So, you’ve decided to become a PCO/PHV driver in the UK. Brilliant! You’re about to embark on a career filled with new faces, endless journeys, and occasional arguments with your sat-nav. But before you even think about picking up your first passenger, there are 3 essentials you must sort out:

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First Things First: Licence and Wheels

• Get Your PCO/PHV Licence: You can’t drive for Uber, Bolt, or any operator in the UK without it. Your local council runs the show – medical checks, topographical skills tests, background checks – you’ll need to pass the lot.
  
  
• Secure a PCO/PHV-Registered Vehicle: Whether you're buying, renting, or financing, the car must be licensed by your local council. It also needs to meet strict insurance, emissions, and safety standards in some areas (sorry, your cousin’s 2005 Fiesta won’t cut it).
  
  

Need help figuring out how to get started? Head over to our other blog where we break this down for you here.

Got all that sorted? Perfect. Now onto the kit that’ll make your life much, much easier.

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Must-Have Apps

You don't need 47 apps draining your battery – just a few quality essentials:

• Uber Driver App: The one that pays the bills.
  
  
• Google Maps or Waze: Because roadworks pop up faster than TikTok trends.
  
  
• Bolt / FREE NOW: Never rely on one app – keep your options open.
  
  
• Zap-Map (for EV drivers): Find chargers before you find yourself crying in an NCP car park.
  
  
• Spotify / Audible: Keep your mind sharp (or entertained) between trips.
  
  

🚀 Pro Tip: Download a battery saver app too. Nothing ruins a shift faster than a dead phone at 6pm on a Friday.

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Essential Equipment

Let’s keep this simple: the must-haves to survive (and thrive) out there:

• Phone Mount: Legal. Safe. Non-negotiable.
  
  
• Fast Charger: For the phone you’ll be abusing daily.
  
  
• Dashcam: Protects you from dodgy claims and dodgier cyclists.
  
  
• Mini Hoover: Five minutes of vacuuming = five-star ratings.
  
  
• Snacks: For you, not the passengers. (You earned it.)
  
  

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Comfort Essentials

Comfort isn't a luxury – it’s survival. Here's what else you’ll thank yourself for:

• Seat Cushion: Trust us, after 8 hours in Shoreditch traffic, your spine will send you a thank-you card.
  
  
• Tinted Windows (if allowed): Helps keep the car cooler in summer and stops nosey people staring in at red lights.
  
  
• Phone Data Plan Upgrade: Standard data plans disappear quicker than parking spaces in Mayfair. Go unlimited.

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Final Tips for New Uber Drivers

• Master the Congestion Charge & ULEZ Rules: EVs and hybrids can save you a fortune.
  
  
• Plan Your Shifts Around Events: Football matches, concerts, and tube strikes = big money days.
  
  
• Stay Calm, Always: Londoners are in a rush. Always. You’ll go mad if you try to match their pace.

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Final Thoughts

Starting your Uber or PCO driver journey in London is exciting, and a little chaotic. But with the right licence, the right apps, solid equipment, and a dash of good chat, you’ll be smashing five-star reviews and cashing in on peak fares in no time.

Good luck! And remember: it’s not just about getting from A to B. It’s about doing it with style, patience, and a playlist that slaps.

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