Ultimate Guide to Becoming an Ola Driver in London 2024
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ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS
- Ola is a major rideshare platform from India, now in London.
- Offers private hire and metered taxi options, flexible for drivers.
- Drivers can earn around £11 per hour, with incentives during peak times.
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Eager to earn with Ola in London? Our 2024 guide breaks down the process, from securing licenses to boosting your income.
This guide is your roadmap to becoming an Ola driver, highlighting key requirements, the application process, and what you can expect to earn. Dive in and steer your way towards a flexible, profitable side hustle as an Ola driver.
about ola
Ola is one of the biggest ridesharing platforms in the world, but many in the UK may not have heard of it. This company mainly operates in India and has been around since 2010 in the country. The company has recently begun its foray into the UK, and it has since started to grow steadily even with the saturated rideshare market.
As an Ola driver, you will be an independent contractor in charge of your schedule or work hours. You’ll operate your own vehicle, and if you don’t have one, Ola can provide one from its fleet. You can choose to be one of two types of drivers: private hire or metered taxi. For now, we will focus on the former as this is the better option for those who want to drive for Ola as a side hustle.
Requirements Before You Start an Application
Before you start working as an Ola private hire driver, you must fulfil the following initial requirements.
Car
- Must be less than 10 years old
- Has four doors
- Has a minimum of five seats
Driver
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must have a DVLA licence
You’ll also need to secure the following documents during the application. We recommend getting these ahead of time for a quicker, hassle-free process.
- PCO licence issued by Transport for London (TfL)
- PHC licence
- MOT certificate
- Insurance certificate
- Car logbook or new keeper slip
The insurance certificate and car logbook are the easiest to get since you probably have those already. For the other documents, here’s what you need to do.
Securing a PCO Licence
A Public Carriage Office (PCO) licence is the London equivalent of a private hire driver’s licence. You get one from TfL, and securing one takes some effort.
- Register with TfL and begin the process of getting a PCO licence.
- Pass the background check to ensure good character.
- Submit a medical declaration showing that you’re physically fit to work as a private hire driver.
- Pass the required exams and evaluations, such as:
- Topographical skills test: Assessment of your navigation skills and knowledge of the streets of London
- SERU: This exam evaluates your knowledge of laws pertaining to safety, equality, and regulatory understanding
- English speaking and listening test: Exam for your ability to understand and communicate in English
Securing a PHV Licence
After securing a private hire licence for you, the next step is getting one for your vehicle. This document is called a private hire vehicle (PHV) licence, and it shows that your car follows the requirements set by TfL. To get your PHV licence, submit the following documents.
- V5C DVLA vehicle registration document
- Hire and reward insurance certificate
- Ministry of Transport (MOT) certificate issued within the last 14 days
- Other documents detailing vehicle modifications
You will need to set an appointment with TfL to have your car inspected and to submit your documents. Among the requirements for a PHV licence, the MOT certificate may take more time to secure.
Step-by-Step application Process
Once you’ve secured all the required documents, it’s time to begin the Ola application process.
- Visit the Ola driver’s page and click the “Register to Drive” button.
- Upload the documents and wait for a verification message from the Ola team.
- You’ll be instructed to log in and complete the training process, which contains five assessments.
- Once you pass the assessments, you can begin working as a driver for Ola. Make sure to share your payment details to get your compensation.
Earning Potential as an Ola Driver
According to
Indeed, the average Ola private hire driver earns around £11. It’s similar to other competitors like
Uber
and
Bolt
and is above the current national minimum wage. You can raise your hourly earnings by working during peak hours or holidays. The Ola app also offers
rewards and incentives, so make sure to check those out.
Do I Need to Pay Tax as an ola driver?
Yes. As an independent contractor with Ola, you’ll be classed as a self-employed sole trader. As soon as you reach £1,000 in taxable income, you will need to register for self-assessment with HMRC.
Make sure to keep track of your transactions to ensure you can accurately file your self-assessment tax return. We'd recommend speaking to an accountant if you require tax or business advice about working with Ola.
FAQs
Final thoughts: How To Become an Ola Driver in London
Working as a driver for Ola is a great side hustle, and applying is straightforward. If you have a car and can secure documents like a PCO licence or a PHV licence, then you’ll be able to submit an application and hopefully pass the initial assessment. Then, you can begin training and become a fully fledged private hire driver.
For more information about becoming a private hire driver, browse our other delivery and driving articles or contact us today!
BEFORE YOU GO...
Becoming an Ola driver is just one way to navigate the gig economy's opportunities. If you're keen on exploring more versatile earning avenues, don't stop here. Our next guide, "Become a GLH Courier in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide," offers an equally thorough exploration for anyone looking to deliver success on their own terms. Dive into it next and discover how you can expand your horizons, whether behind the wheel or on two wheels.
sidehustles.co.uk one-minute podcast
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Ultimate Guide to Becoming an Ola Driver in London 2024
Welcome to the Sidehustles.co.uk One Minute Podcast. In the next 60 seconds, we're sharing a real-world insight from our network of seasoned side hustlers. This quick tip is designed to offer you practical advice that you can apply immediately in your side hustle journey.
Today, we're discussing Becoming an Ola Driver in London 2024. In London, where the gig economy thrives, Ola is unique in the ride-sharing market. Unlike its competitors, Ola offers both private hire and metered taxi options, providing drivers with flexibility in how they choose to work. This dual model caters to a broader range of drivers, from those seeking the traditional taxi experience to others looking for a more private, schedule-friendly driving opportunity. For anyone considering a rideshare side hustle in London, Ola's inclusive approach means you're likely to find a driving option that suits your lifestyle and preferences, making it a standout choice in a saturated market.
That's your one-minute real-world insight. Stay tuned for more!
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