Everything You Need To Know Before You Apply For A Pco Vehicle Licence

By Author: James Aaron
Total Articles: 15
Comment this article

Working as a private driver in London offers the opportunity and flexibility to earn a good income throughout the year. However, before you decide to start your career as a private driver, know the ins and outs of the application process. In this article, we will help you get through the entire process before you apply for a PCO vehicle licence.

What is a PCO vehicle licence?

A PCO, or Private Carriage Office, vehicle licence is required for drivers offering private car hire services in the United Kingdom. Unlike the local taxis, which can be called for on the street, PCO vehicles are pre-booked.

Who needs a PCO vehicle licence?

If you want to start your career as a private car driver providing services to the commoners, you will need a PCO driving licence to set your car on the road. Drivers who require a PCO licence include minicab or executive drivers, airport transfer services, chauffeur services, and commercial vehicle drivers.

What do I need to do to apply for a PCO vehicle licence in the UK?
This is a common question that people often ask to set up their career as ...
... a private driver in the UK. Therefore, in this write-up, we have outlined a comprehensive guide step-by-step to help you understand the process. Take a closer look.

Step 1: Make sure you are eligible for a PCO vehicle licence in the UK

• At the time of applying, you must be at least 21 years of age.
• You must hold a UK driving licence for three years or older.
• You must have the legal right to live and work in the United Kingdom.

To proceed to the next steps, make sure you fulfil the given statements for your PCO licence.

Step 2. Good character buildup and a complete DBS check

To establish ‘good character’, it is important to thoroughly go through an enhanced criminal records check. It is one of the important factors since, as a private hire driver, you will be responsible for the safety of passengers. The DBS checklist also includes:

• DVLA driving licence
• Utility bills or bank statements for the last three months(no older than that)
• Passport or EU ID card
• Visa residency status
• National insurance number.

The process will also include your photo, personal details, and fingerprints for background verification.

Step 3: Thorough medical examination

To get a PCO vehicle licence, all applicants must pass the medical examination, mitigating all the requirements to meet the DVLA standards. The examination takes around 30 minutes and asks about the following topics:

• Neurological
• Psychiatric
• Vision
• Cardiovascular
• Musculoskeletal
• Endocrine system

Step 3: PCO topographical skills test

If you are planning to work as a private driver in the UK, you will have to have a good knowledge of the city’s every road, street, and shortcut. There are several PCO vehicle centres offering

• Training to help you pass the skill test
• Free maps and materials
• Parking is free outside of the congestion charge zone.

This test will check on your map reading ability, ability to choose a local route in London, intermediate local route to plan a way out, long-distance route selection for an outside destination from the city, and topographical question round.

Step 4: Completion of documentation

To get your PCO licence, you will need to complete the paperwork with two more assessment tests with the specialists

• Speaking and listening test: in order to be a private hire driver in the streets of London, you must have the ability to understand and interact with the passengers.
• SER understanding: this test is conducted to understand if you have the proper knowledge of road safety, regulations, and respect for people regardless of their status and occupation.

Step 5. Get your PCO vehicle licence.

If you have successfully completed the above-mentioned steps, then congratulations! You are ready to start earning your income as a private hire service provider on the road to London. Once you get your badge, you can start right away.

Getting a PCO licence is a worthwhile investment if you are only aiming to have a flexible working opportunity in the United Kingdom. You can be your own boss by fixing your working hours and getting the freedom to live your life on your own terms. You can visit a PCO vehicle centre nearby to get one for you, but before you apply for the PCO vehicle licence, prepare well yourself.

Author’s Bio:

The author is a passionate reader and knowledge provider in the United Kingdom. He likes to share informative knowledge with the readers and commoners about the different job opportunities in London that can set you free from the fixed working hours to a flexible work schedule. Read more blogs to learn more about the various other benefits of getting a PCO vehicle licence.