Otto Life Stories: Blaise

Otto Life Stories: Blaise

Which is better for Uber driving: the MG4 SE vs MG4 Trophy?

One of the most popular PCO cars right now is the MG4 due to its amazing value. Otto Car offers a choice of spec-levels: the MG4 SE or MG4 Trophy and this blog will help you make the decision that’s right for you. Is the MG4 a good car for Uber driving? Let’s begin with

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Meet the Otto Team in Hendon

The all-new Otto Car Hendon hub in northwest London has been opened since early 2023. We’ve caught up with the team to understand what drivers should expect during their visit and how the hub has grown to better support drivers’ needs. Massive showroom “Hendon is our biggest hub so far. We’re happy to see that

Halloween and Bonfire Night: How to drive safely as a PCO driver

With days getting shorter, it can be challenging to drive at night. The good news is that you can make more money when this is a great time for Halloween parties and fireworks nights. The shorter days and poor weather cause problems for even the most experienced Uber driver. Pay extra attention as it is

Meet the Otto Team in Ilford

In the past year, the Otto Car Ilford hub in East London has grown to meet the high demands for the private hire community. To better understand how the hub has changed and what it means to PCO drivers, we recently had a chat with the team. Bigger team, shorter waiting times “It’s so much

How to handle PCO operator disputes

Losing access to the Uber app or the other operators (ie Bolt or FREENOW) is a nightmare for the PCO driver. It means that you cannot work for that specific app – nor any of them if the problem originates from TfL – and the longer this suspension lasts, the more money you lose. The clock is

Operator news PCO driver guide

How to find our Dulwich hub

Our south London hub in Dulwich is located in the Parkhall Business Centre building to provide PCO drivers with all the help they need. We hope this quick and easy guide will help you find us: Our address is:📌 Parkhall Business Centre, Studio F05, 40 Martell Rd SE21 8EN

What is the best dashcam for Uber drivers?

The Otto Team are getting a lot of questions about how the Clean Air Plan works and how to use the Clean Air fund in 2022.

Summer driving: How to make more money as a PCO driver

For some people, the summer is a time to relax but for Uber drivers this is a great opportunity to earn. Here’s how to stay safe in the heat and maximise your money. Plan when to work In the holiday season, lots of people are away but there are also fewer PCO drivers working. The

What is a fixed penalty notice and what it means for PCO drivers?

Driving in and around London can be tricky, especially if you’re new to private hire driving. For Uber drivers, a fixed penalty notice (or an FPN) can be issued for a wide range of minor motoring offences, such as speeding, restricted turns and box junctions. Worse still, we recently noticed some drivers ended up being

How do Uber fares work for PCO drivers in London?

There are more types of Uber fare than ever and so it’s vital to understand how these work for private-hire drivers. This post will explain everything. Many PCO drivers ask what the Uber vehicle requirements are in London and this is a confusing topic as there are so many categories in the Uber app. Some

Operator news

Uber to roll-out new incentives that help PCO drivers go electric

Switching to EV makes more sense than ever because Uber is launching a batch of green ideas. It’s always nice to have your voice heard – and that is definitely the case with Uber and electric cars. Uber knows that many drivers are cautious about running an EV because this feels more complex than fuel.

Tesla Model Y vs Tesla Model 3: Which car is better for Uber driving?

The new Tesla Model Y is finally available so let’s see how it compares to the popular Model 3 for PCO driving. Tesla Model 3 Tesla Model Y Car type Saloon SUV Length (mm) x Width (mm) x Height (mm) 4,694 x 2,088 x 1,443 4,751 x 2,129 x 1,624 Total cargo volume with 5

Electric cars

EV charger types: Slow, fast, rapid and ultra-rapid charging explained

If you’re a PCO driver looking to switch to an electric vehicle for Uber, then you probably have a lot of questions about EV charging, specifically the different types of EV chargers. There are a few things you need to consider when choosing your EV chargepoint – which can be intimidating for new EV drivers.

How much do Uber drivers make in London?

