“Online applications” play a significant role in Transport for London’s (TfL) ongoing modernisation of their private hire licensing services. So now, instead of running to a PCO licence centre for all the licensing needs, you can do it from a PC, more cohesively and from the comfort of your own home.
For anyone starting their career in London as a private hire driver or operating a vehicle for private hiring, it starts with obtaining the Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) licence, or simply, the PCO driving licence. The key parameters outlined in TfL’s updated licensing process include passenger safety, enhanced road safety, transparency of fares, better communication, inclusion, and disability access.
If you are a prospective driver preparing to apply for a PCO vehicle licence online, take a moment to ensure you meet the requirements to successfully pass TfL’s licensing tests and evaluations. Here is a guideline to direct you on the right track.
Things to Consider Before You Apply for PCO Vehicle Licence Online
The first thing that PCO licence applicants need to do is “verify their right to live and work in the UK.” The same entitlements that apply for a private hire driver to legally operate in London also apply to minicabs, UBER, Bolt, and other app-based ride-hailing services, airport transfer services, chauffeur services, and commercial vehicles. Below are the essential eligibility criteria:
- Age limit: The applicant must be a minimum of 21 years of age
- Existing driving licence: Must hold a UK driving licence for a minimum of 3 years or more
- Documentation of legal status: Show documents to verify the legal right to live and work in the UK
- Natives: Birth certificate/adoption papers
- Immigrants or Non-Residents: Valid passport and documents related to immigration status
- Prepare for the “good character” DBS check: TheDisclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
- Medical preparation: You need to have excellent vision and no musculoskeletal problems or psychological issues where driving could be hazardous or dangerous.
- Vehicle preparation: The vehicle must comply with the latest Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards:
- Healthy running condition
- A Euro 6 petrol or diesel engine or Euro 4 hybrid engine as per permissible emission standards
- Subsequent vehicle insurance
- Provision to install a digital fare meter for minicabs
- Topographical knowledge: have a good understanding of London streets.
As you go on to apply for PCO vehicle licence online, you must have that technical knowledge to keep up with the process. It is inevitable now that, apart from legal, medical and vehicle preparation, taxi drivers must enhance their technological soundness to live up to their credibility.
The SERU (Safety, Equality, and Regularity Understanding) Test Makes a Better PHV Driver
The SERU (Safety, Equality, and Regularity Understanding) test has replaced the previous English Test. The TfL prioritises proficiency in the English language, emphasising its universality in facilitating approachable interactions with passengers. TfL is concentrating on equipping PHV drivers to navigate the city of London with knowledge and to engage with passengers more personally. This is an important aspect of communicating vital information about road safety, regulations, and respect for people regardless of their status and occupation.
How Fast-Track Services Make PCO Licence Applications Easier
Though TfL does not offer any fast-track services, officials trust our third-party PCO licence centre to streamline applications that they value. We offer a host of resources for new PCO licence applicants as well as those looking to renew.
We work as a bridge between the Tfl and licence applicants, working closely with them on a personal level. The parameters and eligibility criteria of the licence have changed a great deal in the past two to three years. While modernisation became central, so have communication, inclusivity and technological soundness.
Our expertise lies in integrating the online application and offline test processes for each applicant into a streamlined package, thereby expediting the entire process. You pay one fee and get all the parameters, including TFL licence fees, topographical training, DBS/CRB checks, and all others covered, to obtain your badge.
