If you have just received your PCO licence and are about to begin your journey as a private hire driver in East London – congratulations! You’re driving into one of the UK’s busiest and most opportunity-rich markets for private hire. But before you hit the road, it helps to know what lies ahead. From managing earnings and understanding expenses to navigating traffic and building a reliable client base, your first year with a PCO licence can be a steep yet rewarding learning curve.
Whether you’re driving part-time or looking to make this a full-time profession, here’s what you can realistically expect in your first 12 months behind the wheel.
The Early Days: Learning the Roads and the Rules
Your first few weeks will largely be about orientation. While the Transport for London (TfL) licensing process ensures you’re already familiar with the local geography, nothing quite prepares you for the daily chaos of East London’s roads. Congestion, unexpected diversions, bus lanes, and local traffic rules will test your patience and precision.
Using reliable navigation apps is a must, but over time, you’ll develop your own mental map of hotspots, shortcuts, and high-demand areas. Areas like Stratford, Barking, and Ilford are known for high footfall and frequent bookings – all prime locations for building early momentum.
Understanding the Finances: From PCO Licence Cost to Running Expenses
Many new drivers underestimate the importance of budgeting. The PCO licence cost in East London can range from £250 to £500, depending on the level of service you use and whether you bundle it with a vehicle hire or rent-to-buy option. That’s just the beginning.
On top of your PCO licence, you’ll need to factor in:
- Vehicle insurance (often £1,500–£3,000 per year)
- Fuel or electric charging costs
- Maintenance and servicing
- Congestion Charge and ULEZ (if applicable)
- Commission fees from platforms like Uber or Bolt
To stay financially sustainable, many drivers aim for a net weekly profit of £400–£600, which typically means working 40–50 hours a week.
Getting Work: Apps, Networks, and Strategy
Most new PCO drivers in East London start by signing up with one or more ride-hailing platforms. Uber remains the most dominant, but Bolt, Ola, Free Now, and even local minicab firms can provide consistent earnings. Many drivers soon realise that diversifying their platforms helps cover quiet periods.
Building a routine also helps. Peak times like weekday mornings (6am–9am) and weekend evenings (6pm–2am) offer better earning potential and surge pricing. Some drivers also experiment with airport runs. Stansted and London City Airport are major hubs that attract frequent travellers.
Managing Work-Life Balance
One of the benefits of holding a PCO licence is flexibility. You decide when and where you want to work. But freedom comes with responsibility. Many new drivers fall into the trap of overworking to boost earnings, especially in the early months. Fatigue, however, can lead to reduced concentration, accidents, or burnout.
It’s smart to pace yourself. Establish a working routine that allows for breaks and downtime. After all, consistent performance trumps occasional bursts of overwork.
Customer Service: Ratings Matter
While getting people from point A to point B is the technical part of the job, delivering a quality experience is what sets successful drivers apart. High ratings lead to better platform visibility, more frequent bookings, and customer loyalty.
Offering bottled water, maintaining a clean car, and being polite go a long way. In fact, according to Uber’s UK data, drivers with a 4.9+ rating tend to earn 20% more due to better rider match rates and incentives.
Licencing Renewals and Compliance
As your first year progresses, you’ll receive reminders from TfL about renewals and checks. This includes your annual vehicle inspection, and in some cases, a topographical skills test if you’re applying for a new PCO vehicle licence. Keep all documents such as insurance, MOT, and driver records up to date to avoid fines or suspensions.
One smart move many drivers make early on is to join a service that helps manage their compliance and paperwork. This not only reduces stress but also ensures you stay on the right side of the law.
