How to look after your wellbeing as a private hire driver

Driving professionally doesn’t have to mean driving yourself into the ground.

Being a private hire driver has its perks – freedom, flexibility, and control over your time. But it can also come with long hours, financial pressures, and feelings of loneliness. At Otto Car, we know it’s not always easy.

A recent study by TaxiPoint found that while many private hire drivers report long hours and occasionally stressful or slow days, a large number still feel that their work has a positive effect on their overall wellbeing. However, the findings also reveal some important challenges:

• Over 25% of drivers reported that their job negatively affects their mental health.
• Almost 40% said it has a negative impact on their physical health.

We care about our community of drivers, that’s why we’ve put together some practical wellbeing tips and reminders – so you can stay healthy, happy, and focused behind the wheel.

7 practical ways to look after yourself as a private hire driver

1. Take regular breaks throughout the work day

According to the Highway Code, taking a 15-minute break every two hours is recommended to help you stay alert and avoid fatigue.

Long periods of driving can be draining, so making time to rest isn’t just good for your wellbeing – it’s essential for safe driving.

Here’s how to make the most of your breaks:

✅ Take a 15-minute break every 2 hours

✅ Stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, or just unwind with a quick scroll

✅ Plan ahead to fit proper rest stops into your day

It’s just as important to take time out during the year to rest or spend time with family and friends. At Otto Car, we believe in supporting your wellbeing – that’s why we offer up to 8 weeks of holiday breaks per year with our all-inclusive Rent to Buy plan and flexible terms with our PCO Car Hire plan.

2. Have a solid routine with set working hours

Having a clear structure to your day helps prevent burnout and keeps your work-life balance in check. Without it, it’s all too easy to overwork.

Tips to build a healthy routine:
✅ Set a consistent start and finish time each day

✅ Schedule at least one full day off every week to recharge (yourself and your car)

✅ Try to work during busy times to earn more with less waiting around. Busy hours can be different in each area, so think about what times work best where you drive.

3. Stay connected to the wider community

You work for yourself, which has its perks, but it can sometimes feel lonely without a team around you every day.

Connecting with other drivers, whether online or in person, can give you a real sense of community and shared experience.

At Otto Car, we’re always up for a chat when you visit one of our hubs. When you join us, you become part of a wider driver community. Talking with others in the industry is a great way to stay connected and feel like you’re part of something bigger.

Simple ways to stay connected on the road:

✅ Join online forums or group chats with fellow drivers

✅ Take part in local driver meet-ups or Otto Car events

✅ Even a quick chat on a coffee break can lift your day

4. Make your car comfortable

You spend most of your day in your car – so make it a space that works for you.

Small touches can make a big difference to your comfort on the road, such as:

✅ Adding a seat cushion or lumbar support for better posture

✅ Keeping the interior clean and clutter-free

✅ Adjusting the lighting and temperature to stay comfortable

We offer a range of cars through our Rent to Buy and PCO Car Hire plans, plus our Accelerate Scheme (created exclusively to support new Uber Partners), that come with added comfort features for both drivers and passengers.

From comfortability features like heated seats to advanced climate control and more – check out our range and see if there’s something that can turn your car into the ideal mobile office.

5. Make time for physical activity when you can

Your health is just as important as the miles you cover.

We all know the benefits of regular exercise – better mood, more energy, and improved mental wellbeing. But when you’re spending long hours behind the wheel, finding time to move your body isn’t always easy. That’s why it’s important to look for quick and easy ways to stay physically active, even in small bursts.

After all, while your car keeps you moving from A to B, it’s just as important to take care of the person behind the wheel.

Simple ways to stay active and feel your best:

✅ Use breaks for quick walks, a gym session, or some light stretching

✅ Pack healthy snacks so you’re not tempted by fast food while you’re on the go

✅ Get a good night’s sleep – don’t underestimate the power of rest

6. Stay calm & confident in difficult situations

A calm mind is your strongest tool when things get challenging on the road. How you respond can make all the difference – not just for your safety, but for your peace of mind.

✅ Be polite but assertive when handling conflict

✅ Don’t hesitate to end a journey if you feel unsafe

✅ Report any abusive or threatening behaviour to your operator or licensing authority

With Otto Car, you’re never alone. Every vehicle on our Rent to Buy or PCO Car Hire plans come with a HD Dashcam at no extra cost, giving you extra protection and reassurance – both inside and outside the car. And if you don’t rent or own a vehicle with us, you can still take advantage of our Dashcam Scheme.

7. Make the most of the support available

At Otto Car, we’re here to support you – not just as a driver, but as a person. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there are many trusted organisations you can turn to. Here are a few recommended by TaxiPoint in their recent study:

• Mind
• Samaritans
• SANEline
• National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK
• Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
• Shout
• Papyrus HOPELINEUK
• Switchboard
• C.A.L.L.

And remember – the Otto Team is always here to support you with guidance, safety tips, and a helping hand whenever you need it. You’re never alone on the road when you’re a part of our driver community.

How Otto Car supports you:

We’re not just here to hand you the keys – we’re here to support your journey with peace of mind, expert guidance, and a plan designed around your needs:

✅ Fixed, transparent weekly payments
No surprises – just clear, consistent payments you can count on.

✅ All-inclusive package
Insurance, servicing, breakdown cover, MOT, PHV licence, and more – all in one simple weekly payment with either our Rent to Buy or PCO Car Hire plans. You focus on driving and earning, while we handle the rest.

✅ Take a break when you need it
Enjoy up to 8 weeks of payment breaks per year on our Rent to Buy plan – rest easy knowing time off won’t set you back.

✅ Lower admin fees
We keep unavoidable fees as low as possible to help you keep more of your hard-earned income – and keep stress down.

✅ New and used Rent to Buy options
Own your car 100% at the end of your contract. No balloon payment- just full ownership and peace of mind.

✅ Ongoing driver support
From PHV licensing help to driver development, our expert team is always here with friendly, helpful advice.

✅ Exclusive support for new Uber Partners
Our Accelerate Scheme is designed for new Uber drivers in London (with up to 100 trips completed), making it easier to kickstart your journey.

Take the next step with Otto Car

Starting out as an Uber driver can feel overwhelming – but with Otto Car, you’re never on your own. We offer more than just a car; we provide the support, guidance, and community you need to succeed.

Explore our range of electric vehicles through our Rent to Buy or PCO Car Hire plan that fits your needs. With our all-inclusive plans, you know that the weekly costs are clear and there won’t be surprises.

Visit one of our hubs or call 020 8740 7444. The friendly Otto Team is here to help.

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