To become a private hire minicab driver in London, you must hold a PCO Licence. Before you apply for a PCO Licence, you must pass a topographical skills test, apply for an enhanced CRB/DBS check, complete TfL Medical Declaration Form (TPH/204) and complete a London Private Hire Driver Licensing Application Form (PHV/203). From October 14th 2016 all new and renewal applicants will have to complete a B1 English Test. There are fees for each part of the application process, please check our PCO Licence costs to see what it will cost you.
Transport for London Private Hire application process has changed, from 14th October 2016 ALL applicants will need to show proof they can communicate in English with either a B1 level English certificate or equivalent.
Knowing how to communicate in clear English is a vital part of being a private hire minicab driver. Not only is it good for your own customer service but for the safety and comfort of your passengers. This new addition will also benefit you in other aspects of your work and life, so we encourage people to approach the new requirement with confidence.
We have B1 English language courses available to help you gain the confidence to pass the B1 English language test. Get in touch and we will help you get started.
UPDATE:TfL have provided a list of alternative qualifications they will accept as evidence for English Language Requirements. We offer alternative vocational courses to the TfL B1 English Test. View more information about alternative courses here.
The popular Uber minicab app has lost it’s case against Transport for London to block the English Language Requirement rules brought in by TfL for London private hire minicab drivers. Transport for London have stressed that all private hire licensed minicab driver should have the ability to communicate in English and must prove this by taking the PCO English Test which involces Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. One of the key reasons TfL introduced the…
On the 9th of February 2017, Transport for London updated their English Language requirement information. As a result they have decided to move their English language requirement deadlines back to Saturday 30th of September 2017. Have a look at the update English language requirements on TfL’s private hire website. This is good news for drivers who were concerned about getting their proof of English Language requirement ready on time. Along with the date changes, TfL…
The much-anticipated TfL private hire English Language Requirement is now officially in place. Starting from 14th October 2016, all applicants including new and renewal whether born in the UK or not will have to provide evidence that they can communicate in English. It’s slightly later than the original announcement that it would be implanted from the 1st of October 2016 and TfL have made a few adjustments from their original plans. How hard will…
