Executive car hire: how to start as an owner-driver
Drive your own smart car for airport runs, events and business clients, building regular bookings.
- £3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
19,909 UK companies in this field, 37% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 49320 “Taxi operation”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A one-car private hire service where you take pre-booked journeys such as airport transfers, weddings, nights out and corporate trips. Unlike a taxi, you cannot pick up passers-by.
Your first three steps
- Check with your local council (or TfL in London) which driver, vehicle and operator licences you need and what they cost
- Get quotes for hire and reward insurance for the car you plan to use
- Contact local hotels, firms and wedding venues to offer a reliable pre-booked service
Who pays
Business travellers, local companies, families heading to airports, and people going to events.
How it makes money
Fixed prices for set routes (such as airport runs) or a rate per mile or hour, with repeat corporate clients making income steadier.
Skills that help
- Safe, calm driving
- Reliable and punctual
- Polite, professional manner
- Knowing your local area and airports
Watch out for
- Licensing rules differ between England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and London, so check what applies to you
- Hire and reward insurance, which costs more than normal car insurance
- Vehicle age, type and testing requirements set by your licensing authority
- Long hours, fuel, servicing and quiet periods affecting income
- Only taking pre-booked journeys, as picking up on the street without a taxi licence is illegal
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: executive car hire: owner-driver
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an executive car hire business?
Estimated startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on the car you use, hire and reward insurance, licensing fees and any vehicle preparation. Treat this as an estimate and get insurance quotes early.
How much can an owner-driver executive car hire business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,500 to £5,000, depending on the hours you work and how many bookings you win. Fuel, servicing and quiet periods can affect what you keep, and nothing is guaranteed.
What rules should I check before starting private hire?
Check which licensing rules apply to you, as they differ across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and London. Also check hire and reward insurance, vehicle age, type and testing requirements, and that you only take pre-booked journeys.
Other ways to run this business
Similar transport ideas
Motorhome storage on spare land
Turn a field, farm yard or unused plot into secure parking for local motorhomes and caravans.
- £3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Mobile boat parts and supplies van
Deliver fittings and accessories by van to boatyards, marinas and boaters along your local waterways.
- £3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Airport transfer and private chauffeur
Drive pre-booked clients to airports, stations and appointments in a smart, well-kept car.
- £2.5k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Paraffin and kerosene van delivery
Deliver paraffin and kerosene in approved containers to homes, allotments and small sites by van.
- £3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile boat repair and servicing
Travel to marinas, moorings and boatyards to service engines and fix hulls and fittings on site.
- £3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Piano removal service
Move upright and baby grand pianos safely between homes, schools and venues for a fixed price per job.
- £3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about