What Tests, to Become a Private Hire Driver?
Becoming a private hire driver in London involves several steps to ensure drivers are qualified, safe, and knowledgeable. Transport for London (TfL) mandates a series of tests and checks for all prospective drivers. Here’s an in-depth look at the requirements:
- Topographical Skills Assessment
Purpose: To ensure that private hire drivers can navigate London efficiently and effectively, understanding routes and points of interest.
Test: Preparation: Applicants may need to take a training course to prepare for the assessment.
Assessment: Conducted at a TfL test centre, the assessment involves practical tasks such as identifying locations on a map, planning routes, and answering questions related to the AZ Master Atlas of Greater London.
Skills Tested:
– Reading and interpreting maps
– Planning and following routes
– Understanding key landmarks and locations
- English Language Requirement (ELR)
Purpose: To ensure drivers can communicate effectively with passengers and understand safety instructions. Enabling drivers to provide a safer journey to all passengers.
Tests:
Speaking and Listening Test: A formal test assessing verbal communication skills.
SERU Assessment: This test evaluates reading, writing, and comprehension skills. It ensures that drivers understand and can follow important safety guidelines and regulations. SERU stands for Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding.
Skills Tested:
– Verbal communication
– Reading and writing
– Comprehension of safety and regulatory information
- Enhanced Criminal Records Check
Purpose: This one is not a test in the sense of an exam; however, it is a barrier to entry that you must pass to ensure that you are of good character and pose no risk to passengers.
Process: Conducted through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), this check involves a thorough review of the applicant’s criminal history.
Requirements:
– No serious criminal convictions
– Transparency in any past offences
- Medical Fitness Test
Purpose: Again, like the last point, this isn’t an exam; but your health is tested to ensure that you are physically and mentally fit to perform your duties.
Process:
– Applicants must meet the DVLA Group 2 medical standards.
– This usually involves a medical examination conducted by your registered GP.
Conditions Checked:
– Vision
– Hearing
– General health conditions that may affect driving ability
There are other checks that you need to complete and provide the information to TfL to become a licensed private hire driver in London. These are as follows:
HMRC Tax Check
Purpose: To ensure that applicants are compliant with tax regulations.
Process: A check to confirm that applicants are registered for tax purposes and have a clean tax history.
Requirements:
– Registration with HMRC
– Clean tax compliance record
Right to work in the UK
Applicants must provide evidence of their right to work in the UK, such as a passport or visa.
Age Requirement:
Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
Driving Licence:
A full UK or EU driving licence is held for at least three years.
Meeting these requirements and passing the necessary tests ensures that private hire drivers in London are qualified, safe, and reliable. This rigorous process helps maintain high standards for passenger safety and service quality.
