The demand for Private Hire Vehicles (PHV) is skyrocketing, especially in metropolitan cities where life doesn’t stop at any time. PCO drivers can usually capitalize on this opportunity as they can earn a substantial amount in this field.

There are several private hire companies that offer opportunities to PCO drivers to work for them, but the market leader is undisputedly Uber. Uber is used by millions of drivers and users all around the world, and its clientele keeps growing daily.

Documents Required for Uber

For PCO drivers, Uber is a great option to work for since there are so many advantages given to them. Most notable is the fact that PCO drivers get to make their own schedules. If you want to register yourself to Uber, you need to upload some important documents. Following is the list of documents that you should bring.

• A valid driving license
• A PCO license
• Your profile photo
• Vehicle insurance
• Proof of identity
• An accepted vehicle

Needless to say, you should have a vehicle with you. This can either be your own car, or you could rent a PCO car, for that matter.

Process of Uploading Documents

The whole process of uploading your documents is relatively easy but some people often find themselves lost. Following is a step-by-step guide to uploading your documents on Uber.

Uploading Vehicle Information

Uber’s registration process isn’t difficult. First of all, you need to sign yourself up as a PCO driver on Uber. Once this is done, you will see an option to “add a new vehicle” on your profile. Select that and fill in the information required. This can take some time so you need to do it properly. When you finally see the car on your profile, it is time to move on to the next step.

Uploading Documents

When you have filled in the vehicle information, you will now be able to see the “manage documents” option where you have to upload your documents. These documents are

• Insurance certificate

• MOT (annual test certificate of the vehicle)
• PHV license
• Your vehicle’s logbook
• PHV Back Page (not required unless the registration form address is different from the address on the PHV license)
• Insurance vehicle schedule
• Insurance Driver Schedule 
• Permission letter (not required unless the hiring company does not have an insurance driver schedule)

Once everything is done, Uber will review all the documents and will notify you when they are approved. If you see the yellow button changed into green, you have officially become an Uber driver.

Duration of Uber Registration Process

The entire registration process can take up to 10 days, depending on the number of applications Uber would be processing at that time. This is because you also have to consent to undergo a background check. If you clear this and your application has been accepted, you will have your driver status activated. For the approval of your documents, it will take at least 48 hours.

Tips to Know for the Registration Process

When you are about to upload your documents, double-check to ensure everything you have provided is accurate. If your documents are expired, you need to get them renewed before submitting them. For your profile photo, your picture should be clear and professional with no touch-ups.

Rejection of Documents

Sometimes, the documents you submitted might be rejected. This usually happens when this is a discrepancy in the information you provided; for example, the dates don’t match, or the documents have gone past their expiration date.

Some of the common document issues are given below.

• Blurry photos
• The photo isn’t of the original document
• All 4 corners of the document are not visible
• The document isn’t what Uber needed
• The document is either expired or it will be expired soon enough
• The text on the document is not legible
• There are some important details missing from the document
• The photo has been taken from a distance

It is absolutely imperative that you make sure all your documents are exactly as per their requirements. Failure to do so will most likely cause your application to be rejected.

How to Become a PCO Driver in London

In case you are wondering whether working as a PCO driver is beneficial for you, be assured that it is. As mentioned above, megacities will provide a steady stream of income as PCO drivers will always be in demand. 

To become an officially recognized PCO driver, you will have to first complete an application, whether online or mail-in. Once done, you need to send this to Transport for London which is the municipal transportation authority. The requirements for becoming a PCO driver are given below

• You must be at least 21 years of age.
• You must have a valid DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) license.
• You must be living and working legally in the UK.
• You must be able to pass a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
• You must not be having any medical issues that can hamper your driving.
• You must clear a topographical skill assessment from an accredited institution.

Benefits of Joining Uber

There are several benefits to working for Uber.

Flexible Working Hours

For PCO drivers, this aspect is critically important. Uber allows you to design your own working schedule as there are no fixed working hours applicable for everyone.

Not only does it provide PCO drivers the opportunity to have a good work-life balance, but it also reduces the amount of stress. PCO drivers can see what time of day is best for being at their maximum productivity.

Self-Accountability

It is true that you are working under a contract. However, you won’t have anyone pestering you about your whereabouts. All that is required from you is doing your job professionally. You may choose your own break timings, and you can work in whatever hours suit you the most. You are accountable to yourself only.

Earning as a PCO Driver from Uber

There is no fixed answer to how much you can earn as a PCO driver working for Uber. There are several factors that can affect your earnings.

Traffic

As a PCO driver, it is most infuriating to be stuck in a traffic jam. Traffic also affects how long a ride is going to take. The longer you are stuck in a traffic jam, the more hours your ride is going to take and the more the ride fare is going to cost the passenger. While you may see this as a benefit, most PCO drivers prefer having short, multiple rides instead of longer ones as they can earn more from them.

Rush Hour

One of the frequent occurrences is the peak factor that is applied to Uber fares at rush hours. During rush hours, the demand for PCO cars can be doubled or even triple as everyone is scrambling to get a car. With such huge demands and a limited supply of PCO drivers, the peak factor is applied to balance out the rates.

Conclusion

As a PCO driver, Uber is actually a feasible option because of many reasons. Their registration process is simple yet strict, but it can admittedly get difficult to navigate through for beginners. Whether you want to work as a full-time PCO driver or a part-time one, Uber can facilitate you in this matter.