Roadworthiness and car servicing

Keeping a chauffeur driven car on Pickup roadworthy, serviced and presentable: certificates, pre trip checks, presentation and the vehicle age limits.

2 min readUpdated 2 November 2026For operators

Guests expect a car that is safe, clean and exactly as pictured. You are responsible for its condition on every trip.

Roadworthiness certificate

Every car needs a valid roadworthiness certificate. A new car is certified after 6 months of use, and any other car every 6 months, or at once if a check is clearly needed. The Ministry may also inspect the car at least once a year, and after a complaint. Pickup tracks the expiry date. If it lapses, the listing is paused and its upcoming bookings are cancelled.

  1. Note the expiry date in your own calendar too.
  2. Book the inspection well ahead of expiry.
  3. Upload the renewed certificate as soon as you receive it.

See Keeping documents current.

Vehicle age

Lagos rules limit a car's age: no more than 3 years from manufacture when first listed, and no more than 10 years while listed. You are responsible for meeting them. Plan fleet renewals with this in mind. See Commercial licensing for cars.

Servicing

Follow the manufacturer's service schedule for every car. Keep records of each service. They help if a dispute ever arises about the car's condition.

Before each trip, your chauffeur should check:

  • Tyres, including pressure and tread.
  • Lights and indicators.
  • Brakes and warning lights on the dashboard.
  • Air conditioning.
  • Fuel for the full trip.
  • Seat belts in every seat.

If anything is not right, the car does not go out. Offer a replacement in the app, or block the dates. See Blocking dates for maintenance.

Presentation

  • Clean inside and out before every trip.
  • No odours, clutter or personal items.
  • Interior matches your listing photos.

Guests rate the car, cleanliness and more in their reviews. These feed your overall rating and Charter Elite standing.

After a repair or change

If a repair changes how the car looks, such as new paint or a new interior, update your photos. See Photo standards.

If a guest caused the damage, record it straight away. See Reporting guest caused damage.

Read the Operator Standards.

Need more help?

Open Menu, then Help, then Still need help?. An automated assistant answers first, and Talk to a person brings in the team. Or email support@pickupcharter.com with the booking ID. Emergency? Call 112. See Contacting operator support.

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