PCO VEHICLE LICENCING:
After you have obtained your PCO Licence you will need to find a suitable vehicle to start working. You can:
• Hire a vehicle
• Buy your own
• Use your existing Vehicle
If you don’t own a vehicle, we recommend you hire one, so that you can test drive and check fuel consumption on various vehicle makes and models.
If you are planning to use your own private vehicle, you will need to make sure that it is suitable for use as a Private Hire Vehicle.
The regulations have changed and from the 1st of April 2012 you will not be able to licence a vehicle for the first time if it is over 5 years old. Any vehicle, which has been licensed prior to April 2012, can remain licensed for up to 10 years from the manufacture date (subject to a yearly renewal). These vehicles will also have to pass the Euro 4 emission standard.
To book your vehicle in for a test please call NSL on
If you don’t own a vehicle, we recommend you hire one, so that you can test drive and check fuel consumption on various vehicle makes and models.
If you are planning to use your own private vehicle, you will need to make sure that it is suitable for use as a Private Hire Vehicle.
The regulations have changed and from the 1st of April 2012 you will not be able to licence a vehicle for the first time if it is over 5 years old. Any vehicle, which has been licensed prior to April 2012, can remain licensed for up to 10 years from the manufacture date (subject to a yearly renewal). These vehicles will also have to pass the Euro 4 emission standard.
To book your vehicle in for a test please call NSL on …….
What documents will I need to bring to the inspection centre?
You must make a booking to have your vehicle inspected. You will need the following original documents as they need to be presented when you take your vehicle in for inspection:
- Existing PHV vehicle licence (if applicable)
- V5c DVLA Vehicle Registration Certificate
- Insurance documents
- MOT certificate issued within the last 14 days
- Current tax disk
- Vehicle modification documents
- Any other relevant documentation relating to the vehicle, where appropriate, such as Voluntary Individual Vehicle Approval (VIVA).
SPECIAL SERVICES
Taxi and Minicab / PHV drivers can be allowed to make drop offs and pickups on the majority of Red Routes, provided they display a sign that proves to CCTV and Police that they are licensed to make use of Red Routes.
You have to apply separately from your PCO-Licence, for a Red Route Sign. Your PCO operator will make this application on your behalf and will give it to you free of charge. Stopping or using a Red Route without a Sign will get you finned, and it can be as much as £130. This is why it is very important that you own a Red Route Licence.
In addition, this will allow you to have a broader client base:
- Being able to stop on red routes will particularly help vulnerable passengers, such as elderly and disabled people and anyone living on or near a red route by giving them a safer and more convenient option when booking a private hire vehicle
Licensed drivers who display a new ‘Private Hire’ roundel sign on the outside of their vehicle will be allowed to pick up and set down pre-booked passengers, but not park and wait, on red routes.
I have been offered an appointment at a test centre/time that is not convenient. Can I change the venue/time?
How Do I Apply For Red Routes Sign?
Where Should I Display My Red Routes Sign ?
FAQS
VEHICLE LICENCING :
The date/time or location of the licensing inspection can be changed by calling the licensing booking line number
Bus Lane Exemption:
No. There are currently no provisions to exempt licensed private hire vehicles from bus lane regulations
Red Routes:
Yes, but only if your vehicle has the private hire red route signage displayed correctly on the front and rear windscreen of your vehicle.
The signage is provided free by LTPH and all licensed private hire operators can apply for this. The additional signage must not be displayed on unlicensed vehicles or on vehicles for which an exemption from displaying licence discs has been granted, and therefore the drivers of such vehicles will not have the red route exemption. This signage does not replace the private hire vehicle licence disc – vehicles must continue to display both licence discs in addition to the new signs.
Royal Parks:
Yes, but only if your vehicle has the private hire red route signage displayed correctly on the front and rear windscreen of your vehicle.
The signage is provided free by LTPH and all licensed private hire operators can apply for this. The additional signage must not be displayed on unlicensed vehicles or on vehicles for which an exemption from displaying licence discs has been granted, and therefore the drivers of such vehicles will not have the red route exemption. This signage does not replace the private hire vehicle licence disc – vehicles must continue to display both licence discs in addition to the new signs.
Congestion Charging:
Yes. The Royal Parks and Open Spaces Regulation 1997 have been changed so that London licensed private hire vehicles, like London taxis, are exempt from the prohibition on trade and commercial vehicles in the Parks.
The regulations also make clear that PHVs and taxis are allowed to display advertisements, which are generally forbidden in the Parks.
General information:
NSL have been contracted to provide the private hire vehicle inspection service on behalf of Transport for London.
Where can I get more information ?
No – It is contrary to the regulations to use a vehicle for the purpose of carrying passengers if the vehicle is not licensed. You should make every effort to get the defects corrected and present your vehicle for a re-test.
Inspections:
There are 6 inspection centres located around the London area:
Address | Site Details |
(West) Heston | The site is approximately 14,500 sq ft and has 25-30 parking spaces and capacity for 6 inspection bays and a limousine bay |
(North) Enfield | The ‘Northern’ site is within walking distance of the current SGS site. The site is 10,000 sq fit with space for 6 inspection bays and parking for up to 17 vehicles outside. |
(East) Crayford | The site is 9,000 sq ft and has sufficient of parking space for waiting vehicles. There will be 5 inspection bays. |
(South) Coulsdon | There will be 5 inspection bays and sufficient parking for waiting vehicles. |
(Central East) Canning Town | Site will have sufficient parking for 18 parking spaces with the inspection centre itself having space for 3 inspection bays plus a limousine bay. |
(Central West) Staples Corner | The second western site is based in the Aquarius Business Park in Brent Cross area, which allows for access via major roads. The site is approximately 10,500 sq ft with parking for 18 spaces, 3 inspection bays and an additional limousine limo bay. |
LTPH and NSL are continuously analysing management information to monitor the performance of each of the licensing inspectors/inspection centres. This information is, in turn, used to offer additional training where required.
