The demand for PCO drivers isn’t the same throughout the year. It changes from season to season. In winter, many people prefer to stay home due to cold weather. In autumn, people are saving for Christmas and are less focused on travelling. In spring, most people avoid travelling due to the constant rain.
This makes summer the most rewarding period of the year for PCO drivers. During this season, tourists pour in, events explode, and airports get busier, resulting in higher demand for PCO drivers.
If you are considering becoming a professional driver and want to know which part of the year is the best to get started, it’s definitely summer. Here’s why:
Increased Demand
The whole of London becomes a hotspot for PCO drivers during summer. Tourists from every continent visit the capital to see sites like Buckingham Palace, Oxford Street, Tower Bridge, etc.
These people prefer to travel through Uber, Bolt, and other similar platforms instead of public transportation, resulting in high ride demand.
In addition, London is absolutely bursting with events during summer, with Wimbledon, Notting Hill Carnival, and BST Hyde Park being the most notable ones. Thousands of locals and foreigners attend these events, causing a spike in demand for PCO drivers.
Lastly, families are flying in and out of London during the summer. This means if you drive a 7-seater or any other car that qualifies for XL rides, you can become their go-to driver. If you don’t have a bigger car, you can upgrade it through PCO car hire.
Better Weather, Safer Driving
Winter driving can be tough in London due to slick, icy roads. Plus, the visibility can be poor on foggy days. This makes it risky to carry passengers, as one small incident can land you in big trouble. If you are a new driver, you will need some time to get used to winter driving.
On the other hand, roads become easier to drive on during summer. Plus, brighter days offer better visibility which ultimately reduces the risk of accidents. This allows new drivers to learn the roads fast and operate confidently.
Summer offers you the perfect opportunity to gain experience and grow your professional driving career.
EVs are More Rewarding in Summer
You may not know it, but EVs perform better during summer.
Let’s explain.
In winter, cold weather puts more stress on car parts, which results in higher battery consumption and reduced range. However, when the weather gets warm, the stress lowers and as a result, you get more miles per charge.
This means you will spend less time waiting in queues at charging stations and more time carrying passengers, resulting in higher earnings.
Note: EVs are exempt from ULEZ and congestion charges, allowing you to save up to £27.50 per day. This is good news for PCO drivers who don’t want to deal with unwanted expenses.
Summer School Holidays Mean More Family Travel
Summer brings school holidays, which means more family travel. Many PCO drivers are so busy chasing nightlife rides or surge areas that they forget about the families that need them during the day.
That’s where you can cash in.
During holidays, parents take their kids out for shopping and day trips to places like zoo, museum, or grandma’s house across town. Many of these families travel through Uber, Bolt, and other ride-hailing apps. If you drive a spacious car that can comfortably accommodate passengers as well as their luggage, then you can earn far beyond the standard £6 rides.
The best part is that these types of passengers aren’t just available on weekends. They are available throughout the week, especially during holidays, allowing you to earn consistently.
Ideal to Test the Waters
If you are a new driver wanting to test the waters of the PCO world before committing full-time, summer is the ideal time to do so. Since the demand is high during this period, you can quickly understand the true potential of the industry and whether it’s meant for you or not.
Here’s how to get started:
Instead of buying a car outright, get one through PCO hire on a short-term rental option. You can rent week-to-week or month-to-month. Plus, these plans cover insurance, maintenance, car body repair in case of an accident, and much more to give you peace of mind.
If things work out for you, keep driving. If not, just return the car and explore other options.
Lower Competition from Full-Time Drivers on Holiday
Summer isn’t just the time to take a break for students and families. Many PCO drivers also go on holiday during this time. This creates a gap in the industry, opening up an opportunity for new and part-time drivers to capitalise.
The absence of experienced drivers on the road results in more ride requests, lower waiting time, and less competition during peak hours.
Normally, the algorithm of Uber, Bolt, and other ride-hailing apps prioritises top-rated drivers. When they are inactive, you get a chance to be picked up by the algorithm faster, stay busier, and earn more.
Easier to Build a Routine and Meet Weekly Bonuses
Unlike other seasons, where demand can be unpredictable, summer brings steady ride requests almost every day. So, if you have been struggling to build a routine as a PCO driver, summer is your chance to achieve this goal.
In case you didn’t know, platforms like Uber and Bolt don’t just pay you for completing rides. They also pay you through bonuses. For instance, if you complete a specific number of trips during a fixed time, you will get a handsome bonus. Similarly, if you complete a certain number of trips consecutively (without cancellation), you can make some extra quid.
The steady demand for rides in summer allows you to complete these challenges quickly and earn more in less time.
Tip: If you want to get started but don’t have a car, get one through PCO car hire. This option includes commercial vehicle insurance, maintenance, and much more for manageable weekly payments to give you peace of mind.
Conclusion
Whether you are a seasoned driver or looking to test the waters of PCO industry before committing full-time, the summer season offers the perfect combination of high demand, safer driving conditions, and increased earnings.
Don’t wait too long. Summer is the season to achieve your income goals. Lock in, level up, and make it count.
