Blaise’s story: The flexibility of private hire driving with Otto Car

In this interview series, we're celebrating the diverse cultures of the Otto Car family by talking to PCO drivers about their unique backgrounds.

Meet Blaise Mudiayi, a university student, father of six children, and a proud owner of the Tesla Model 3 through our Rent to Buy plan at Otto Car.

Blaise proves that with determination, you can balance it all. He shares how he juggles family, studies, and work – and how his career in African politics prepared him for private hire driving. His story showcases how the freedom and flexibility of private hire driving can make it all possible.

You must be one of the only students driving a Tesla?

Yes! When I give my mates from university a ride, they always ask, “How can you afford this car?” and I usually tell them a joke before explaining that I’m a private hire driver. My Uber passengers also find it impressive and ask me questions about it.

Most students drive old cars or take the bus. How did you manage this?

I always wanted to drive a Tesla, and Otto Car made my life easy by partnering with me. They made my dream affordable. I just paid a £1,000 deposit and had my car within a week.

Is it manageable to own a premium car while studying?

Yes. I’m in the last year of a degree in finance at the University of West London but working self-employed with Uber means I can earn money while I support my family.

You must drive a lot of miles?

Most weeks I drive for between 35 to 45 hours. If I’m working on a university assignment then I only go for 30 hours. Remember I have family duties as well, so it depends.

How did you get into private-hire driving?

Back home in Congo DRC, I worked in politics but when I arrived in the UK in 2017 I was a site-manager at Wembley Stadium on 14-hour night shifts. I wanted independence and so joined Uber 18 months ago, and that’s how I became a private hire driver.

What did you do before you were a private-hire driver?

I was an advisor to the foreign affairs minister in Kinshasa (in Congo). It’s a long story, but I decided to relocate with my wife and family. I have four children here and two more are still in Africa.

Did you learn much in your old career that helps as a PCO driver?

They are two different worlds. But if you want to make money, you need discipline and patience. Taking customers calmly from A to B is your duty – asking personal questions is not your duty.

How does driving in London compare to Kinshasa?

London is a little better because we respect regulations. People in Congo drive the way they want and try to make their own rules.

What do you miss about living in Congo?

The weather. Over here, we have four seasons, but most of the time it’s cold. You can’t miss culture or food because that doesn’t require a visa. You can carry your traditions wherever you go.

How can other drivers get a taste of that authentic food?

If you meet a Congolese, ask them to cook a dish called ‘pandu’. It’s cassava leaves cooked with palm oil, and it will make you feel you are enjoying life in the Congo.

What are your plans for the future?

When I get my accounting degree, I will get a job in finance. And I’ll keep Uber as my second job because being a private hire driver helps me to top-up my monthly budget.

Did you take advantage of Uber’s scheme for free education?

No. I’m doing it separately as I’d already begun my university course when the scheme was introduced but I’d consider using Uber’s if I do a master’s degree.

Would you ever go back into politics either in Africa or here?

I cannot say no to that because that is a calling. It might happen again, and I cross my fingers that it does – I cannot wait for that to happen.

Do you have any advice for new drivers looking to join Otto Car?

Give the hours and you will make money – but only driver when you feel strong. Safety is important. If you are tired, you can risk losing everything.

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