Anyone who thinks about being a private hire driver wants to know how much money they can put in their pocket each week. This post will tell you exactly how it works. Uber driving in London is both flexible and rewarding but it can be tricky to explain the numbers because it depends on several

What is Uber Comfort – and how does it work in London?

Everybody dreams of getting paid extra money for doing the same amount of work. With Uber Comfort, this is a reality for PCO drivers who know how to play the game. What is Uber Comfort? In December 2020, Uber introduced a new category of trip in several UK cities, including London. The big idea is

The new MG4 vs MG5: which EV works for you?

There are two brand-new MG models for Otto Car drivers to choose between. Here’s how they compare. Picking the right PCO car can feel complicated. After all, this is your everyday place of work and a big investment in your own future. Among the most popular brands at the moment is MG because it delivers

Meet our Hendon Hub Manager Mo

We’ve caught up with our Hendon Hub Manager Mohamed Salah, as he shares how the hub offers a whole new experience to drivers, future plans, and the best place to eat around Hendon and Colindale.

Which is better: PCO Car Hire or Rent 2 Buy?

To work as a private-hire driver you need a PCO car that meets the rules of operators such as Uber. If you do not already have one – and a traditional finance agreement is unsuitable – there are two main routes.

Ramadan 2023: Top tips for safe PCO driving

The blessed month of Ramadan is coming. It’s one of the most important events for Muslims around the world, and fasting plays an important role in it. Here at Otto Car, our family of PCO drivers is diverse and global, so it’s a perfect time to help keep our drivers and passengers safe. Read these

Part-Exchange PCO driver stories

Meet our Customer Relations Supervisor Travis

Currently based at our Dulwich hub, Customer Relations Supervisor Travis shares his tips about choosing the right PCO car, and why he loves his job. How long have you been with Otto Car? Originally I joined Otto Car back in 2019. I left in September and then came back. I enjoy every moment working here.

Why Otto Car gave me £10k – and a Tesla

Isaac Yageneh explains why his recent part-exchange deal with Otto Car was super smooth, reveals his most famous passengers and how to grow mushrooms.

Driving tips Electric cars

Minimising winter range loss in your electric PCO car

With benefits like no Congestion Charge and a more enjoyable driving experience, many private hire drivers have already switched to an electric vehicle, or they’re considering doing so. While electric cars can be a fantastic Uber car option, we understand that driving range especially in winter is one of the main reasons why PCO drivers

Otto Life Stories: No 6 – Samuel

Samuel is a fine example of how PCO drivers often have hidden skills. He is fluent in three languages, previously worked in the ambulance service – and shares great ideas on how to handle difficult riders.

Meet our Customer Relations Advisor Hasan

Customer relations advisors are usually the first point of contact for our family of PCO drivers. As a PCO driver himself, Hasan at the Hammersmith hub shares what he likes about being an Uber driver, PCN hotspots to avoid, and the best places to get jobs.

Meet our Hackney Hub Manager Kevin

We speak to Kevin, our Hackney Branch Manager, as he shares his experiences with PCO drivers and the best things to do in Hackney.

Otto drivers support Brazil to win the World Cup

To celebrate the diversity of the Otto family, we asked our drivers which team they want to win the World Cup. Brazil came top with 39% of votes. To find out why, we met a Brazilian Otto driver, Leandro.

Part-Exchange PCO driver stories

How to earn more during the winter

To many PCO drivers, Christmas is the busiest season of the entire year. Here are our top tips to make the most of the festive season.

How Azu earned £12.5k with Otto Car’s Part-Exchange

Azu explains why the new Otto Car part-exchange scheme was such a seamless experience and reveals which teams he will be supporting in the FIFA World Cup.

Why the Skoda Enyaq is a great PCO car

To help you decide if the Skoda Enyaq is the perfect Uber car for you, we’ve put together a guide to the best features of this popular car.

Otto Life Stories: No 5 – Eniola

Eniola shares how to work longer shifts, her own experiences as a female driver and explains why this role is a good fit for family life.

