how much you drive, you’ll need to get the car serviced two or three times per year, so economical servicing is essential.

Korean and Japanese vehicles are known for their high build quality and fairly cost replacement parts, making them an excellent long-term investment. Moreover, as diesel fuel has been around longer than most EVs and PHEVs, maintaining these vehicles is often easier and less expensive.

How much would vehicle maintenance cost in the UK?

This certainly depends on a variety of things, like how frequently you use your car, your driving style, and even sheer luck, but on average, the servicing of the most popular Uber cars costs around £500-£550 per year, or around £10 per week.

How frequently do vehicles in the UK get serviced?

Your car should preferably be serviced once a year or after 10-12,000 miles. However, if you take good care of your car and constantly take it in for a short check anytime anything doesn’t seem right, you may be able to escape with a more reasonable basic service as well.

We suggest minor but regular check-ups since they are less expensive in the long term and less of a financial burden than an unusual but significant general maintenance.

What is the distinction between a basic and a comprehensive vehicle service?

A basic vehicle service includes a periodic check to identify any faults and taking care of the components that wear out or get used up the most regularly as you drive the vehicle. These include oil and other fluids, filters, wiper blades, and so forth. Annual tyre replacements are also part of the standard service regimen.

A complete service covers everything in a basic service as well as a more thorough examination, such as engine diagnostics, suspension reconditioning, fuel filter replacement, and other repairs depending on the car’s overall condition.

3. High resale value

It’s just the nature of vehicles: they’re depreciating assets, which means their value begins to decline the moment they leave the dealership. It is directly related to age and mileage however, various models deteriorate at varying rates regardless of how much or how less you drive.

According to Autocar’s top 13 rankings, Mini cars have the highest residual value on the UK market, followed by – mostly expensive – European automakers. Consequently, their ranges do not currently include a wide range of hybrid and electric vehicles, especially in the inexpensive family car sector, which accounts for the majority of the finest Uber cars in London.

However, several Asian automakers who produce some of the most popular Uber vehicles are also one of the slower-depreciating brands. Kia tops the field, with cars losing less than 60% of their value after 34,700 miles on average, with Nissan close behind at just over 63 % depreciation at the same distance. According to Autocar, a Toyota model would lose nearly three-quarters of its value in comparable circumstances.

How can I reduce vehicle depreciation?

Although it is hard to avoid, selecting a model that maintains its worth well is the best method to avoid depreciation. Regarding the volume of riders entering and leaving your Uber car, it’s ideal to choose a vehicle with a strong interior made of high-quality synthetic materials that won’t degrade soon.

4. Ample space

Spacious vehicles are quickly becoming an industry-standard in ridesharing. Many vehicles would be good in city traffic but have minimal to practically no boot space if the front seats are pushed back to a comfortable position. These may be acceptable for delivering the kids to school in the morning, but passenger comfort should be among the highest priorities when selecting a vehicle for Uber driving.

5. Affordability of insurance

In the UK, Uber promotes itself as a mass transit firm rather than a private hire company, therefore they regard you as an independent consultant. This implies they will not be engaged in your car insurance.

This leaves you with the responsibility of ensuring that you have enough insurance coverage. In addition, if you drive for Uber, your standard auto insurance will not protect you in the case of an accident. A private hire insurance policy, on the other hand, is not inexpensive; it may cost anywhere between £2,000 and £4,000 per year, depending on the age of the car, the distance has driven each year, and your driving history.

Every month, Arrow Car Hire with hundreds of PCO drivers. We have heard of every inquiry and query under the sun, so now we are giving back to PCO drivers everywhere by offering the best PCO driver advice.

Understand the Manufacturer’s Instructions

Every new PCO vehicle comes with an official handbook that includes advice for regular maintenance. The manufacturer cannot force you to do so, but we highly advise you to use it.

Among other things, the manual teaches you how to:

• Change the oil and how often to choose; and

• Ensure your fluids are the perfect colour and level.

Verifying When Your MOT And Services Are Due

PCO vehicles require MOT every 6 months and a service every 10,000 miles. Please verify your mileage so that when the time comes, Arrow Car Hire can bring you in and get your car serviced as quickly as possible, reducing any time off the road.

Your Tires Must Be Serviced

The technique for assessing damaged tyres is simple, and the tread pattern requirements. Around the entire circle, the central three-quarters of your tyre must have at least 1.6mm of traction. If you have less than 1.6mm, you are harming yourself, your passengers, and other road users, and your risk of large penalty.

