Spend about five minutes on a few checks before you get in. Most breakdowns and bad trips come from warning signs that nobody checked at pickup.
Before you book
-Ask for the actual vehicle details: model, seating and year, plus a real photo of the vehicle that will turn up, not a stock image.
-Get inclusions in writing: tolls, parking, state entry taxes, driver allowance and night halt charges.
-Ask about the replacement policy: what happens if the vehicle fails inspection or breaks down?
-Check reviews on more than one platform, and look for comments about punctuality and breakdowns.
-Ask about the driver’s experience on your route, especially for hill roads like Manali or Leh.
At pickup
-Tyres and spare wheel. Look for cracks, uneven wear or tread worn smooth in patches. Ask to see the spare and check that it’s inflated and usable. Long highway drives put far more stress on tyres than city use.
-AC, lights and charging points. Run the AC for a couple of minutes to see if it actually cools. Test the reading lights and the charging ports.
-Driver’s licence and vehicle papers. Ask to see the driving licence and the registration certificate. You can also ask about the permit and insurance for commercial passenger vehicles. A driver who hesitates, or papers that look out of date, is a reason to ask for a replacement.
-Seat belts, doors and seats. Check that they work properly and that the seats are secure.
-Luggage space and cleanliness. Make sure your bags will fit without blocking the aisle or exits.
-Basic safety items. Look for a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher if you can.
During the trip
-Share the vehicle number and driver’s phone number with someone at home.
-Agree on timings and rest stops, since a tired driver is a safety risk.
-Speak up if the driving feels unsafe, for example speeding, overtaking on blind curves or using a phone while driving.
-Avoid night driving on mountain roads where possible.
What if something fails?
Contact the operator and ask for a replacement before you leave. A reliable company will swap the vehicle rather than risk a breakdown. Raise it at pickup, not after you’ve already left the city. Taking a few photos of the vehicle at pickup also helps if there’s a dispute later.
Checking documents isn’t rude. Professional drivers expect it.
If you’d like a shorter version, I wrote a quick checklist covering the three most important checks: https://progressivetourtravels.medium.com/3-red-flags-to-check-before-booking-a-tempo-traveller-for-your-trip-5e01fe5d92e6