Taxi Driver Online

Grandad, you will know

whats the difference, what do they need, £5k in the bank, D1 with DCPC driver?

_________________
Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

for one vehicle I think the financial standing is around £3,600. This does not have to be cash in the bank. You just need to show that you have access to this sum of money if required.

_________________
Grandad,

So any taxi firm could run one just by filling in paperwork (i.e. no CPC)?

_________________
Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

if the vehicle has 9 or more passenger seats then the driver needs a PCV license and a driver CPC.

_________________
Grandad,

Yes, but recently the Traffic Commissioners have been taking a long hard look at the restricted licence applicants and existing licence holders. You have to prove that operating a minibus on such a licence is NOT your main occupation or source of revenue. See recent editions of RouteOne, there's usually a couple of cases in there every week.

You will need to keep tacho records and drivers hours records if the minibus is being used on regular school runs as well as a regular safety check regime. Fixing it at annual test time is not an option like a lot of cab operators seem to think. When it comes to drivers hours, driving a cab counts as "other work" as does running the office or doing repairs. It's no good expecting to drive a cab all day then doing a night club run with the minibus; it's all "work" that must be recorded.

Our minibus does 2 hours a day on the school run and very occasionally it will do an evening run for a club or 2. The driver very rarely does any other work. She signs the odd form that has already been filled out and that is about all we can get out of her. She thinks she is retired.

_________________
Grandad,

Surely if its on a school contract it IS a main occupation/source of revenue?

_________________
Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

No, the revenue from this run is only a very small part of our main business which is of course running taxis. We have at the moment 13 taxis and 1 minibus.

_________________
Grandad,

So while its (basically) a big taxi, as its earnings are (say) 5% of your total takings its exempt from a national O-licence?

whereas as ive only 1 car it would represent (say) 40% and not be exempt?

_________________
Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

As I had a D1 (101) but didnt take a DCPC id now have to take a full D1 test AND a DCPC now

_________________
Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

You would need to ask the traffic commissioner.

_________________
Grandad,

The D1 test is a problem, you cant hire a bus to take it in, your not qualified, you cant take your own bus, almost the only way is an expensive course inc test

_________________
Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

Unlucky.

_________________
Grandad,

Correct. I'd ask grandad if your driver has the DCPC. If she only works a few hours a week she may be exempt from drivers hours, but will certainly need to keep tacho records of the private hire work.

There's 2 cases regarding errant restricted licence holders in this week's RouteOne magazine; one has been banned from operating for a very long time, the other has been given a second chance to get it right.

You will need to start off by having a PCV Medical with a doctor. The doctor will charge for this service (approximately £120.00 to £150.00). Alternatively for our customers we are able to provide PCV Medicals at a cost of just £50.00. The next date we would have in Cardiff is Sat 31st Oct.



At the medical the doctor will complete a DVLA Form D4 (medical report). After the medical you will need to send the medical report form plus a DVLA Form D2 (application for a provisional licence PCV D1 entitlement) and your car licence to the DVLA Office in Swansea.



When you receive your new driving licence with the provisional PCV D1 entitlement if you call our office we would be happy to arrange for you to attend a free PCV D1 assessment drive. We will introduce you to the minibus and take you out for an hour. After the drive you will be able to see for yourself how hard or easy it is to drive and we will all be in a better position to help arrange a training package to suit your personal ability for driving a larger passenger carrying vehicle.



Even though you hold a full car licence you will still need to pass the PCV Module 1 Theory Test before attending a Module 3 practical driving course. You are able to book the PCV Module 1 Theory Test on-line (remember there are two parts), or we can book it for you. Local theory test centres in are located in Cardiff, Newport, Merthyr Tydfil and Swansea. After passing the PCV theory test you can then proceed with booking a practical training course.



Practical training costs for PCV D1 can vary as some drivers require less training whilst others may need a little more, but in most cases drivers ask to attend either a 2 or a 3 day training course (this is course duration of either 12, 16 or 20 hours of 1 to 1 training). Your DSA practical driving test will be pre-booked and will take place in the final hour of your course.



Pass Rates! No company is able to 100% guarantee that you will pass your test first time. We do have professional instructors, well maintained vehicles and are the top rated Driver Training company on www.freeindex.co.uk. Please view the site to read the positive reviews, including pass rates from our previous customers. You may also wish to view our Facebook page.



Training and Test Fees for PCV D1



Module 1 - Theory tests (hazard perception and multiple choice) £28.00 & £12.00 = £40.00 (no VAT)

Module 2 - Case study* test fee £24.00 (no VAT)

Module 3 - (16hrs training ) £600.00 plus VAT (£120.00) or (12hrs training ) £450.00 plus VAT (£90.00)

Module 3 - DSA practical driving test fee £115.00 (no VAT)

Module 4 - Practical demonstration test* Training £160.00 plus VAT and the test fee £55.00 (no VAT)



Please Note* If you are being employed as a professional driver, then you MAY also be required to complete Module 2 & Module 4, or you may have to do 35 Hours periodic training if you passed your car test prior to Jan 97.



Driver CPC Periodic Training



£70 plus VAT (£14.00) per module

4 x £70 = £350.00 plus VAT (£70.00)



In all cases we would recommend you book with a "real HGV / PCV training school" with DSA Qualified Instructors and view their vehicles and office before you commit to any purchase!

_________________
Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most