Free resource
PCO / Private-Hire Driver Vehicle Checklist
Practical checks for Uber, Bolt, minicab, private-hire and high-mileage drivers — to help you stay safe, pass MOTs and reduce expensive downtime.
Call 020 7537 2447Woodseer Autos — PCO Driver Vehicle Checklist
020 7537 2447 · woodseerautos.co.uk · 14 Copenhagen Place, London E14 7DF
Daily driver checks (before your first job)
- Walk round the car — any new dents, scuffs or panel damage
- All lights working — headlights, brakes, indicators, reverse
- Tyre pressures look correct, no obvious bulges
- Windscreen washers topped up, wipers clearing cleanly
- No new warning lights on the dash after start-up
- Interior clean, seatbelts retract, child locks set
Weekly checks (set a reminder)
- Tread depth across all four tyres (≥ 2mm if doing high mileage)
- Oil and coolant levels in the engine bay
- Brake feel under firm braking — no pulling, no grinding
- Handbrake holds on a slope
- Check for fluid leaks where you park
- Listen for new knocks, rattles or droning
Before MOT or renewal deadline
- Work through the MOT Pass Checklist (lights, tyres, brakes, wipers)
- Clear any dashboard warning lights with a diagnostic check
- Book MOT 5–28 days early so renewal date doesn't change
- Have V5C, insurance and PCO/licence documents to hand
High-mileage warning signs
- Tyres wearing unevenly or quickly on one corner
- Brakes feeling soft, grinding, or pulling to one side
- Suspension knocks over speed bumps or potholes
- Engine management or DPF/EGR warning lights
- Exhaust smoke (blue = oil, black = fuel, white = coolant)
- Bodywork scuffs that could affect rear-view or passenger safety
When to call a garage
- Any red warning light on the dash
- Brake or steering feel changes
- Coolant temperature rising or oil warning
- Unusual smell — burning, fuel or coolant
- Anything that could put a passenger at risk
Downtime-reduction tips
- Book first or last slot of the day to reduce lost earnings
- Combine MOT, service and any small fixes in one visit
- Keep a spare bulb kit and tyre repair gel in the boot
- Build a relationship with one garage — faster diagnosis next time
Helpful Woodseer pages for PCO drivers:
PCO checklist — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common questions.
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