Using a 10-cent coin is the quickest way to check your tyre’s ground clearance. The coin’s outer rim is around 1.6mm thick, so if you can see any rim, you’ll need a new tyre

Pay Attention to Your Vehicle

Your PCO vehicle is the device that keeps you moving and earning money. Know how to interpret the signals so you can better understand your vehicle and when it needs to be serviced. When braking, keep a lookout for particular noises that might show a problem with your brakes. On flat roads, would your steering wheel shake more than usual? This indicates that danger is on the way. Basically, if anything feels or sounds off, it probably is.

Practice Safe Driving Habits

Take care of your PCO vehicle. Don’t expect to get from zero to sixty in three seconds. Slow starts reduce engine strain while bringing down fuel consumption. Excessive braking will reduce your mileage and damage your automobile in the long term.

Maintain your car Clean Inside and out

Maintain a regular cleaning service for your vehicle. In the summer, your PCO car’s front and bottom will collect road debris such as hot asphalt, dirt, and bugs, and in the winter, ice. Your PCO vehicle will suffer physical damage. When it comes to the interior, keeping it clean will not only provide a more pleasant experience for you and your clients but will also increase its residual value when the time comes to sell it.

As a hired car driver, it’s critical that you keep yourself in excellent shape. Everything from eating healthily to driving with proper posture may have a big influence on your long-term health. That’s why the Otto Car team has compiled a list of quick and easy suggestions for long-term success!

Driver Exhaustion

Driver weariness is one of the most serious health and safety issues in the road transportation industry. The Highway Code suggests taking a 15-minute rest every two hours. The maximum duration of time without a break from driving should be two hours. Following these principles will assist to prevent driver weariness and errors.

Eating Healthily

You may be working extra time while on the road, and eating healthy may be difficult to come across. It is critical to eat properly since not only can diet affect your health, but it can also affect your driving ability. The simpler choice is to eat at a fast-food restaurant for something quick and hearty, but this is not a good choice in the long term.

Consider taking a home-cooked dinner or drinks with you to work. Bring a cold bag and some ice packs. This strategy not only saves you money but also gives you more control over what you eat and ensures that you’re receiving plenty of vitamins instead of absorbing an excess of salt and saturated fats common in fast food.

Almonds and bananas are great for eating because they provide energy as well as a variety of long-term health advantages. It’s also a good idea to include a couple of bottles of water in the cold bag. Remember to keep hydrated, as dehydration can impair mental function and cause mistakes on the road.

Driver Convenience

Driving (especially for long periods of time) puts a massive strain on the neck and upper and lower back. Please follow these easy methods to increase your driving posture.

• Begin by pushing your seat all the way back, lowering it as low as possible to the floor, then relaxing it 30-40 degrees.

• Next, raise the seat so that you can view the road and equipment properly and your hips are as high as your knees. If you’re seated too low, consider adding a cushion or wedge to your seat. This can help reduce road vibrations, which has been found to contribute to damage. Ensure you don’t get too high and have to lean your head down or to the side.

• Adjust the seat forward where you can reach and press all of the foot pedals without moving away from the seatback.

• Stretch your back until it is relaxed at a 100-110 degree angle. This reduces strain on your low back’s discs. Adjust your headrest so that it fits in the centre of your head. Set the spinal support so that your back is pushed evenly. This should be helpful and relaxing. If your vehicle lacks adequate lumbar support, a lumbar cushion can be fitted.

• Adjust the seat cushion so that it properly supports your entire leg without exerting pressure in specific regions and does not rest on the back of your knees. If it pushes unevenly, it might limit circulation and create leg pain.

• Bring the steering wheel closer upon you to reduce length and stress on your body. The less you extend forward up with your arms, the less tension on your neck and upper back.

• Adjust the mirrors now. Though you begin to slump or get into a terrible position, the mirrors will feel as if they need to be adjusted and will tell you to sit back up.

The Public Carriage Office (PCO) is a component of Public transport (TfL). A PCO licence is required for rideshare drivers to begin working with Uber and similar platforms such as Bolt, Uber, Ola, or FREE NOW; it is essentially a driver’s licence.

1. Ensure that you are authorized for a PCO licence
2. Pass an upgraded DBS check
3. Schedule a medical examination
4. Take the Language test offered by TfL
5. Apply online application for a PCO licence
6. Complete the topographical test
7. Start to earn a flexible income today.

The formal name is PH (Private Hire) Driver License however, most people refer to it simply as a PCO licence. Don’t be perplexed by this.

To assist you in obtaining your PCO Licence in London, we’ve highlighted 7 stages below.

1. Ensure that you are authorized for a PCO licence.

To be available for a PCO licence, you must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Have at least three years of driving experience in the UK.

