Autumn driving tips for private hire drivers: 7 ways to stay safe

Wet roads and fallen leaves can reduce the amount of grip available, making good tyre condition particularly important during autumn.

Check your tyre pressure regularly and look for signs of damage or uneven wear. UK law requires cars to have at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around its entire circumference.

For private hire drivers covering significantly more miles than the average motorist, it’s worth checking your tyres frequently rather than waiting until your next service.

PCO drivers in London can benefit from tyre replacements (at 2mm tread depth) on our PCO Car Hire plan (subject to the terms of their plan and excluding damage). 

Rain and darkness aren't the only visibility problems during autumn. The lower position of the sun can create strong glare, particularly around sunrise and sunset.

Keep your windscreen clean inside and out, use your sun visor and consider keeping a suitable pair of sunglasses in the car.

If glare makes it difficult to see the road ahead, reduce your speed. Never continue at a speed that prevents you from stopping safely within the distance you can see.

Fallen leaves can become slippery when wet and can also hide potholes, road markings and other hazards.

Slow down, avoid sudden braking or steering and leave more space between you and the vehicle ahead.

This is especially important in heavy rain. According to the Highway Code, stopping distances in wet weather will be at least double those required on dry roads.

For private hire drivers working during busy periods, giving yourself extra time between journeys can also help avoid feeling pressured to rush when road conditions deteriorate.

Autumn weather can change quickly, so conditions at the beginning of your shift may look very different a few hours later.

Before heading out, check the weather forecast and make sure your windscreen, lights, wipers and de-misters are working properly.

When driving in fog:

• Slow down before entering it.
• Use your lights when required.
• Leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead.
• Use your windscreen wipers and demisters.
• Make sure you can stop within the distance you can see clearly.

Take extra care around pedestrians and cyclists too, especially during darker mornings, evenings and around busy school times.

When your car is your livelihood, regular vehicle checks are essential.

Before starting your shift, check:

• Tyres and tyre pressure
• Headlights, brake lights and indicators
• Windscreen and mirrors
• Windscreen wipers
• Washer fluid
• Brakes
• Warning lights on the dashboard

If you drive an electric vehicle, autumn is also a good time to start making use of features such as pre-conditioning where available. You can warm the cabin and clear misted windows before setting off, making those colder early starts more comfortable.

Regular checks can also help you spot small problems before they become something that could take your car off the road.

With Otto Car’s all-in-one car plans, many of the essentials you need to keep your private hire car on the road are included in your weekly payment, from breakdown cover and roadside assistance to servicing and eligible maintenance repairs.

But the best way to minimise time off the road is to look after your car and spot potential issues early. Regular checks can help keep your car running smoothly, particularly when you’re covering high mileage during busier periods.

Here are our top tips for keeping your private hire car clean and in good working condition.

Private hire driving can mean long shifts, and darker days can make tiredness more noticeable, so here's some things to keep in mind:

• Build regular breaks into your working day.
• Get out of the car, stretch your legs, stay hydrated and give yourself time away from the road.
• If you feel tired while driving, don't try to push through to complete another trip.
• Find somewhere safe to stop and take a proper break before continuing.

This becomes even more important when you're dealing with rain, fog or poor visibility, when driving requires greater concentration.

Autumn can bring more challenging conditions for private hire drivers, but good preparation can make a big difference.

Checking your car before your shift, adapting your speed, leaving more stopping distance and taking regular breaks can help keep you, your passengers and everyone else on the road safer.

At Otto Car, your safety matters to us. We make safety our priority in everything we do - from our car plans and maintenance support to the driving advice guides we share - so you can stay confident behind the wheel.