The public service vehicle (PSV) licence is one of the more obscure licences required in the UK by some operators and drivers. It is a licence used to regulate vehicles with a capacity of nine or more that carry passengers for hire. It is also for vehicles, such as taxis, that carry fewer than nine passengers but charge each one separately for the journey. The rules that determine who needs such a licence are based on vehicle size and business operations.
There are four types of PSV licences in Britain:
- Standard (National) – The Standard national licence allows operators to carry passengers in Great Britain only.
- Standard (International) – This licence allows operators to carry passengers within Great Britain and throughout Europe.
- Restricted – A restricted licence is designed for small-scale operations such as individual taxis. It allows an individual to operate no more than two vehicles with a capacity of up to eight passengers each. A special exemption is available for vehicles with a capacity of 16 passengers as long it is not being operated on behalf of a transport company or the driver uses it as a side business.
- Special Restricted – This licence is specifically reserved for licenced taxi operators providing local service only. The local Traffic Commissioner regulates these licences and the terms that define a local service area.
PSV operators working in London are regulated by two further restrictions. First, providers must have a valid Service Permit to run private coaches or buses in the capital. Second, Transport for London handles the licencing of taxis and private hire drivers rather than individual borough councils. For more information about the licences and separate London restrictions, do not hesitate to contact the HGV training centre or take a look at the GOV.UK website.
PSV Training
Training for a PSV licence does not really exist as a separate form of training. If you are an operator, you acquire your licence simply by filling out the appropriate application, supplying the necessary documents and paying your fee. Among other things, you must prove that you have the financial wherewithal to maintain all of your vehicles to legal standards of safety. If you are a driver and operator simultaneously, the PSV licence applies to both you and your business.
Drivers who are not also company owners and operators are trained for a PCV licence in order to work professionally. The PCV licence covers all passenger carrying vehicles, including small buses and mini buses driven for hire. Taxi drivers working for operators acting as employers would need only be licenced taxi drivers according to local regulations.
The PSV licence can be confusing to those who do not understand how passenger service is regulated in the UK. You can always contact the HGV Training Centre to learn more about how licencing applies to you as a professional. The HGV Training Centre offers professional driver training for all classes of commercial licences. We can train you quickly and affordably.
Sources:
- UK – https://www.gov.uk/psv-operator-licences/how-to-apply-for-a-psv-licence