2. Be at least 21 years old.

3. Have legal permission to work in the United Kingdom

If you meet these requirements, you must have the following documents accessible and in good condition:

• UK driver’s licence (at least 3 years of driving experience)

• Passport

• National insurance number

• Address proof (bank statement/utility bill issued within the last 3 months)

• English language qualification certified by TfL – B1 or higher level

• DVLA Check Code, also known as an Electronic Equivalents Code.

• Additional documentation if you have changed your name or lived in another country in the last three years.

• Your debit or credit card in order to make the required payments

2. Pass an upgraded DBS check

TfL advises that in case of applying for a PCO licence, you must be of great character, hence you must submit to a Knowledge and Barring Service enhanced criminal records check (DBS).

Although DBS checks are only valid for three months, signing up for the DBS update service may save you time and money over the long term. This allows you to maintain your DBS certificate current while also enabling employers to access it online with your permission. This costs only £13, which is far less than the £60 fee you’d normally have to pay for each new background check.        

3. Schedule a medical examination

To obtain a PCO licence, you must be medically stable, which means you must meet the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s Group 2 standards (DVLA).

You must print and fill out the TPH/204 medical forms. Contact your Family Physician so they may sign the form and validate the accuracy of the information you gave.

Confirm that your local GP performs eye exams; otherwise, you’ll have to do it independently.

4. Take the Language test offered by TfL.

To work as an Uber driver in London, TfL requires a good knowledge of the English language. You can apply your language skills directly to TfL if you already know them. Otherwise, you must take the TfL English test.

Everything you need to know about the TfL English examination.

To begin using Uber and similar platforms like Bolt, Ola, or FREE NOW, you should first obtain a PCO license from TfL. Passing the TfL English test and proving that your English is good enough to be an on-demand driver are both necessary steps in earning that licence.

5. Apply online application for a PCO licence.

Once you’ve finished the credit check, had the medical test, and have verification of your English language skills, you’re ready to submit your PCO licencing application online.

Note: Once the application is launched, there will be no “Go Back” option, thus it is critical to read and select the correct answers at each stage of the procedure.

6. Complete the topographical test

You will be allowed to complete a topographical (map-reading) test with TfL once you have filed your Private Hire Driver licence or PCO application.

7. Start to earn a flexible income today.

If you’ve done all of the above procedures, you’re ready to make money with on-demand platforms. It is entirely up to you which one you choose however, we recommend joining up for various ridesharing and delivery apps to make the most of your working hours and optimize your earnings.

If you’re concerned about fuel expenses, want to minimize your driving’s environmental effect or both, you’re probably wondering what the simplest things you can do to decrease fuel consumption are.

Fuel usage and energy consumption are increasing at an alarming rate. The world’s fuel usage has more than doubled since 1970.

Small changes to your aggressive driving, as well as additional care for your vehicle and how you may utilise it, are the primary variables that will considerably cut fuel consumption. It will save you money and time that you would otherwise spend taking further rides as an Uber driver on London’s crowded roads.

Driving an electric vehicle is the most secure option. However, if your current option is petrol or diesel, here are a few simple tips to help you increase your car’s fuel economy and save money in the process.

1. Continuous vehicle maintenance

• Replace the engine oil

A strong engine is also the least expensive engine. To improve fuel efficiency, check and change your engine oil on a regular basis.

• Check the tyre pressure

If your tyres are underinflated, you will experience more rolling resistance, therefore greater fuel consumption. Confirm the pressure in your tyres at least once a month.

• Replace the engine air filters.

Remember to maintain your air filters clean and replace these at least as frequently as your owner’s instructions recommend. This will keep your engine from seizing and will help you save money on fuel.

2. Driving style and performance

• Accelerate gradually instead of aggressively

When you accelerate rapidly, your engine not only works overtime but also requires a lot more fuel. Because your engine consumes less fuel when it moves at a slower, applying the accelerator foot softly at all times can help you save money on fuel.

• Gently apply the brakes.

When you apply the brakes, you are also prepared to accelerate again, which increases your fuel usage. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and use the brake carefully.

• Make sure you’re driving in the proper gear.

This is one of the main causes of excess fuel use, especially in congested urban locations like London. Driving in the highest gear available while maintaining within the speed limit can significantly reduce the amount of fuel your vehicle uses since your engine will do fewer revolutions per minute (RPM) each time.

• Drive at a constant speed.

Driving slowly may save you anything between 12-14 % on fuel. It’s also a lot safer because you have more time to prepare and better analyse your environment. This should be simpler as an Uber driver in London.

