Complete guide for Grab and Gojek drivers in Singapore — best PHV rental cars, LTA requirements, how to maximise earnings, and why hybrid cars save you money on fuel.

Driving for Grab, Gojek or other ride-hailing platforms is one of the most popular ways to earn extra income in Singapore. But choosing the right PHV rental car makes a real difference to your take-home earnings. This guide covers what you need to know about PHV rental in Singapore.

What is PHV rental?

PHV (Private Hire Vehicle) rental provides LTA-compliant cars specifically for ride-hailing drivers. Unlike a regular rental, PHV rental includes commercial insurance that covers you while driving for Grab, Gojek, Tada and other platforms. All our PHV vehicles are properly registered and meet LTA requirements for private hire use.

LTA requirements for PHV drivers

To drive for Grab or Gojek in Singapore, you need:

A valid Singapore driving licence (Class 3/3A)
A Private Hire Driver's Licence (PDVL) or Vocational Licence from LTA
An LTA-compliant vehicle registered as a private hire car
Commercial insurance covering ride-hailing activities

At AKA Car Rental, we handle the vehicle compliance and insurance — you bring your PDVL and driving licence. See our PHV Rental page for available vehicles.

Best PHV rental cars at AKA

Toyota Vios — best budget PHV car

The most popular PHV car among Grab drivers. With competitive weekly rates and good fuel economy (around 14–16 km/L), it is the budget-friendly choice for full-time drivers.

Hybrid Toyota Corolla Cross — best for fuel savings

Hybrids can save PHV drivers a meaningful amount each month versus petrol. The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid delivers around 18–22 km/L, making it the top pick for high-mileage drivers. See our Hybrid Car Rental page for hybrid PHV options.

Honda Freed — best for GrabFamily

The Honda Freed 7-seater is popular for GrabFamily rides and large group bookings, which command higher fares. It is also one of the P-Plate-friendly MPVs available for PHV use.

Toyota Noah Hybrid — best premium PHV

The Toyota Noah Hybrid combines 7 seats with hybrid efficiency (around 18–20 km/L), ideal for drivers who want to maximise earnings on premium and group rides.

Browse our MPV category for more 7-seater PHV options.

How to maximise your PHV earnings

1. Choose a fuel-efficient car

Fuel is your biggest ongoing cost. A hybrid can save a meaningful amount each month versus a petrol car — the more you drive, the bigger the gap.

2. Drive during peak hours

Peak hours (7–9 AM, 5–8 PM, and late nights on weekends) carry surge pricing. Focus your driving during these windows to lift per-ride earnings.

3. Use multiple platforms

Don't limit yourself to one platform. Switch between Grab, Gojek and Tada to find the best fares and surge pricing. Our vehicles are platform-agnostic.

4. Hit platform incentives

Grab and Gojek offer incentives for completing a set number of trips per day or week. Plan your schedule to reach those targets.

5. Minimise downtime

Our PHV rentals include vehicle replacement during servicing, so you don't lose income to maintenance. We also provide 24/7 roadside assistance.

PHV rental costs at AKA

Weekly rates: competitive, with no long lock-in
Monthly rates: better value for committed drivers
Deposit: no deposit required for standard PHV rentals
Insurance: commercial insurance included
Maintenance: free regular servicing

Getting started as a PHV driver

Obtain your PDVL from LTA (if you don't have one)
Browse our PHV vehicles and choose a car
Register and submit your documents
Complete the rental agreement
Start driving and earning

Our team will guide you through the whole process — from choosing the right car to understanding your rental agreement. We have operated since 2015 and served over 700 customers, so we know what PHV drivers need.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a PDVL to drive for Grab? Yes. You need a Private Hire Driver's Licence (PDVL) or Vocational Licence from LTA, plus a valid Class 3/3A driving licence.

Is a deposit required for a PHV rental? No — standard PHV rentals at AKA need no deposit. A refundable deposit applies only for JB / cross-border use, which a standard PHV rental isn't.

Are AKA's PHV cars insured for ride-hailing? Yes. Our PHV fleet carries commercial insurance covering Grab, Gojek, Tada and other platforms.

Which car is best for full-time PHV? A hybrid like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid for maximum fuel savings, or the Toyota Vios for the lowest weekly rate. For GrabFamily, the Honda Freed 7-seater.