The risks, law and penalties of mobile phone use while driving

Otto Car’s experienced driving instructor Berat shares some statistics and tips about mobile phone use while driving in the UK.

Autopay set up for Dart and Congestion charges

To make things easier for you, all of Otto’s PCO cars are registered with Dartford Charge and Congestion Charge autopay.

Meet our new Ilford Hub Manager Ijaz

We recently caught up with the new Ilford manager Ijaz as he shares his new experience with the private hire community in Redbridge.

The alternative EV charging guide 2023

Here’s how to save money charging your electric car at public points.

Otto Life Stories: No 4 – Edward

Edward reveals how switching careers to PCO driving helped him keep him in touch with his own children, and shares the secrets of Ghanain food.

PCO cars Rent 2 Buy

Five reasons why Rent 2 Buy + is the smart way to get a new PCO car

Otto Car invented the idea of Rent 2 Buy for private hire drivers, and we’ve helped 10,000+ drivers get on the road.

2022 Kia Niro EV – a detailed look at what’s new

The Kia Niro EV is available to order on Rent 2 Buy +. And the Otto Team have put together the major changes to help you decide if it’s the perfect car to own as an Uber driver.

Otto Life Stories: No 3 – Solomon

Veteran driver, Solomon, shares how he managed to turn his entire life around and spills the secrets of creating a dream retirement plan.

Operator news PCO driver guide

Recent London PCN hotspots that PCO drivers need to know

Otto Car is here to help PCO drivers maximise their hard-earned income. In this article, we reveal the worst London hotspots where drivers got PCNs recently in September.

PCO cars Rent 2 Buy

Otto Car’s PCO car range on Rent 2 Buy + (September 2022)

Otto Car’s PCO car range on Rent 2 Buy +, with electric vehicles and plug-in. hybrids.

Otto events

Celebrating the success of the Otto Cricket Cup 2022

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Otto Cricket Cup 2022, which this year was held at Walthamstow Cricket Club on Thursday September 1.

Uber Clean Air Plan: How it works in 2023

The Otto Team are getting a lot of questions about how the Clean Air Plan works and how to use the Clean Air fund in 2022.

How to pass the topographical skills test in 2023

This blog post covers everything you need to know about the topographical skills assessment, including what this test is all about and how to train for it. There are sample questions from TfL plus extra tips and handy resources to help you pass the first time.

London airport drop off charges 2023: Everything you need to know

In order to help our family of PCO drivers save their money, we’ve put together a list of London airports that charge a drop off fee, including Heathrow and Gatwick.

Secure your PCO car from keyless theft

Keyless entry comes as standard in many new PCO cars today. What can you do to protect your PCO cars from keyless theft? Here’s everything you need to know.

Part-Exchange PCO driver stories

Otto Life Stories: No 1 – Augustin

To celebrate the diversity of the Otto family, we will shine a spotlight on the cultural background of one experienced PCO driver in this new series.

How Muhabir earned £10,000 for his old car with the Otto Part-Exchange scheme

Muhabir Rahman used our new part-ex promotion to get paid £10k in cash. He explains why this was the easiest trade-in deal ever.

Gatwick drop off: How to pay the charge 2023

From the location to payment methods, this article covers everything you need to know about the Gatwick airport drop off charge.

Hot weather tips for PCO drivers

Most PCO drivers are aware of the dangers of winter driving. However, did you know it’s just as important to prepare yourself and your PCO car for summer?

How to pass the TfL English test for PCO drivers in 2023 | Uber driver requirements

As a PCO driver, you’ll need to know how to prepare for the English Language Test. Read our guide to make sure you’re confident to pass the requirements.

How PCO drivers can beat inflation

What can a PCO driver do to beat inflation? The Otto Car Rent 2 Buy + bundle will always be at the same fixed price for the entire length of the contract.

Heathrow drop off: How to pay the charge 2023

Launched in October 2021, the London Heathrow Airport terminal drop off charge is one of the most ticketed spots among our family of PCO drivers.

Part-Exchange

Part exchange with Otto Car

Drive home in a new PCO car by unlocking the value of your old one with the Otto Car part-exchange promotion. You’ll get a £250 voucher on your downpayment.

