If a new employee who will need to drive for work is joining your company, and you don't yet know whether they will pass their probationary period, the most sensible approach is not to tie the company to a car for several years. You rent a vehicle for the period you need, your new colleague can start working from the first week, and after the probationary period you decide whether the car stays, is swapped, or is returned. JJ Rent Car in Prague offers short-term and long-term rental as well as operating leasing from two months.
This article looks at the matter from the perspective of the person handling the hiring: a company owner, office manager or HR professional. It is therefore not about a single sales representative, but about how to build a car into the onboarding of a new team member.
Why a multi-year lease doesn't suit a probationary period
A probationary period exists precisely because both parties want to verify that the working relationship succeeds. A multi-year car contract does not sit well with that:
- You don't know whether the person will stay. Yet the car contract continues even if the employment ends.
- You don't know which car will be needed. The real scope of the job often becomes clear only after a few weeks. A colleague who was expected to drive around the city suddenly finds themselves covering the regions.
- Arranging it takes time. Ordering, approval and delivery of a vehicle can take longer than the time remaining before the start date.
- Tied-up capital and contractual terms. Before the company has confirmed that the position works, it is already carrying a commitment.
Rental postpones these difficulties. You pay for the period in which you actually use the car, and you can check the specific terms before signing. You will find further context for businesses in our article on car rental for companies in Prague.
Three typical starts and the right vehicle
Different roles need different cars. Here are a few examples from company practice:
Service technician or installer
They carry tools, spare parts and often a colleague. Boot space and easy loading are decisive. The Škoda Octavia Combi has a 1.6 TDI engine, manual transmission, air conditioning and five seats. The diesel engine suits longer routes around the regions. It has no built-in navigation, but a technician is likely to have it on their phone.
Project or regional manager
They spend a great deal of time behind the wheel, travel to meetings and expect comfort on the motorway. A good choice is the Škoda Superb Combi with a 2.0 TDI engine, automatic transmission and navigation. For someone covering a lot of kilometres, an automatic is a noticeable relief.
Junior colleague for city errands
If your new colleague visits clients around Prague, handles documents or travels between branches, the compact Škoda Fabia with a 1.0 TSI engine, manual transmission and air conditioning is sufficient. It is easy to park and practical for the city.
How it works in practice: from hiring to decision
A simple procedure that companies can follow:
- Before the start date. You find out what type of work awaits the person, roughly how many kilometres they will drive and what they will be transporting.
- Choosing the vehicle and the period. For the first weeks, a short-term rental is enough; for the entire probationary period, a long-term one. Long-term rental and operating leasing are covered on the long-term rental page and the operating leasing page.
- Pick-up. If no one is available to come to the rental office, a vehicle delivery within Prague can be arranged by phone or email after agreement.
- Evaluation after the probationary period. You assess how much the person drives and whether the chosen vehicle matched the work.
- Decision. If the collaboration proves successful, you continue, or possibly change the vehicle. If not, you return the car.
To compare the longer forms of rental, it is also worth reading the article Car Rental in Prague and Long-Term Rental.
What to watch out for
- Mileage limit. The daily limit decreases with the length of the rental: for 15–29 days it is 150 km per day, and from 30 days it is 100 km per day. With operating leasing, a mileage allowance of 3,000 km per month applies. Consider how far the person will actually drive, so the limit does not take you by surprise.
- Who may drive. The driver needs a valid driving licence and proof of identity, and must be at least 21 years old.
- Deposit and insurance. The vehicles carry compulsory third-party liability insurance and collision insurance. In the event of an accident, the client pays an excess depending on the type of insurance. The deposit amount is shown on the detail page of each vehicle.
- Travel abroad. Business trips to EU countries are possible only by prior agreement and with the mandatory assistance service.
- Terms. Please read all the rules on the rental terms page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I return the car early if the probationary period ends?
The conditions for early return depend on the type and length of the rental. It is best to agree on them before signing; please call or write to our branch.
Is short-term or long-term rental better?
If you need a car for a few weeks, short-term rental is enough. If you are counting on the entire probationary period or longer, long-term rental or operating leasing from two months makes sense.
Can the new employee collect the car personally?
Yes, provided they meet the requirements (a valid driving licence, proof of identity, minimum age of 21) and are named in the contract. Please confirm the procedure by phone.
How much will it cost?
We do not state prices or deposits in this article. You will find the specific figures on the detail page of each vehicle or during booking.
Arrange a car before the first working day
Your new colleague should not have to spend the first week figuring out how to reach customers. Choose a vehicle to suit the job, check the terms and book your car online. If you have any questions, call us on +420 703 149 146 or write to [email protected], or use our contact page.
