Private Hire Driver License, commonly known as PCO license, is required to drive a taxi or private hire vehicle. Having this license in your hand makes you capable to driver any private hire vehicle such as; a minicab, taxi or a high-value chauffeur vehicle. The PCO license issued by the Public Carriage Office (part of Transport for London – TfL) is valid for 3 years. This PCO license allows you to work for private operators as a driver.
Holders of the PCO Private Hire Licence can legally provide taxicab hiring services in London. Having a PCO license also allows you to become an Uber driver. According to the decision made during 2017, to drive the vehicle as an Uber driver it is mandatory to be registered at PCO Rentals. It is also required by taxi/minicab drivers working for a private firm in the city.
Eligibility:
You are only eligible to get a PCO license, if you are at least 21 years old, having a valid Criminal Record Check (DBS), as well as having the full UK driving license for 3 years. In addition, you need to successfully complete an English language test, a medical examination and the topographical skills assessment.
How to apply for a PCO Licence?
Many of the people feel it difficult to apply for PCO license, but it is a simple straightforward process. What you have to do is to follow the steps below;
Complete Criminal (DBS) Check:
To be eligible for PCO license, it is important that you do not have any criminal record. To pass the criteria, it is essential to prove that you are a person of good moral character. For this, you are required to complete an enhanced DBS Check.
Pass Medical Test:
A medical test is necessary to know the status of your health. To get the PCO license, it is mandatory to be declared as a medical fit individual according to DVLA Group 2 Standards. The set criteria may include the hearing tests, reaction times, as well as other serious health problems. You can even complete your doctor or other health professionals who have complete access to your records.
Pass Topographical Skills Assessment:
To be eligible for PCO license, you need to go through the Topographical Skills assessment test. The assessment ensures that you are proficient to use an A-Z Guide to locate places and can plan routes of varying distances from one point to another. For this, you need to get your certificate from an accredited test center.