What is it like on your first day as a PCO driver

In this guide you’ll know what to expect on your first day as a new Uber driver, as our driving instructor shares his PCO knowledge and tips.

How to get a PCO licence in 2023

Take the first steps towards becoming a pco driver in London with our special pco licence guide. we cover costs to eligibility all.

How to become an Uber Driver in London (2023)

Check out our guide on how to become a London private hire driver. We lay out what it takes to go from a PCO driver to an Uber Partner.

PCO Car Hire PCO cars

Rent a perfect Uber car in London | PCO Car Hire with insurance

Otto Car’s PCO Car Hire scheme is fully inclusive with insurance. Save more with your Uber Clean Air fund. Minimum 8 week rental.

Top reasons why you should get a premium PCO car

Looking to own a new premium PCO car? Now we list some of the best features and benefits of buying these Uber approved vehicles

Otto news

Stay up-to-date with PCO news

Here at Otto Car, we know that simply offering fully electric PCO cars isn’t enough. We’re all about helping and supporting private hire drivers and Uber partners to be the best they can be. That’s why we’ve been putting together a comprehensive range of tips, articles, video reviews, podcasts and PCO car guides to help

Ramadan 2022: Top tips for safe PCO driving

Ramadan is usually a challenging time for PCO drivers to remain safe on the road. We thought it’d be helpful to share some driving tips.

PCO Car Hire

Kick start your PCO driving with PCO Car Hire

Otto Car offers a wide range of Uber ready cars for PCO drivers to rent, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric PCO vehicles.

New tax check rules for PCO licence renewal

The Otto Team would like to remind you that from 4 April 2022, if you renew your PCO licence, you’ll have to do a tax check.

Avoid getting a PCN as an Uber driver

We’ve put together our PCN data and analysed the most common types of fines. Let’s not waste our hard-earned money with a fine.

The complete guide to ULEZ | What it means for PCO drivers

The Otto Team has put together a comprehensive guide to how the ULEZ works to help PCO drivers maximise their income.

PCO cars Rent 2 Buy

Otto Car’s latest PCO cars | March 2022

Brand new 22 plate EV PCO cars are ready to own! We’re excited to showcase our latest car range on Rent 2 Buy and Rent 2 Buy +.

Is the Tesla Model 3 the perfect PCO car for you?

The Otto Team has put together a PCO driver guide to the top features which make the Tesla Model 3 a great private hire car.

Rent 2 Buy

Rent 2 Buy vs Rent 2 Buy + | PCO car ownership plans explained

We’ve updated our PCO Car Ownership plans, Rent 2 Buy and Rent 2 Buy +, to better reflect their true value.

Should you choose the VW ID.3 as your next PCO car?

The Otto Team has put together a PCO driver guide to the top features which make the Volkswagen ID.3 a great private hire car.

London Congestion Charge: What is it and what it means for PCO drivers

A comprehensive PCO driver guide to the London Congestion Charge, covering the dates and time you need to pay, and where the zone is.

PCO driver guide Safety

What is defensive driving and why is it important

The Otto Team has put together a guide to defensive driving to help you stay safe on the roads and save time and money as PCO drivers.

Best delivery and courier companies to work for in 2022

Uber Partners & PCO drivers looking for additional income can find the top delivery and courier companies here, from Uber Eats to Amazon Flex.

Highway Code changes 2022 – Here’s what PCO drivers need to know

New Highway Code 2022 rules will come into force soon, and here is a PCO and Uber driver guide to the key changes for you to avoid fines.

How to deal with road rage as an Uber driver

Road rage is more common than you think, with almost half of UK drivers having been the victims. Here are our tips to avoid road rage as an Uber driver.

Top tips for PCO drivers to stay safe and well

With Covid-19 cases rising in London, Uber drivers need to be careful on the roads. Follow our tips to help keep you and your rider safe.

