What Are Overall Costs Involved In Getting A Pco Licence In London In 2024?

By Author: James Aaron
Total Articles: 10
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If you are looking to become a private hire vehicle driver in London, the PCO licence cost is not the only thing you need to pay. The Safety, Equality, and Regularity Understanding (SERU) training is also vital. Topographic training is also vital, as is a DBS check and medical check. All these parameters incur a fee that the aspirant driver has to pay out of his pocket.

Bottom line first, it costs roughly £600, as of 2024, to become a fully compliant private hire vehicle driver in London. Over the past decade, PCO licence centres like the PCO Licence East London have come into prominence for introducing convenient “package systems,” where you pay a one-time fee that covers all the requisites for you to become a licenced driver.

How PCO Licence Packages Work

Currently, PCO Licence East London packages are the cheapest and most convenient in London, which makes them London’s only fast-track licence centres to offer such comprehensive packages. These packages make all the sense since they not only conglomerate the cost but also jot down the entire hassle of going to different locations and save ...
... you time. The primary package inclusions are as follows:

• Initial appointment: The first thing you need to do is book an appointment. You will be meeting the PCO experts at the centre, who will guide you to the package that is ideal for you.

• Select your plan: The comprehensive package for PCO licences is only required for beginners. Once you have the badge, you won’t need to go through all the training and tests. Seasoned drivers usually require a renewal package or simply a medical check.

• Medical Check: The medical check is essential to keep evidence that you are physically and mentally healthy and fit to drive. This step requires you to complete the TPH/204 medical form with a GMC-registered general practitioner at the centre.

• Topographical Training: With the fitness test done, the next step is the topographical training, which also happens at the centre itself, and is about educating and evaluating your familiarity with the A-Z map. The typical test session lasts about 2 hours.

Right to Work in London and Tax Compliance

You cannot forget about your taxes; that is also included in the cost of being a taxi driver in London. The taxes are based not just on income but also on the expenses you have to bear. While the parameters are different for taxi service operators, self-employed drivers only have to pay for their “taxable profit.” Drivers can use their tax codes to check their tax registration and the amounts of taxes they are entitled to pay.

In London, there is one more concern about “tax and taxis.” This is mostly addressed to the new “ride-hailing” applications of American transport companies like Uber, which have brought on the VAT payments as a nuisance. Their business models have roughly disrupted the business for taxis and mini-cabs in London.

UBER has won a high court ruling in favour of VAT. UBER accredits the cab drivers who use their app as employees, not as self-employed individuals, and subjects them to pay a VAT on each fare. As of July 2023, the company charges a 20% VAT. If you are looking to become an Uber driver, you must consider this cost a permanent one.
Why You Should Pay For DBS Checks Even If You Don’t Have Criminal Record

This is not only an obligation for PHV drivers in London to get the DBS check. It is part of many other occupations to maintain the safety and credibility of their services and also make themselves more trustworthy. You need to voluntarily take this self-check and pay for it too. If you are looking to become an operator, then you need to get DBS checks for each driver.

Even if you don’t have a criminal background, this check helps you form a more accredited affiliation with the TFL. Moreover, a DBS check can uncover pertinent information regarding any cautions, reprimands or other non-conviction information, offering more clarity about your professional conduct.

Author Bio:

The author writes about the PCO driver's licence because, well, many writers out there write so much about this topic and there is much to know, especially for people who come from other countries with a dream of living and working in London. So get the essential knowhow, about PCO licence cost, application, taxes, processes, and so much more.