Many people ask whether it is possible to work as a private driver with your own car. The short answer: yes, but only within the NCC (noleggio con conducente, chauffeur hire) framework, not with just a car and an ordinary driving licence. Carrying paying passengers without the required authorisations is illegal and carries penalties.
Private driver with your own car: what it really means
In Italy, paid passenger transport with a driver takes two forms: the taxi, with a licence and street-hail or rank service, and NCC, which works only by advance booking at an agreed rate. A professional private driver operates as NCC. Having a car in good condition is not enough: both vehicle and driver must meet specific requirements.
What you generally need to work as NCC with your own car
- Driving licence and professional qualification โ besides the licence, a professional qualification certificate (CAP) is generally required
- Registration in the drivers' register at the Chamber of Commerce
- NCC authorisation issued by the municipality
- A suitable vehicle, registered for chauffeur hire and with insurance suited to the activity
- A garage base (rimessa), the place where the vehicle is kept, according to municipal rules
- Booking and a service sheet for every ride
Rules can change over time and differ between municipalities: before investing, always check the current requirements with the municipality and the Chamber of Commerce.
Advantages of working with your own car
- Independence โ you choose hours, clients and type of service
- The vehicle is yours โ you decide how to choose, equip and maintain it
- A larger margin โ you do not share revenue with a company that owns the cars
Drawbacks and costs to plan for
- Fixed costs โ authorisation, professional insurance, maintenance, fuel and garage weigh on you even when there are no rides
- Finding clients โ without a network or a company behind you, work does not arrive on its own
- Responsibility โ you handle paperwork, invoicing and unexpected problems yourself
Mistakes to avoid
- Giving paid rides in a private car without NCC authorisation: it is an illegal service
- Assuming that private-use insurance covers professional activity: generally it does not
- Starting without calculating all costs and how many rides you need to cover them
- Overlooking booking: an NCC driver cannot pick up clients on the street
How to take the first steps
- Ask the municipality and the Chamber of Commerce about the current requirements
- Check that you meet the personal requirements (licence and qualification)
- Evaluate a suitable vehicle and the registration and insurance costs
- Prepare a simple cost and revenue plan
- Seek advice from an accountant or a trade association
For more on licence, requirements and earnings, also read NCC Driver Milan: Licence, Salary and How to Become a Private Driver.
Looking for a private driver for your trips in Milan?
If instead you need a private driver for an airport transfer, an evening out or a full day in the city, MilanCabs offers a booked NCC service with a fixed rate agreed in advance. To understand how the service works, read NCC: What It Means, How It Works, Costs and Rates in Milan.
- Fill in the booking form on the website
- Message us on WhatsApp
- Call +39 328 547 6125
The information in this article is general and does not replace professional advice: NCC regulations may change.