Business Details
44 Years
experience
Your Trusted Vehicle Hire Partner in Poole
Established in 1982, U Drive has grown from a local Dorset venture into a trusted national vehicle hire provider operating across England and Wales. Our family-owned business combines over four decades of industry expertise with a commitment to exceptional customer service, supported by a fleet of 4,000+ vehicles and 9 strategically located branches. With three generations of the Hamblin family actively involved, we maintain a hands-on approach to problem-solving and customer care. Our team of experienced professionals, including directors with 30+ years of tenure, ensures every hire meets rigorous quality standards. We prioritise transparency through clear pricing, damage recharge processes, and a 24/7 support line for business clients.Recognised in the Solent 250 for three consecutive years and shortlisted for Employer of the Year, we balance innovation with reliability. Our carbon-neutral operations and EV consultancy services reflect our commitment to sustainable mobility solutions. From short-term rentals to long-term business contracts, our service guarantee ensures timely, professional delivery. With 150+ employees and a heritage rooted in community values, we continue expanding our national footprint while maintaining localised service excellence.
Services
Car Hire
Van Hire
Truck Hire
Business Vehicle Hire
Minibus Hire
Specialist Vehicles
EV Hire
Vehicle Sales
MOT Testing
Servicing
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of family-owned vehicle hire expertise
- Our fleet includes 4,000+ modern vehicles across 9 UK locations
- We provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Our team includes directors with 30+ years industry experience
- We operate a carbon-neutral vehicle hire service
What people say
Exemplary customer service
Stress-free experience
Best weekend return policy
Always great service
Painless experience
Services
Car Hire
U Drive offers a comprehensive car hire service with a modern fleet of vehicles available for short or long-term rentals. Our range includes economy models, premium vehicles, and specialty cars to suit business travel, holidays, or temporary transportation needs. With competitive pricing and flexible booking options through our online platform, customers benefit from 24/7 support and nationwide branch coverage across key UK locations.
Van Hire
Our van hire service provides reliable transportation solutions with a fleet of commercial and passenger vans available for daily, weekly, or extended periods. Ideal for home moves, business deliveries, or group travel, we offer transparent pricing, flexible collection times, and comprehensive support including vehicle preparation and damage guidance. Customers can pre-book online or contact our team for tailored business hire solutions.
Truck Hire
U Drive's truck hire service caters to commercial and industrial needs with a range of specialist vehicles for cargo transport and heavy goods. Available through our business vehicle hire division, this service includes competitive corporate rates, nationwide delivery options, and dedicated account management support. Our modern fleet meets various payload requirements while maintaining compliance with environmental standards.
Business Vehicle Hire
Designed for corporate clients, our business vehicle hire service offers discounted rates, fleet management solutions, and dedicated account support. Serving public sector organisations, construction firms, and utility companies, we provide tailored transport solutions with flexible contract terms. Our carbon-neutral operations align with corporate sustainability goals while maintaining cost-effectiveness and operational reliability.
MOT & Servicing
Our Poole-based MOT testing and vehicle servicing centre provides comprehensive maintenance solutions for private and commercial vehicles. Accredited technicians perform MOT tests for all vehicle classes from motorbikes to minibuses, supported by fixed-price servicing options. The facility offers real-time online booking, pre-delivery inspections, and extended warranties to ensure vehicle safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
People
Mark Hamblin
Director
As a director with over 30 years' experience, Mark Hamblin plays a key role in U Drive's strategic development. He contributes industry expertise and leadership to maintain the company's growth trajectory while upholding family values of customer care and operational excellence.
Richard Sutton
Director
Director Richard Sutton brings 30+ years of vehicle hire industry experience to U Drive's leadership team. His strategic decision-making and operational management skills have been instrumental in expanding the company's national presence while maintaining its reputation for exceptional service.
Questions
How do I book a vehicle with U-Drive?
Book online through our website or contact our team directly for business hire. Our system allows instant reservations with clear pricing and vehicle availability across all locations.
What payment methods does U-Drive accept?
We accept online payments for standard hires. Business clients can arrange alternative payment methods by contacting our dedicated account team for corporate hire agreements.
Can I hire vehicles for business use?
Yes, we offer tailored business vehicle hire solutions with discounted rates. Contact our business team on 0800 980 9966 for fleet requirements or corporate account setup.
What types of vehicles are available?
Our fleet includes cars, vans, trucks, minibuses, and specialist vehicles. We maintain over 4,000 modern vehicles across 9 UK locations to meet diverse transportation needs.
Do you offer MOT and servicing?
Yes, our Poole branch provides MOT testing for all vehicle classes and comprehensive servicing. Book online or contact our garage directly for maintenance appointments.
Are electric vehicles available for hire?
We offer electric vehicle rentals with supporting consultancy services. Our EV Knowledge Hub provides charging guides and transition support for businesses adopting electric fleets.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Mark Wilson
Nov 25, 2021
Report
They're happy to take bookings without vans available (booked for two weeks solid, apparently), and will charge you for it. Wonder when I'll get my money back?
Mark Wilson
Nov 25, 2021
Report
They're happy to take bookings without vans available (booked for two weeks solid, apparently), and will charge you for it. Wonder when I'll get my money back?
Nick Miles
Nov 14, 2021
Report
Phoned a few days before I was due to pick up informing me that they were cancelling my reservation as it was a very busy time of year for them.
Nick Miles
Nov 14, 2021
Report
Phoned a few days before I was due to pick up informing me that they were cancelling my reservation as it was a very busy time of year for them.
Alan Howe
Oct 26, 2021
Report
My concern over the vehicle electrics dodgy headlights that did not illuminate the road ahead only discovered when I needed them so made for a slow journey home in the dark, and a repeater that worked when it wanted to. and the lack of explanation of the controls. Tail lift switch in cab, took a while to figure which switch as not labelled. Along with the sack trucks that were not fit for purpose. That said at least they were open on a Sunday and still rent 7.5 tonne vehicles, locally to me I could have had one or the other.
Alan Howe
Oct 26, 2021
Report
My concern over the vehicle electrics dodgy headlights that did not illuminate the road ahead only discovered when I needed them so made for a slow journey home in the dark, and a repeater that worked when it wanted to. and the lack of explanation of the controls. Tail lift switch in cab, took a while to figure which switch as not labelled. Along with the sack trucks that were not fit for purpose. That said at least they were open on a Sunday and still rent 7.5 tonne vehicles, locally to me I could have had one or the other.
