How to Get a Chauffeur License in the UK

Becoming a chauffeur in the United Kingdom is a rewarding career choice that comes with responsibilities. It requires not just driving skills, but also professional customer service abilities, a well-maintained vehicle, and, of course, a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) License. This article will guide you through the process of acquiring a chauffeur license in the UK, and introduce you to an innovative management tool that could revolutionize your driving business.

Step 1: Understanding the Licensing Process

The process of obtaining a chauffeur license in the UK involves different steps depending on whether you are located in London or outside London.

Outside London

If you are outside London, you need to apply to your local council for a license to drive a taxi or private hire vehicle (PHV). To be eligible for the license, you must meet certain requirements. These include being able to work legally in the UK and having held a full GB or Northern Ireland driving license (or a full EU driving license) for at least 12 months. Additionally, you must be considered a “fit and proper person,” meaning your background and character will be checked. Your council may conduct an enhanced criminal records check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). You may also be required to undergo a medical examination, take a “knowledge” test, and pass a driving test. The specific requirements and fees may vary depending on your local council, so it’s important to contact them for detailed information on how to apply and the associated costs.

Inside London

If you are located in London, you need to apply to Transport for London (TfL) for a license to drive a taxi or private hire vehicle. To determine your eligibility, it is recommended to check with TfL directly. The application process for a license inside London may have specific requirements and fees that differ from those outside London.

Regardless of whether you are inside or outside London, it’s important to note that from 4th April 2022, you are required to complete a tax check to inform HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) how you pay tax on your earnings related to your taxi or private hire license. You must fulfill this requirement before you can renew your license.

Obtaining a chauffeur license in the UK requires careful adherence to the specific processes and requirements outlined by your local council or TfL. By following the necessary steps and fulfilling the eligibility criteria, you can work towards obtaining a chauffeur license and embark on a rewarding career in the chauffeur industry.

Step 2: Meeting the Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a chauffeur license in the UK, you need to meet certain criteria. These requirements ensure that you have the necessary qualifications, skills, and character to provide professional and safe chauffeur services.

Age and Driving License

One of the basic eligibility requirements is age. You must be at least 21 years old at the time of applying for a chauffeur license. There is no upper age limit as long as you meet the other licensing requirements.

You must also hold a full DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) driving license, a Northern Ireland driving license, or a driving license from another European Economic Area (EEA) state. Your driving license must be at least three years old. This ensures that you have sufficient driving experience and familiarity with the rules of the road.

Right to Live and Work in the UK

To obtain a chauffeur license, you must have the right to live and work in the UK. This means that you need to be a legal resident or have the necessary immigration status that permits you to work in the country.

Character Assessment

As a chauffeur, maintaining good character is paramount. This quality ensures that you are trustworthy, reliable, and responsible in your role. To assess your character, you will undergo an “enhanced” criminal records check conducted by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) through TfL’s authorized service provider or one of DBS’s partner organizations.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Start the Process: You’ll receive a letter or email from DBS or one of their partner organizations, asking you to provide original documents as part of the process.
2. Visit a Post Office: Bring your original documents and verification letter to a Post Office branch.
3. Get Verified: The Post Office will check and process your documents to confirm your identity.
4. Identity Check Complete: Post Office returns a verification report to the organization, who will then complete your DBS check.

The DBS checks your criminal record history and provides a report that helps assess your suitability for a chauffeur license. This comprehensive process ensures that only individuals with the appropriate background and integrity are granted a license.

Medical Fitness

To ensure the safety and well-being of passengers, chauffeurs must be medically fit. This means meeting the medical standards set by the DVLA, known as Group 2 standards. These standards are similar to those required for drivers of large goods vehicles, buses, and coaches.

To prove your medical fitness, you will be required to undergo a medical examination with a healthcare professional who has access to your full medical history. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Medical Examination Form: The form you need to have your medical provider fill in comes with your license application pack provided by the Licensing council or body you are applying to. This form will guide the healthcare professional in assessing your fitness to drive.
2. Financial Cost: There will be a financial cost associated with this medical examination. It is advisable to explore different options, as there are companies that specialize in DVLA medicals, such as VM Medical, which may be cheaper and quicker than your GP.
3. Consult with Your GP: Certain medical conditions, such as poor eyesight, may affect your application. It is advisable to consult with your GP or a specialized medical provider before applying to understand any potential issues and ensure that you meet the required standards.

By meeting the Group 2 medical standards and successfully completing the medical examination, you demonstrate your commitment to passenger safety and comply with the legal requirements for chauffeurs in the UK.

Tax Check

As part of the licensing process, you will need to complete a tax check with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). This check ensures that you are complying with tax regulations and reporting your earnings related to your taxi or private hire license. Starting from 4 April 2022, if you renew your PCO license, you’ll have to undergo this tax check. Here’s how to complete it:

1. Register with HMRC: If you’re not already registered with HMRC, you must do so as soon as possible. You will not be able to renew your license if you’re not registered.
2. Create a Government Gateway User ID: You will need a Government Gateway user ID and password to complete the tax check. If you do not have a user ID, you can create one by registering for HMRC online services.
3. Answer Questions About Your Income: You will need to answer a few questions to tell HMRC how you may pay any tax that may be due on income you earn from your licensed trade. It should only take a few minutes.
4. Obtain a Unique 9-Character Tax Check Code: When you’ve completed the tax check, you’ll receive a unique 9-character tax check code from HMRC.
5. Submit the Code to TfL: You must submit this code when completing your license application or renewal with TfL.

