Can drivers and transport workers get car finance?

Roman Danaev3 February 2026

Share

You can get car finance as a driver or transport worker. We work with lenders who understand transport workers' employment situations and accept applications from taxi drivers, private hire operators, couriers, and delivery drivers. Your income pattern requires lenders who recognise platform earnings and variable wages.

Standard personal car finance often excludes commercial use. Most personal finance agreements restrict you to private journeys only, which makes them unsuitable for earning a living behind the wheel. We connect you with lenders who build their terms around trade use from the start.

Self-employment does not stop you getting approved. Lenders assess your income through bank statements, platform earnings records, or accounts if you operate as a limited company. You need consistent earnings rather than traditional payslips.

You will need your driving licence, proof of income, and proof of address to apply. If you hold a taxi or private hire licence, bring that too. Most lenders ask for a deposit, and you repay through fixed monthly instalments that protect your cash flow.

Why do drivers usually choose Carplus?

We understand your employment situation and salary structure. Lenders on our panel accept taxi drivers, couriers, and delivery workers earning £2,000 to £3,000+ monthly through platforms, shifts, or self-employment. You access finance specialists who recognise variable income and non-traditional payslips as valid proof of earnings.

You work with a personal account manager who matches your salary level to the right lender. We handle the application from start to finish and make decisions quickly—you receive an initial response within minutes and hear from your dedicated broker the same day.

We accept applications other brokers decline. Your employment status, platform earnings, fluctuating salary, and credit history do not automatically exclude you. We assess your actual affordability and work pattern, not just traditional employment criteria.

Who qualifies for car finance?

Transport professionals across all sectors qualify for car finance with Carplus. Van drivers secure approval alongside delivery operators and get accepted just like transport managers, which means your position level does not determine your eligibility for finance.

Who generally gets finance on a car with us:

Passenger Transport

• Taxi operators and private hire drivers
• Bus operators and drivers
• Coach operators
• Passenger service agents and assistants
• Minicab drivers

Commercial Driving

• HGV operators and drivers
• Lorry operators and drivers
• Van operators and drivers
• Multi-drop delivery drivers
• Owner-drivers

Specialist Transport

• Airline pilots and co-pilots
• Flight dispatchers
• Trade plate operators
• Chauffeurs
• Executive car drivers

Railway Operations

• Railway maintenance workers
• Railway enforcement officers
• Train operators and drivers
• Station staff

Platform & Logistics

• Port operators
• Traffic operators
• Warehouse operatives
• Logistics coordinators
• Distribution centre workers

What are car finance types available for drivers and transport workers?

Carplus offers two main finance types that work for your employment situation. Hire Purchase (HP) and Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) both accept drivers and delivery workers with variable income.

HP car finance

HP finance spreads the full vehicle cost across fixed monthly payments. You pay a deposit, make regular instalments, and own the car outright once you complete the final payment. This suits drivers who want guaranteed ownership and plan to keep the vehicle long-term for work.

Your monthly payments stay the same throughout the agreement. Lenders calculate your instalments based on the car price, deposit amount, and agreement length. You build equity with each payment and face no mileage restrictions, which matters when you cover high distances daily.

You own the vehicle at the end with no extra fees. The car becomes yours after the final payment, giving you a trade-in asset or continued use without further costs. This works well if you need reliable transport for several years and want the security of full ownership.

PCP car finance

PCP finance offers lower monthly payments than HP by deferring part of the cost. You pay a deposit, make reduced monthly instalments, and choose what happens at the end—keep the car by paying the final balloon payment, return it, or trade it in. This suits drivers who want flexibility or plan to upgrade vehicles regularly.

Your payments cover the vehicle's depreciation, not its full value. Lenders set a guaranteed future value (balloon payment) and you pay the difference between the car price and this figure. You get lower monthly costs, which helps manage cash flow alongside variable earnings from shifts or platform work.

You decide your next step when the agreement ends. Pay the balloon payment to own the car, return it and walk away, or use any equity towards your next vehicle. This flexibility works if your income varies seasonally or you want options as your work situation changes.

Is it possible for me to get car finance with bad credit history as a driver?

You can get car finance with bad credit history while working as a taxi driver or delivery driver, or bus operators. Lenders assess your current affordability alongside your credit file by examining recent bank statements, platform earnings, or accounts from the past three to six months. Your work pattern and income stability matter more than past credit issues.

Your bad credit history typically means higher interest rates and larger deposit requirements. You might pay 18-25% APR instead of 9-12% APR, and lenders often ask for 10-20% deposit rather than accepting no-deposit applications. The vehicle still becomes affordable through longer agreement terms that reduce your monthly payments.

Am I eligible for car finance?

You need to meet basic lender requirements to qualify for car finance as a transport or driving worker. Most lenders set similar eligibility criteria focusing on your age, residency status, income level, and the vehicle you want to finance, which means these requirements apply consistently regardless of whether you're working.

Your requirements

• Age 18-75 years old
• UK resident with verifiable address history
• Full UK driving licence
• Monthly income of £1,000 or above (including fares, platform earnings, shift pay, and overtime)
• Ability to provide payslips showing income and details of regular monthly expenses

Vehicle criteria

• Purchase price between £4,000 and £40,000
• Maximum 120,000 miles on the odometer
• No older than 14 years at the end of your finance agreement
• Meets lender's valuation standards and acceptable condition requirements

How to apply for car finance?

Getting car finance as a driver or transport worker follows a straightforward three-step process. We run a soft search credit check that won't impact your credit score.

Step 1: Submit your application and receive an instant quote

Complete our online form with your driving role, work pattern, and monthly income from fares, deliveries, or shifts. You receive an instant quote within minutes showing your available options, which lets you see exactly what you can afford before committing.

Step 2: Income verification and lender approval

Lenders review your earnings from payslips, bank statements, or platform payment records, then assess your employment stability and existing commitments. They complete a hard credit search at this stage and provide their approval decision within 24-48 hours once they've received your complete documentation.

Step 3: Sign your agreement and collect your vehicle

Review your finance agreement carefully before signing to ensure you understand the monthly costs and contract length. Submit your UK driving licence, recent payslips or platform statements, and proof of address to finalise the deal. The lender releases funds directly to the dealership, and you can collect your vehicle or arrange home delivery to fit your shift schedule.

Share