Are you looking to become a PCO driver? If yes, the first thing you will need after a PCO license is a private hire vehicle to be able to offer rides to passengers. If you have your own car, that’s great, but if you don’t have a car, then renting one could be an ideal option, as many drivers who don’t own cars prefer this approach.
However, when renting a car, you need to remember that not all PCO car hire schemes are the same. Some offer low weekly rates, but once you sign the contract, hit you with hidden costs later on. There are many other pitfalls that the PCO drivers need to be aware of. In this article, we will discuss what those pitfalls are so you can make an informed decision when getting a PCO car on rent.
Delaying the Return of the Vehicle
Many PCO drivers believe that returning a PHV is a simple process. When the rental term is over, all they have to do is return the car, and that’s it. However, there’s a proper procedure that needs to be followed. If you don’t follow the procedure or delay the return of the vehicle, then you may have to pay additional charges, or you may even face legal trouble.
If you want to avoid this situation, make sure you check the return date on the agreement and also what type of penalties you may face for late returns. You should also plan ahead to avoid paying additional costs. For instance, if your PCO car hire contract ends on Monday, start figuring out the return process several days in advance to avoid the possibility of a late return.
Not Reviewing Customer Feedback On PCO Car Hire Companies
Some PCO car hire companies attract drivers with flashy ads and exciting deals. However, when you finally get to work with them, you find out that they offer unreliable cars with zero customer support. This is the biggest nightmare for PCO drivers because things can always go wrong when you are driving an unreliable car, and when they do, you will need customer support to help with the issue.
To avoid getting trapped by such a company, you should start your journey by reading reviews. If multiple drivers are complaining about car breakdowns and the company refusing to help, then consider this a red flag and choose a company that has positive reviews.
Choosing the Wrong Type of Car
Another costly mistake that most PCO drivers make. You may not think too much about the car you want to choose, but if you pick the wrong vehicle, you have a small chance of success in the PCO industry. Here’s why:
Let’s say you pick a fuel-guzzler. Everything may seem alright at first, but when it starts draining your profits at the pump, or when you have to pay daily ULEZ and congestion charges due to the car being non-compliant with the TfL’s emission standards, you will realize that you have made a wrong choice. You will try to fix your mistake by switching cars, but it takes time, and the more time you spend off the road, the more opportunities you will miss.
The best thing you can do is to choose an EV, as EVs are exempt from ULEZ and congestion charges. Plus, you can charge them on Free EV charging stations to save on fuel costs as well.
Not Keeping Up with Maintenance and Servicing
Many PCO drivers assume that just because they have rented the vehicle, its maintenance and servicing is the car provider’s responsibility. While it’s true that the maintenance and servicing are taken care of by the car provider, it’s still your job to ensure that the car you are driving is in top condition. If you are not paying attention, you risk unexpected breakdowns, high costs, and even suspension from ride-hailing platforms such as Uber and Bolt.
Now that you know the risks, let’s talk solutions. The best thing you can do is to follow the servicing schedule, check tire condition weekly, and pay attention to warning lights. Also, if you experience any issues with the car, report them to the car provider immediately so they can get it fixed in time.
Failing to Inspect the Car Before Driving Off
Imagine you walk into a PCO car hire company, ready to sign the papers, collect the keys, and drive off. You are excited that you can start earning in a matter of hours. But a few days later, you notice a scratch on the paint or that the tires are almost bald. You decide to report the issue to the company but they reply that the problem wasn’t there when you received the car, so you are the one responsible for fixing it. And suddenly, you will be paying for repairs that weren’t even your fault.
All of this can be avoided if you inspect the car before driving off. Here’s a must-do checklist before accepting the vehicle:
- Check the exterior thoroughly
- Inspect the tyres
- Look under the bonnet
- Start the car and listen carefully
- Check the interior
- Test the brakes and steering
- Review the fuel and mileage
Conclusion
These were some common mistakes you should avoid to improve your chances of success as a PCO driver. From choosing the right company to selecting a fuel-efficient vehicle, every decision you make directly affects your earnings and your overall experience in the private hire industry. So, make the smart choices and set yourself up for success.