Meeting these eligibility requirements demonstrates your commitment to professionalism, safety, and legal compliance, which are crucial aspects of being a licensed chauffeur in the UK.

Step 3: Undertaking Assessments

Once you have met the basic eligibility criteria, you’ll need to pass two separate assessments: a speaking and listening assessment and a Safety, Equality, and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) assessment. The SERU assessment tests your reading and writing skills, as well as your understanding of safety, equality, and regulatory matters. 

Here’s a detailed guide to the SERU assessment:

1. SERU Requirement: The SERU requirement came into force on 1 October 2021 and applies to both new applicants and those renewing their PHV driver license. It covers drivers’ obligations under the PHV (London) Act 1998, policies and guidance relevant to London PHV drivers, the needs of passengers with protected characteristics, protection of children and adults at risk, and road and vehicle safety.
2. Preparing for the Assessment: The SERU assessment is based on information contained in the PHV Driver’s Handbook. Applicants should read and familiarize themselves with the Handbook, and an online assessment guide is available to help prepare.
3. Assessment Format: The SERU assessment is computer-based and delivered by TfL staff at TfL offices. It involves multiple-choice questions and completing sentences by adding missing words. The cost of the assessment is £36, with a re-sit costing £16.
4. Support Services: Free resources and courses are available online to help improve English skills. Some colleges and councils offer free English courses or support for those on low income or in receipt of benefits. Disabled applicants may be entitled to support or grants through the Access to Work programme.
5. Safeguarding Awareness Training: Applicants are expected to undertake an online Safeguarding Awareness training course prior to the SERU assessment.
6. Assessment Booking: Once a booking has been confirmed, applicants are expected to make every effort to attend. Reasonable adjustments will be made where appropriate.

This comprehensive assessment process ensures that London PHV drivers have an appropriate understanding of safety, equality, and regulatory requirements, enhancing public safety and customer service levels. It reflects the commitment of licensed chauffeurs in the UK to professionalism, safety, and legal compliance.

Step 4: Demonstrating Topographical Skills

As a chauffeur, you will need to show proficiency in route finding skills. This includes map reading, route selection, and general topography, especially within London and its surroundings. 

The TfL Topographical Assessment is a critical part of this process, and here’s what you need to know:

1. Preparing for Your Assessment: The assessment will be computer-based, requiring a basic understanding of how to use a mouse. Detailed guidelines are available in the Topographical assessment guidelines (PDF 66KB).
2. Special Requirements and Reasonable Adjustments: If you have a disability or condition that requires adjustments to be made at your assessment, TfL offers a wide range of reasonable adjustments tailored to the individual. You can contact them at tphdriverassessments@tfl.gov.uk with a brief outline of the condition and documented evidence from a relevant professional.
3. Cost of Assessment: The TfL Topographical Assessment costs £36 when taken for the first time and £16 for a re-sit.
4. Assessment Centre Information: Topographical testing is currently undertaken at TfL driver assessment centres at Pier Walk and West Kensington. Be sure to review the guidance carefully before your assessment and follow the provided instructions.

However, exemptions to this requirement may apply under certain circumstances, such as if you’re a previously licensed PHV driver who has passed a TfL topographical skills test.

By successfully completing this assessment, you demonstrate your ability to navigate London’s complex road network, ensuring that you can provide efficient and safe transportation to your passengers.

Step 5: Completing the Application

To apply, you can register online or request an application pack by emailing tph.enquiries@tfl.gov.uk. You will also need to provide a photograph of yourself and complete a tax check with HMRC. If you have lived abroad for periods of three months or more, you’ll need to fill in the “Living and working abroad” form.

The total cost of an application is approximately £600 but will vary council to council, excluding the cost of the medical fee set by your GP. Once you have successfully obtained your PHV license, you can contact PCO licensed private hire operators for work or provide your own PCO registered vehicle.

Revolutionize Your Business with LiMO

Having a PHV license is just the beginning of your journey as a chauffeur in the UK. To truly thrive, you must align with a fleet that holds an operator license, allowing you to manage your business effectively. That’s where LiMO comes in. LiMO is the most complete management software designed for chauffeur drivers who are part of a licensed fleet.

By signing up with a fleet that uses LiMO, you can monitor customer bookings, register data, and send invoices automatically through the app. It also offers fleet management capabilities, freeing up your spare time and boosting your productivity. This alignment with a licensed operator ensures compliance with UK regulations while still providing you with the powerful features of LiMO.

Download LiMO today through your fleet operator and take your chauffeur business to the next level. Embrace the opportunity to focus on what you do best: delivering top-notch service to your passengers, all while keeping your operations under control and in compliance with UK laws.

Disclaimer: This article is intended as a guide only. Please contact your local council or TfL to find out the specific requirements for obtaining a chauffeur license in your area.