Becoming a Private Hire Driver in London: Nathan’s Story as an Addison Lee Driver
Nathan has spent the last six years behind the wheel as an Addison Lee driver, building a career around flexibility, consistency and meeting new people every day. We spoke with him about why he chose private hire driving, what keeps the job interesting, and why he continues to drive with Addison Lee over other platforms.
If you’re thinking about how to become a private hire driver in London, or already driving and considering your options, Nathan’s experience offers a clear, practical perspective.
Why Nathan Decided to Become a Private Hire Driver
For Nathan, the decision to become a taxi driver in London came down to two key factors: control over his time and the potential to earn.
“I chose to become a private hire driver because of the flexibility and the earning potential.”
Private hire work in London offers a level of independence that many traditional roles don’t. Drivers can structure their working hours around their lives rather than the other way around, while still having the opportunity to increase earnings based on how much they choose to work.
What a PCO Driver’s Day Actually Looks Like
What stands out to Nathan day to day in his role as a PCO driver is the variety.
“The part of the job I enjoy the most is the fact that no day is the same, so you can have something different every day and meet different people all the time.”
That unpredictability is a big part of the appeal. Each shift brings a different mix of passengers, journeys, and experiences, something that keeps the role from feeling repetitive.
The Support That Makes a Difference
One of the things Nathan values most is the ability to speak to a real person when needed.
“The support I get from the Addison Lee team is that you have someone to speak to at the other end of the line if you have any issues, queries, or just genuine questions, and it’s nice because you have a genuine person on the other line. It’s a genuine person to give you advice and help you out with your options.”
For PCO drivers, quick and reliable support can make a real difference, whether it’s resolving an issue on the road or simply getting clarity on a job.
Why Nathan Chooses To Drive With Addison Lee Over Other Platforms
Nathan has made a conscious choice to stick with Addison Lee rather than moving to other ride-hailing platforms.
“I prefer Addison Lee over other ride hailing platforms due to the fact that I feel they are very professional, they have a very good reputation, and it makes me feel good to represent a company that has a good reputation.”
Reputation and professionalism matter, not just for passengers, but for drivers who want to feel confident in the company they represent.
The Benefits That Support the Job
Nathan points to several practical benefits that come with driving for Addison Lee.
“The benefits you get from Addison Lee are that you get a percentage bonus on the jobs that you are able to do. You also are able to use the car outside of working hours, which is good, so allows you the flexibility if you wanted to have a social life alongside your working life. And also, you are able to get the car washed up to three times a week in allocated car washes all around the capital.”
These benefits go beyond day-to-day earnings. They support both lifestyle and convenience, making private hire driving a more sustainable long-term career choice.
Would Nathan Recommend Driving with Addison Lee?
Nathan is clear in his answer.
“I would recommend Addison Lee to another driver as it has a good longevity as a company, it treats its drivers well, and it also gives you the opportunity to have a high earning percentage.”
For him, it comes down to stability, fair treatment and the opportunity to earn. The core factors most drivers are looking for when deciding where to become a PCO driver in London.
Ready To Become a Private Hire Driver?
Nathan’s journey shows how private hire driving can offer flexibility, variety, and long-term opportunity when paired with the right platform.
If you’re thinking about becoming a PCO driver, or switching from your current platform, Addison Lee could be the right fit.
Related posts
-
Driver|PCO vs Regular Driving Licence: Key Differences
You've got a full UK driving licence, a clean record, and you're ready to become a private hire driver. So why does everyone keep mentioning a PCO licence? And do you actually need one?
-
Driver|Is it Hard to Get a PCO Licence?
Getting a PCO licence is not especially difficult, but it is more involved than most people expect. There are several stages, each with its own requirements, and the process takes longer than a single application form.
-
Driver|VIP Transportation: 5 Features Of Our Executive Chauffeur Service
Discover 5 features that make us London's go-to luxury chauffeur service - from executive airport transfers to fixed all-inclusive pricing.
-
Business|Driver|London|News|Addison Lee rolls out CPR training with St John Ambulance after driver helps save passenger’s life
Addison Lee announces the first in a series of CPR and defibrillator training sessions for its drivers. The move is inspired by one of its drivers who helped to save the life of a passenger during a sudden medical emergency on a journey in London.
-
Driver|From scaffolding to the steering wheel: Tom’s story as an Addison Lee driver
Tom spent years as a scaffolder before he swapped cold mornings up a pole for warm ones behind a wheel. Today he's an Addison Lee driver working the roads of London
