Private hire drivers guide: Tips to earn more in January
​January can be a quieter month for private hire drivers after the busy festive period. Demand may ease off and routines start to shift, but it also offers a valuable opportunity to pause, reset, and plan ahead. With the right approach, January can be the perfect time to refocus, make smart decisions, and set yourself up for a strong and successful year ahead.
We asked our community of drivers at Otto Car to share some of their practical top tips to share with other private hire drivers to help you boost your earnings this January.
Rethink your shift patterns: work smarter, not harder
​Many drivers tell us that January isn’t about being on the road longer - it’s about being on the road at the right times.
Otto Car driver Joao takes a disciplined, strategic approach to January and sticks to a plan that works. He prioritises mornings, starting at 6am to catch early commuters, and adjusts his hours if demand slows.
His advice is simple: focus on trips with higher earning potential and manage your time carefully. As Joao puts it, “You have to work smart.”
Joao’s experience reflects a wider trend we hear across the network. While January demand is more predictable, riders are still travelling.
The most reliable opportunities tend to be:
- Morning and evening commuter periods
- Weekends with events or late-night activity
- Airport and pre-booked journeys
Smart shift planning helps you avoid long quiet stretches, maximise earnings, and keep mileage under control.
Understand local demand
One of the biggest lessons drivers share is that January demand varies depending on where you work - and understanding your local patterns really matters.
Raymond approaches January with flexibility, focusing on being available when demand is strongest. His approach includes:
- Starting early, often between 4-5am in January
- Splitting shifts when demand supports it
- Staying open to trips, rather than ruling opportunities out
- Planning ahead, by balancing January and February earnings to manage outgoings
Whether you’re driving in a city, town, or rural area, taking time to understand your own demand patterns can make a real difference:
- If mornings are strong and evenings are quieter, lean into what works
- Adjust your hours and locations to match real demand
- Focus on consistency rather than long, quiet stretches
Raymond’s experience shows that a proactive, flexible approach pays off. Starting early and working in shifts creates more opportunities throughout the day and supports a steady income.
Wherever you’re based - London and the South East, the North, the Midlands, or Wales and the South West - Otto Car is here to support you, with a wide range of private hire cars available through our Rent to Buy and PCO Car Hire plans.
Be available and trust the process
Manuel takes a flexible, open approach to January by focusing on availability and consistency rather than predicting demand.
His strategy is simple:
- Be available: Staying active on the app as much as possible
- Accept all trips: Regardless of type or distance
- Stay adaptable: Not targeting specific jobs, just keeping momentum
- Trust the process: “January can be busy or less busy, but there are always requests coming in.”
By staying open to every opportunity, Manuel creates steady work even during quieter periods. Rather than worrying about unpredictability, he focuses on showing up and letting the volume build over time.
Deliver great passenger experiences - it pays off
Many drivers tell us that when booking volumes are lower, passengers notice professionalism even more - and they reward it.
Simple touches can make a big difference:
- A clean, comfortable vehicle
- Friendly, professional communication
- Confirming drop-off details for a smooth finish
As experienced driver Roy puts it: “Having features like heated seats in my EV makes a real difference on cold mornings. Passengers really appreciate it.”
These small actions help passengers feel valued, often leading to higher ratings, better feedback, and repeat bookings.
Start early and stay consistent
​Baba’s January strategy is built around early starts and sticking to a steady routine, even when demand fluctuates.
His approach focuses on:
- Starting early to catch commuters heading to work
- Committing to consistency, working around 8 hours a day
- Staying local, doing most of his work in South East London
- Keeping expectations realistic, while staying proactive
As Baba explains: “I just try to wake up early and work very early shifts for people going to work, before it gets quiet.”
Rather than chasing specific trips, Baba relies on a consistent schedule and a familiar customer base. By focusing on morning commuters and maintaining routine, he gives himself the best chance to stay busy and build reliable income through January.
Stay safe and look after yourself
​Every driver knows that long hours behind the wheel can take a toll, especially when January shifts feel slower or colder.
Ahmed shared: “I used to push through long nights, but I now take breaks and work patterns that fit my energy. It’s made a big difference.”
At Otto Car, we prioritise your safety and that means looking after your wellbeing too, here are some top tips to look after yourself:
- Take regular breaks
- Stay hydrated and stretch between shifts
- Drive with caution in winter conditions - read our essential tips on safe winter driving for private hire drivers
- Let someone know your plan for the night
A healthier routine keeps you fresh, alert - and earning more consistently.
Read our full guide on how to look after your wellbeing as a private hire driver.
Key takeaways for private hire drivers in January
All the drivers use time management as an important part of their work. While this is helpful all year, it’s especially useful during quieter times like January.
Here are some of the other key tips they shared:
- Start early: All four drivers highlight the importance of early shifts where demand can be more predictable.
- Stay flexible: Adjusting schedules and being available for all kinds of trip requests can help drivers maintain steady work.
- Be disciplined: Consistent effort, like putting in a set number of hours daily, supports a steady routine, even during quieter times.
- Learn from the past: Looking at patterns from previous years can help guide your approach, showing you what to do more or less this time.
​No two private hire drivers work the same way - but the lessons we hear are clear: planning, consistency, professionalism, and self-care are what turn January into a success.