Utility Saving ExpertPrivate Hire InsuranceWhen is the best time to work as a private hire driver?

When is the best time to work as a private hire driver?

If you’re new to the private hire driver profession, or you’ve got a number of years’ experience under your belt, you will already know that you have the flexibility of choosing your own work hours. Most self-employed taxi drivers and even employees for that matter will often be able to choose hours that better fit their work life schedule.

Choosing the right working hours as a taxi driver

Although the above does allow you to make more money, there are some other considerations to make as a private hire driver. One of the drawbacks to working on a Friday or Saturday evening is that you are likely to be serving passengers who have consumed a large amount of alcohol. Some may even have taken illegal drugs too. As a result, these passengers can become quite aggressive depending on who the user is and what amount was consumed.

Unfortunately, these customers can also be far more unpredictable to deal with compared to the business executive or elderly lady you transported earlier on during the same day. Ultimately, this is where you will need to remain extra cautious as your behavioural response can either help or hinder the scenario you find yourself in. Always remember to be polite and offer the best customer service practicably possible. At times you will need to be firm too and contact law enforcement where necessary.

On these occasions, it can really pay off to have a dash cam in your private hire vehicle. A dash cam will be able to record audio and video evidence that may be needed later on when making a statement to your taxi insurance provider or the local authority for that matter.

Having the right cover will really help you out in these situations. Make sure your PCO insurance cover includes an adequate level of public liability within the policy. Unfortunately, there is one other thing we must make mention of too. There is also a higher risk of a passenger soiling themselves inside your taxi as some may have had too much to drink that night and gone beyond their limit.

Furthermore, communication can be challenging when dealing with these types of customers. Some may be too drunk to notice and comprehend what you are trying to say to them, whilst others may simply be too tired after a long night and end up falling asleep in the backseat. Again, it is of utmost importance that you remain patient and be courteous, even if things do become stressful.

Be prepared and have a range of cleaning supplies on hand such as antibacterial wipes and spare bin bags to dispose of any rubbish left behind on the floor or in the backseat of your private hire vehicle. This may seem quite critical but remember you will also equally have a number of pleasant and easy to manage customers too. So not every night will be filled with the level of chaos mentioned above. If you are prepared to work hard quite late into the night, you will certainly benefit financially.

What incentives are there during these hours?