Work in the private car hire industry

Jackmumford

Hi I’m looking for some advice from people in the industry about getting into private drivers/taxi as a job. I’m currently 24 been driving for 6 years and with a clean licence, I previously had three points but they are now void. I currently work in the building trade full time but the idea of starting a private diver job on the side appeals to me, then eventually after years of hopefully building clientele transitioning over. I guess I’d just like some inside info and a few pointers on the best way to get started. What are the best options, leasing, buying on hp? Buying out right? And also claiming on things for tax reasons. The do’s and dont’s, anything really. Just looking for peoples opinions that are in the private hire or taxi industry and their thoughts. Thanks!

Johno100

I'd have thought the best path is to try and get a job with an existing private hire business to see if the job, hours and pay suit you before making any substantial financial outlay/commitment that you may come to regret.

Jackmumford

Hi cheers for the reply! Well my idea was to originally do it on the side of my current work, I think for me to stop what I’m doing now and work for a private hire company would be more of a financial risk than to do it along side my current job and if it didn’t work out I’d still have my job (perhaps if abit less money) but I do understand what you’re saying about if it may not be for me. Problem is building isn’t either haha but it does pay well, the things that appeals to me about starting my own private hire business is building it up

unholyangel

What about it appeals to you? Would you be working for a firm or private bookings only?

I can't speak to your particular area, but in areas I am familiar with, taxiing is not viable as a sideline and sometimes not even as a main job. It used to be very lucrative, but hasn't been for over a decade and many life long taxi drivers left for other driving jobs. I would imagine its less viable for private hire since they can't pick up off the street.

Im not saying you can't make a living out of it. But it usually involves working long & unsociable hours. If you get a steady contract, you then need to find someone else to cover it. If you don't have a steady contract, then you're not guaranteed income. If you're ill or want a holiday, there's no holiday pay. If your car needs repair work then its a much bigger problem than simply finding a way to commute to work.

You'll possibly be restricted in vehicle choice. Some areas having waiting lists although these can be shorter or non-existent for certain types of vehicle (for example, wheelchair accessible).

Not an industry I'd go into personally. Much better jobs out there for much more money.

SHAFT

Jackmumford wrote: »

Hi cheers for the reply! Well my idea was to originally do it on the side of my current work, I think for me to stop what I’m doing now and work for a private hire company would be more of a financial risk than to do it along side my current job and if it didn’t work out I’d still have my job (perhaps if abit less money) but I do understand what you’re saying about if it may not be for me. Problem is building isn’t either haha but it does pay well, the things that appeals to me about starting my own private hire business is building it up

So how do you intend to do it alongside your current job? You'd not be available to drive Monday to Friday days, can't drive nights because of your current job. So it looks like Friday and Saturday nights, good luck with your Monday morning start having been up for 24 hours doing two jobs on Friday and then going back in for a second night shift.

AdrianC

I'm sure there's plenty of taxi firms looking for evening/weekend drivers.

Have you even considered things like getting your taxi licence?

Jackmumford

I would want to just do private hire working evenings and weekends to start doing airport lifts and lifts to events to people I know in my area (West Sussex) and grow it at the side of my job. The thing that appeals to me building up a business over a period of time that generally comes down to hard work, communication and reliability all things I know I can do. I feel like once you’ve established a clientele which would take years you’ve built something that can be sustainable. I know off a couple of people in my area and they seem to do well for themselves

Jackmumford

I was thinking of doing it myself on the side, taking it as it comes, I’d have a constant income so the finances wouldn’t be too painful, yeah I’m looking into getting a private hire license but just wanted to hear from people in the industry

Jackmumford

Well I was thinking perhaps taking it as it comes at first when people I know need lifts to the airport/events putting the word out advertise and take it as it comes, my job is quite flexible cause I’m self employed and grow it slowly till I’m brave enough to take the jump. I see what you’re saying about sleep when driving nights, I was thinking if I’m dedicated to making this driving business work then I’d have to take time off if I wasn’t fit to come in, similarly like if another tradesmen has another job to go to

unholyangel

Jackmumford wrote: »

I would want to just do private hire working evenings and weekends to start doing airport lifts and lifts to events to people I know in my area (West Sussex) and grow it at the side of my job. The thing that appeals to me building up a business over a period of time that generally comes down to hard work, communication and reliability all things I know I can do. I feel like once you’ve established a clientele which would take years you’ve built something that can be sustainable. I know off a couple of people in my area and they seem to do well for themselves

Okay so now try to work out if the hours you can commit are going to make it viable.

Licence fee (for you and the car), usually needs 2 hackney tests (MOT for PHV & taxi) a year, insurance (in my area, you'd be lucky to get it for less than £1100 a year even with a 20+ year spotless history), what could you realistically charge per mile (LA will set a maximum but you'd have to be low enough to be competitive) minus tax, NI, pension/holiday fund. Account for fuel, repairs & depreciation or finance costs if leasing.

How many miles would you need to do to break even?

Also if you were working for a company, there would be that to pay also. Either a commission, set fee or both.

SHAFT

unholyangel wrote: »

Okay so now try to work out if the hours you can commit are going to make it viable.

Licence fee (for you and the car), usually needs 2 hackney tests (MOT for PHV & taxi) a year,6 insurance (in my area, you'd be lucky to get it for less than £1100 a year even with a 20+ year spotless history), what could you realistically charge per mile (LA will set a maximum but you'd have to be low enough to be competitive) minus tax, NI, pension/holiday fund. Account for fuel, repairs & depreciation or finance costs if leasing.

How many miles would you need to do to break even?

Also if you were working for a company, there would be that to pay also. Either a commission, set fee or both.

Why? If the council test it as a taxi or mini cab it doesn't need an mot.