Efficient and preventative driving is one of the most effective strategies to drastically reduce fuel consumption and save money.

• Turn off your engine while it is idle.

Turn off your engine if you are waiting for passengers for more than a minute or two, or if you are stopped at railway crossings or in heavy traffic. This might help you save up to 19% on fuel while also preventing premature engine damage.

Excessive idling also causes incomplete combustion and lubrication, which consumes oil and deposits fuel residues on cylinder walls, spark plugs, and the exhaust system. This causes early wear and gumming, which reduces your car’s fuel economy.

• Weight Reduce

Making your automobile as light as possible by getting rid of any unwanted components is one of the simplest ways to minimise fuel usage. To give you an idea, adding 50 kg to your car increases fuel consumption by 2%.

• Make one round-journey rather than multiple short trips.

This is excellent advice, especially if you are an Uber driver. Rather than frequent cold starts, the engine will run more efficiently after it has warmed up. Consider combining trips to save money and mileage.

•Select the most fuel-efficient route.

Preventing traffic, especially during rush hour, puts a lot of strain on your engine and, as a result, increases fuel consumption. Depending on the current traffic conditions, use driver applications to select the optimal route for your pick-ups and destinations.

Because the clutches is a frequent victim of stop-and-go traffic, avoiding rush-hour congestion will also save you a lot of money on repair costs.

3. Use your AC intelligently

As your car’s air conditioning system is powered by the engine, turning it on increases your fuel usage. However, if you utilise it appropriately, you may be able to reduce the amount of fuel required to keep you and your passengers comfortable.

• When driving at moderate speeds, keep your windows down.

Turn off the air conditioning and open the windows if you’re going at 50 mph or less. When travelling at high speeds on the highway, however, activate the air conditioning instead. It is more efficient in this scenario when open windows produce more drag and so increase the strain on your engine.

• Allow your vehicle to ventilate before turning on air conditioning.

Drive with the windows down for a few minutes before putting on the air conditioner. Allowing hot air out of the car first will help your vehicle cool faster, putting less pressure on your AC system and resulting in lower fuel use.

Three points to keep in mind when charging your electric vehicle

Thousands of on-demand drivers are making the change to clean technology as the electric vehicle revolution expands. This involves charging your car’s battery at one of London’s growing numbers of charges instead of filling up the tank.

When it comes to charging an electric car, the procedure is rather simple. When the vehicle is connected to a charging point, the charging cable automatically locks at both the charging connection on the vehicle and the charging station’s socket. When your vehicle has finished charging, the charging wire will be released from both sockets. However, you’re charging cable may occasionally become trapped in the sockets, keeping you stranded at the charging point. Even if you disconnect the charging session by using the app, the charging wire would not be released!

We’ve created a list of suggestions to assist you to unlock a trapped charging wire.

1. Contact the charging supplier of the charging station where your vehicle is parked.

With an increasing number of charging stations showing up around London, it’s essential to understand which company owns a particular charging station.

The charging provider’s contact information must be published on the charging station or in the application.

Once you’re on the call, they will ask you to verify the charging station because each one has a unique identity.

They will be able to easily reset the charging station after they have verified it, releasing your charging wire and allowing you to continue your journey.

2. Start the vehicle and lock and unlock it several times.

Turning on the car while it’s stuck is another method for releasing the charging cable in some electric vehicles.

It is safe to switch on your EV while charging because the engine is disconnected for safety purposes, so you won’t mistakenly start driving.

After you’ve started the car, simply lock and unlock the doors many times. After each effort, check to see if your charging cable has been released. It may take up to five attempts, so don’t give up if it doesn’t appear to work the first time.

+1 Remember to bring your car keys with you.

This may seem apparent, but with most EVs having smart keys, it is quite easy to lock yourself out while your car is charging.

If an electric car is attached to a charging station, it will automatically lock over a certain period of time.

If you get yourself out, you’ll need a spare key or to contact your repair service provider to get your car unlocked.

PCO car hiring or PCO car membership is a word you’ll hear a lot if you’re looking for a flexible method to generate money with Uber or other on-demand driving applications. But what should you need to know? What are the advantages and disadvantages? What steps do you need to take to get going?

It’s easy to become discouraged when the internet is highly informative from several sources, often contradicting one other. Don’t be concerned; you’re in good hands. Arrow Car Hire specializes in PCO vehicles. We’ll help you manage the business side so you can focus on earning.

1. The concepts of private hire drivers

PCO license:

The Public Carriage Office is a department of Transport for London.

The PCO licence is a required document that allows you to drive for Uber or other ride-hailing applications in London.