New mobile phone driving laws: What they mean for PCO drivers

If you’re an Uber Partner or PCO driver, the rules around mobile phone use while driving is changing, please make sure to read Otto Car’s latest guide.

PCO driver guide Safety

The ultimate PCO driver guide to night time driving

As an Uber driver, you can earn well at night but there are more risks. From breaks to speeding, check out our guide for the private hire industry.

Top EV chargepoint providers in London | PCO driver guide

We’ve outlined the top chargepoint providers in London, and where they’re located. Loaded with the rates, exclusive offers and sign up info for PCO drivers.

Car reviews

Volkswagen ID.3 Life Review | PCO Car Guide

This PCO car review focuses on the Volkswagen ID3 Life. We dive into this Uber car to help Uber drivers in London understand how suitable it is for them.

Car reviews

MG5 EV Exclusive | PCO Car Guide

We review the MG5 EV in detail, to give PCO drivers an insight into how it drives and how suitable it is for Uber driving.

Driving tips Electric cars

Top 10 reasons for PCO drivers to switch to EV

PCO drivers might be hesitant about switching to electric, but this article outlines the top 10 reasons why now is the best time to do so.

Charge & Coffee | The ultimate break guide

Take a break from Uber, charge up and relax with a coffee and a bite to eat. Our new charging guide for PCO drivers is available to read.

London PCN Locations for Uber Drivers | May 2021

We’ve got a newer article for you! Check out our latest PCN guide to save your hard-earned money. Here at Otto Car we’re on a mission to help PCO Drivers avoid PCNs. This challenge has been made more difficult in the last couple of months due to increased cameras, bike-lanes, and restricted routes since lockdown.

City of London PCN guide | Avoid a fine

Avoid a PCN in the City of London with Otto Car’s new guide for Uber drivers & PCO drivers. From Lime Street to Princes Street

Otto news

Protecting Our PCO Drivers | The Benefits of Telematics and Cameras

Here at Otto Car, we take safety very seriously. Whether this be through our driving assessments or our new Driver Development Programme. Over the last few years we’ve heavily invested in vehicle telematics and CCTV to make sure our family of PCO drivers are protected whilst doing the thing they love most, driving! Below is

Meet Martin | Uber driver stories

Martin has been working in the private hire industry for 9 years, including a number of years with Uber. We caught up with him to hear his story.

Meet Ranjeet | Uber driver stories

Meet Ranjeet, an Uber driver on Rent 2 Buy +. We talked about the Uber Clean Air Plan, Covid-19 and much more in our latest PCO driver story.

Safety The Otto Team

Driving up standards with Rocky | Driver development

We help Uber Drivers and PCO drivers improve their driving standards through our Driver Development programme.

Meet Khalid | A PCO car ownership story

We caught up with Khalid who recently became a PCO car owner after completing Rent 2 Buy. We learn about his story from Pakistan to London.

Developing a charging strategy | A step-by-step guide for PCO drivers

London’s PCO drivers are turning towards EVs in large numbers. It’s important to have a charging strategy ready for your new Uber car.

An essential guide to earning more with PCO plug-In hybrids

A full guide for PCO drivers thinking of using a plug-in hybrid as their next Uber car, such as the Toyota Prius.

Keep healthy as a PCO driver

When driving with Uber as a PCO driver, health might take a backseat. Join us and Gig Guy London as we go through important health tips.

Otto Car’s driver assessment – What’s it all about?

As a reputable PCO car rental company, it’s our duty to make sure we’re putting safe drivers into our cars with our driver assessment.

How to reapply for your PCO licence

Reapply for your PCO licence in London and avoid time spent off the road. From applying for your DBS to document uploads, you’re covered.

Meet Anita | July’s Safe Driver of the Month

Here at Otto Car, we value safety and that’s why we’ve introduced our safe driver of the month award for our family of PCO drivers in London.

London’s PCN hotspots

We’ve got a newer article for you! Check out our latest PCN guide to save your hard-earned money. This week we’ve been focusing on areas where our PCO drivers are picking up tickets consistently. Using years worth of data to spot trends and the keen eye of the Otto team, we’ve been digging deep to

It pays to drive safe with Otto Car | Meet Rogerio

Safety is extremely important here at Otto Car. That’s why we’ve been awarding our safest driver a special award.