New vehicles:
Call the NSL booking line number ——- and speak to the call centre agent and make it clear that you require a new vehicle to be licensed.
LTPH and NSL are continuously analysing management information to monitor the performance of each of the licensing inspectors/inspection centres. This information is, in turn, used to offer additional training where required.
Replacement licences:
I have had my PHV licence/disc stolen. Can I get a replacement?
The theft of either the PHV licence or licence disc/s must be reported to your local police. You should ensure that you obtain a unique crime reference number showing that you have reported the theft. You are also required to contact the PHV Contract Management Team on 0845 602 7000 where further advice will be given.
Compliance/Mot tests:
Is my vehicle required to undergo a second Mot test?
If your vehicle required a Mot certificate at the time of the licensing inspection, you must ensure that a second Mot is obtained 6 months from the date of the licensing inspection.
Licensing fee:
What is the cost of the licensing inspection?
- Application fee £65 (non refundable)
- Grant of Licence Fee £35
- Total of £100
We usually recommend that you start by hiring a vehicle so that you get comfortable with the job of a minicab driver and also can test different types of vehicles. This will also allow you to reduce the initial costs that come with getting PCO licensed. Any vehicle you do use will need to be a licensed Private Hire Vehicle (PHV).
Once you are ready and want to make a career as a minicab driver, you can start at looking to buy a vehicle, second hand or new.
From January 2012 new rules were brought in, which imposed vehicle age restrictions and these are:
- Vehicles can be no older than 10 years from January 2012.
- From April 2012 all vehicles that are new to licensing must be no older than 5 years.
- All newly licensed PHVs must meet the Euro 4 standards as a minimum.
If you are buying a second hand car, which has an existing PHV Licence, check the remaining amount of life left in it to comply with the new regulations. For example, a car on a 2006 plate could only be licensed until 2016.
If you are buying a car that doesn’t have an existing PHV licence, remember that the vehicle cannot be older than 5 years and should also meet the Euro 4 emissions standards.
Based upon the latest regulations, it makes more sense to buy a vehicle that has an existing PHV licence and that has been licensed before January 2012, simply because this vehicle is significantly cheaper to purchase compared to a newer vehicle (less than 5 years old) and you will be able to use it until it becomes 10 years old.
Whereas if you buy a newer vehicle (less than 5 years old), it will give you the full 10 year use, however you will pay a lot more and the car value will depreciate significantly given the excessive mileage you put in as a minicab driver.
Where to buy Your Vehicle?
The operator you are working for will probably have some contacts for buying second-hand minicabs, but a useful website is AUTO TRADER.
If you are using your own PCO Licensed Vehicle, you will need to have your own Private Hire Insurance.
Can I use my existing car insurance?
You will need a policy that will cover the use of carrying passengers for “hire & reward”. Most standard car insurance policies do not include this. Certain insurance provider can offer an ‘upgrade’ or you will need to purchase a new one.
How much does minicab insurance cost?
For a standard saloon car, a year’s fully comprehensive insurance costs approximately £2,000-£3,500. Most insurance companies will offer 1, 3 & 6 month policies as well as the standard 12-month. However, some of the insurance companies who offer private hire insurance policies, will not provide for build up of your no claims bonus with a short policy. So make sure to check all these details before buying your Insurance Policy.
Levels of cover:
There are three levels of cover: comprehensive, third party fire and theft and third party only.
- Fully Comprehensive insurance covers everything and is the most expensive type of cover
- Third party insurance is a cheaper option and costs approximately £1,000.However, it only protects your customers and other vehicles involved if you have an accident. You will bear the costs of any repair of your own vehicle.
Your choice of the level of cover will depend on the age and value of your vehicle.
Voluntary Excess:
On average, Compulsory Excess starts at around £250. Adding additional voluntary excess to your policy can reduce the cost of your private hire insurance policy, however any such savings can be lost in the event you do claim and have to pay the voluntary excess.
No claims discount:
Your personal No Claim Discount (NCD) will not be transferable to your Private Hire Insurance Policy. Mentioning your personal NCD could enable you obtain some discount with certain insurance providers.
Best way to reduce costs is to build up your Private Hire NCD and keep a clean licence.
Replacement vehicles:
So that you are not obliged to stop working in case your vehicle is involved in an accident or is in need of any lengthy repairs, it is always useful to check with your Insurance Provider whether they offer breakdown cover and replacement PCO Licensed Vehicles. Costs may vary and can be prohibitive, but worth checking anyway.
Where can I get cheap private hire insurance?
Best way is to get as many quotes as possible and some websites help you with comparison quotes, e.g. www.moneysupermarket.com. You can the call up the different insurance provider and do your own research on the best available quotes to meet your specific requirements.
If you can’t afford your own private hire insurance as yet, you can consider renting a Vehicle from your Operator, who would normally provide insurance cover and all other costs for about £40 a shift. This may be a cheaper option for you.