No doubt that using a PCO car is nowadays a preferable choice over the traditional cabs or outdated private taxi services. Good to know that only in the U.K., millions of people use PCO cars for their daily transportation, with 3.5 million users in London alone.
That’s why working as a PCO car driver is a great second job for those who look for earning some extra money. But entering this professional taxi sector and starting a side job as a PCO car driver comes with some requirements.
In this article, we try to explain in full detail the latest PCO car requirements. We really hope that if you follow us to the end of this content, you will get a good amount of information on the matter. So, stay with us, please.
What is a PCO car?
A PCO car is a four-door car or minivan that has a fuel consumption protocol of Euro 6 or a hybrid engine with Euro 4. The term PCO stands for the Public Carriage Office, which is a department in Transport for London (TfL). PCO cars must meet all of TfL’s personal transport requirements and have also an active Private Hire Vehicle License. The PHV license is proof that TfL has approved the car for private hire use.
What Car Can I Use For PCO Driving?
To be allowed to become a PCO car driver, your vehicle must meet the following PCO car requirements: First, it must have a Euro 6 petrol or diesel engine, or a Euro 4 petrol-hybrid engine. Second, it must be a four-door car and the doors must be opened independently. Third, the car must be in good condition without any damage to the environment.
And fourth, the car must not have any commercial branding on it. Good to mention here that you do not have to own the car you use for PCO driving. But it must have a valid PHV license and hire and reward insurance policy in place.
How to Become an Official PCO Driver?
After you made sure you have the car fit for becoming a PCO car driver, the other PCO car requirement is to have a PCO license. And to be eligible for a PCO license, you also need to meet some requirements. First of all, you need to be at least 21 years old. You also need to have a valid driving license that has been issued at least 3 years ago.
In other words, you need to show that you have at least 3 years of driving experience. To get a PCO license, you are also required to pass a valid Criminal Record Check or a (DBS) check, complete a medical examination, complete the Topographical Skills Assessment, and finally, take the English Language test.
What is the PCO License?
The PCO license, also known as the Private Hire Driver License, is a piece of document that allows you to work as a PCO driver. The PCO License is issued by the PCO (Public Carriage Office) and is valid for 3 years. Getting your PCO license is the most important step towards working a new career as a PCO car driver.
In the following lines, we explain the PCO car requirements for getting a PCO license.
What is a Criminal (DBS) Check?
The PCO DBS Check (CRB) is referred to examining your personal criminal records from several sources including the Police National Computer. This process will reveal everything about your past regarding any possible convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings. The aim of this criminal check is for the PCO to make sure that you are safe and trustworthy and deserve to be licensed as a Private Hire or Chauffeur Driver.