It is important to note that its formal term is Private Hire Driving Licence however, most people just refer to it as a PCO licence. Don’t be confused by this.

The PCO License looks like a standard plastic card that contains your serial number, expiry date, basic personal information, and a photograph.

What’s the significance of the PCO car?

PCO vehicles are four-door sedans cars or minivans that may be driven by Uber drivers. In other words, they satisfy all TfL regulations for personal vehicles and have an existing Private Hire Vehicle Licence.

The PHV licence is the same as the PCO licence, but for your car—it confirms that TfL has authorised the vehicle for private hire usage.

Is PCO required for Uber?

Yes, regardless of the ridesharing platform, all rideshare drivers in London are needed to hold a valid PCO licence.

Who is eligible to apply for a PCO licence?

A PCO licence can be provided by those who have a valid UK driver’s licence, at least three years of driving experience, and the right to work in the UK.

Other documents will be required to apply, but these can be obtained in a reasonably short period of time.

How long does a PCO licence be valid?

Your PCO license is active for three years.

2. You will be required a Car

What type of vehicle may I use for PCO driving?

To obtain a PHV licence, your vehicle must satisfy the following requirements:

• Euro 6 petrol or diesel engine or Euro 4 petrol-hybrid engine

• Four doors that open individually

• Good condition with no visual damage

• No commercial branding

For PCO driving, you don’t need to own the vehicle. You’re good to go as long as it has a valid PHV licence and hiring and benefits insurance.

What is meant by PCO car hire?

It takes a lot of planning to maintain your automobile inside the limits and your paperwork up to date. It diverts your attention and time away from what you do best: driving.

PCO car hire is a service that provides you with the verification that you and your vehicle are always ready to work.

Your car is part of a PCO fleet, and a whole team is committed to keeping everything working smoothly so you can concentrate on the road and your achievements.

The Pros and Cons of using PCO car hire

Most consumers believe that certain drivers use their own vehicles for Uber and other ride-hailing apps. While this is technically feasible, many drivers choose to use their own hire cars. Let’s look at the pros and cons of PCO car hire.

Pros

• Minimal commitment – You can change your mind and return the car in fair conditions.

• All-inclusive – You have the PHV licence, coverage, and most of the regular maintenance, so you can focus on driving.

Cons

• You do not own the vehicle

• A limited selection of vehicle models and colours

• The age of the car varies based on the car supplier

3. How to Obtain a PCO Licence

What are the conditions for a PCO Licence?

To apply for a PCO licence, you must meet the following requirements:

• 21 years of age or older

• Full DVLA driving licence that is at least three years old

• The rights to survive and work in the United Kingdom

You’ll also need the required documentation:

• DBS ‘enhanced’ criminal records check

• Medical fitness certificate from your doctor

• A certificate of topographical skills from an authorized assessment

• An English language certificate

How can I apply for a PCO licence?

Once you have all of the above-mentioned documents, you can submit your PCO licence application to TfL.

Is an English test required for a PCO Licence?

Yes, TfL demands verification of your English Language Qualification as of September 2020.

What is the cost of obtaining a PCO licence?

A PCO application costs at least £700 in total, however this can vary greatly based on your specific situation. You’ll certainly have less to pay if you already have some of the required paperwork; however, if you need the training to prepare for your assessments or fail a test, you may have to dig a little deep into your pocket.

How long would it take to receive my PCO licence?

Begin collecting the documentation as soon as feasible, because it typically takes 12 to 16 weeks to fully execute a PCO licence application.

4. Renewing your PCO licence

How long would it take to renew my PCO licence?

TfL will assess your renewal application within the next few weeks. It’s best to be prepared properly and begin the process at least one month before your PCO licence expires.

How would I renew my PCO licence?

TfL understands that this takes time. That is why they give you an application form four months before your PCO licence expires. Once you get your application bundle, you can begin gathering the essential documents.

• Apply for a DBS check – save time and money by signing – up for the DBS update service if you haven’t already done so.

• Take a new photo of yourself – follow TfL’s approved photo standards.

You should already have a TfL account, but if not, go to tfl.gov.uk and create one. Once logged in, you can apply for licence renewal as an “existing licence holder,” using your driver’s licence as identification.

Can I renew my PCO licence without going online?

You can also sign up the old-fashioned way, by filling out the application pack and returning it to TfL. In this case, double-check the form and fix any errors, provide your DVLA Share Code and an email address for updates, and sign the statement before mailing the completed pack.

What should I do with my expiring PCO licence?

You must return your PCO licence to TfL within seven days of its expiration date.