What school run driving involves
School runs are regular, planned journeys that take children between home and school. Most runs happen twice a day during term: a morning drop-off between about 07:30 and 09:00, and an afternoon collection between about 14:45 and 16:30. The same children usually travel with the same driver every day, so you get to know the route, the families and the school staff.
There are several kinds of school run work:
- Private family runs. Parents book a regular car for their children, often for a term or a school year.
- Shared runs. Several families share one vehicle, so an MPV is often needed.
- Special educational needs (SEND) transport. Children with additional needs travel to specialist schools, sometimes with a passenger assistant on board. This work needs extra patience and training.
- One-off trips. Appointments, early finishes and school trips.
Why drivers choose school runs
- Predictable hours. You know your morning and afternoon routes in advance.
- Daytime free. The middle of the day is open for other work, airport runs or time off.
- School holidays. Term-time only work suits drivers who want time off in the holidays.
- Repeat work. Regular runs mean steady bookings without searching for each job.
What you need
Safeguarding is the most important part of this work. To be considered for school runs, you will need:
- A valid private hire driver licence from Transport for London (PCO licence), or an equivalent licence from the relevant council where that applies.
- An enhanced DBS check. For school work, this normally includes a check against the children's barred list.
- A licensed private hire vehicle with valid hire and reward insurance, if you are using your own vehicle.
- The right to work in the UK.
- A clean or near-clean driving record.
- A willingness to complete safeguarding and child protection training.
You will also need to be punctual, calm, polite and patient, with a smart appearance and good communication with parents and schools.
If you have an MPV, you are especially welcome. Shared runs and families with several children often need six or more seats.
Day-to-day expectations
- Arrive on time, every time. If you are delayed, contact the family before the agreed time.
- Hand children over only to the agreed person, and only at the agreed place.
- Make sure every child is belted in, with a suitable child seat or booster where needed.
- Never change arrangements because a child asks; changes must come from the parent who booked.
- Report any concerns about a child's welfare in line with safeguarding guidance.
About us
We are a cab facilitator, connecting passengers with licensed minicab and taxi service providers. School run work is carried out by licensed drivers working with the operators in our network. Read more about us, or see what families can expect on our school run taxi page.
How to apply
Email booking@motspurparkcars.co.uk with the subject line "School run driver", and include:
- Your name and phone number.
- Your licence type and number.
- The vehicle you drive and how many passengers it seats.
- The areas you can cover, such as Raynes Park, Wimbledon or Sutton.
- The days and times you are available.
We will be in touch to talk through the work and the next steps. You can also call 020 3642 6159 with any questions.