Always part of the family | Meet Baz

Every PCO driver has a different story. Meet Baz, who started his PCO journey renting and used his earnings to open a restaurant.

Electric cars

Will an electric PCO car work for me?

From driveways to EV range, we give Uber drivers the information they need before switching to an electric PCO car on Rent 2 Buy.

PCO road rules | Drive smart as an Uber driver

We’ve found our top 10 PCNs, so PCO drivers and Uber drivers like you can avoid the fines and save more money.

Top tips for driving on black ice

Avoid an accident with your PCO car with our top tips for driving on black ice in winter. Take extra care as an Uber driver in London.

Driving tips Safety

Driving in winter | Top PCO safety tips

Get ready for winter with our winter guide for PCO drivers & Uber Drivers in London. From black ice to fog, you’re covered.

Insurance renewal documentation | How to upload to Uber

Uploading new PCO insurance with Uber and other private hire operators can be difficult, especially on mobile. Read our latest article.

What to do if you get into an accident

If you’re involved in a traffic accident while driving Uber, here’s what you need to do as a private hire driver in London with Otto Car.

Safety

Safe driving guidelines for PCO drivers

Read our safety tips for Uber driving as a PCO driver in London. Follow these rules to keep you and your passengers safe at all times.

London Bank Junction access

TfL have recently announced that London’s Bank Junction is not accessible for certain vehicles at certain times.

Avoiding car park PCN’s

Don’t get caught out as an Uber Driver, make sure you avoid car parking fines from such as Euro Car Parks and National Car Parks.

Safety

Chris’s checks for PCO drivers

Safety is the number one priority here. Keep yourself, passengers and the public safe with our driving instructor’s top Uber driving tips.

Beginners guide PCO Car Hire Rent 2 Buy

AJ’s top PCN hotspots in London

As an Uber Driver, you want to avoid charges at all spots. Read our PCO guide to avoid Transport for London PCNs.

PCO Car Hire or Rent 2 Buy?

Should you rent or own a PCO car for Uber? Read more about our PCO Car Hire and Rent 2 Buy. From renting to owning, we break it all down.

Ash’s top tips for PCO drivers

Get the best out of your PCO car with our guide specifically for private hire drivers with Uber in London.

3 simple steps if you’ve had an accident

If you’re involved in a traffic accident while driving Uber, you’ll need to follow the right steps. Read our PCO accident guide today.

Uber driver tips | How to change a tyre

We have created a simple video to guide you through the process of changing your tyre. Get back on the road and earning with Otto Car.

5 simple tips to keep your PCO car in good condition

Keep your PHV vehicle in check with our top tips for your PCO car. Here are some small things you can do to maintain your Uber car.

Drive smart | Shoyab’s top tips for driving a Toyota Prius

Learn from the best in the PCO business as Shoyab takes you through his top tips for driving a Toyota Prius as an Uber driver.

Driving tips Safety

PCO driver wellbeing | How to keep fit and healthy

As a PCO driver, it’s very important to make sure you keep yourself in good condition. Follow our PCO guide to driver wellbeing.

Driving tips PCN

PCO driver tips: Avoiding fines (Part 2)

Read the second part of our guide to avoid PCNs and fines in London. We cover speed limits as well as pedestrian zones for PCO drivers.

TfL spot checks | Are you prepared?

Avoid time off the road with our TfL spot check guide. From tyres to documentation, we run through the checks needed to stay on the road.

How to upload your documentation to Uber

From the MOT to PCO insurance, we list all the necessary documents to work for Uber with our Uber Documentation Upload Guide.

The top 10 Uber destinations in London

Our PCO guide to London’s top Uber destinations will help you maximise income potential. Perfect for private hire drivers.

PCO driver stories | Meet Innocent

Meet Innocent,an Uber driver with years of experience in PCO. He was looking to become a car owner and we supported him through Rent 2 Buy.