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P.C.O Private hire new requirements from 1st April 2006
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Author:  Guest [ Thu Feb 16, 2006 12:38 pm ]
Post subject:  P.C.O Private hire new requirements from 1st April 2006
Private Hire Driver Licensing: Introduction of Topographical
(Map Reading/Route Finding) Skills Assessment

This Notice gives important information about an additional requirement that all private hire driver applicants will need to meet before they can become licensed. This new requirement will apply to all new driver applicants who make an application on or after 1 April 2006.

Background

In accordance with Sections 13(2) and (3) of the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998, all private hire drivers who apply after the 1 April 2006 must complete a topographical skills assessment.

Topographical (map reading/route finding) assessment

The assessment will consist of 5 units, which are:

1) Unit 1- Map reading ability- how to use a map, index and grid references to identify a location;

2) Unit 2- Route selection (local)- how to identify and plan a route or routes, using a map, within the area in which the driver lives or works (as chosen by the driver);

3) Unit 3- Route selection (intermediate)- how to identify and plan a route or routes, using a map, starting within the area in which a driver lives/ works and finishing in an area other than the one in which they live/ work but within London;

4) Unit 4- Route selection (long distance)- how to identify and plan a route or routes, using a map, starting within the area in which a driver lives or works but finishing outside London;

5) Unit 5- General topography- general knowledge of geography in and around London including, for example, major arterial roads originating from London and sites of interest in and around London, tourist attractions and main transport interchanges.

Exemptions from the topographical skills requirements

Any private hire driver applicant who satisfies any one of the criteria listed below will be regarded as having already satisfied the topographical skills requirement and will, therefore, be exempt:


• licensed London taxi drivers – both All London and Suburban;
• licensed London private hire drivers;
• London private hire driver applicants, who have applied before 1 April 2006 and been issued with a temporary permit;
• professional London tourist guides (eg Blue Badge Driver Guide, Association of Professional Tourist Guides);
• an individual who can provide the PCO with evidence of a relevant vocational qualification in passenger transport (eg NVQ or equivalent).

What drivers need to do

Private hire driver applicants will receive comprehensive information in their application pack. This will inform them how to arrange their assessment and each pack will include:

• a list of assessment centres and providers;
• where they are located;
• contact details; and,
• cost.

Licensed London operators may wish to have arrangements with a preferred assessment centre or service provider and may advise or guide potential drivers or applicants to their preferred supplier. (An initial list of ‘accredited’ assessment centres will be made available by mid-March 2006.)

Applicants will be required to complete the assessment successfully only once and will not be required to renew their assessment on subsequent licence applications or should they change area or licensed operator.

Who will carry out the assessment?
The PCO will accredit any institution that is able to satisfy the PCO’s requirements for carrying out the assessment and where the PCO has formally approved that institution to carry out the service.

The means of delivering an assessment service is intended to be as inclusive as possible and it is fully expected that the institutions who will be accredited will include professional training schools involved in training within the transport sector and licensed London private hire operators.

Any institution (including London licensed operators) can apply to the PCO to be accredited to deliver the topographical skills assessment but they must be able to satisfy the requirements set out in a detailed specification. Those institutions that are interested in becoming an accredited service provider or would like any more information about what to do or how to do it, can contact the PCO via e-mail phvtopskills@pco.org or by telephone on:

Liam Riley 020 7126 3822
Patricia Isiodu 020 7126 1808

The PCO can provide the specification for potential service providers, which will provide all the necessary background and evaluation information (some of which is mandatory) together with details on how to submit proposal.

By April 2006, the PCO plans to have ‘accredited’ up to 20 service providers within the Greater London area. It is fully expected, however, that the list of service providers will change and grow over time. Potential service providers may apply to become accredited by the PCO at a time that suits them and there is no imperative for a service provider to be accredited by 1 April 2006.

The scope of the topographical skills requirement, and how it is delivered, will be kept under review.

Please note: If you are a ‘small’ licensed London operator (ie you operate 2 vehicles or less) it is unlikely you will have the necessary infrastructure and/or facilities to deliver the topographical skills assessment but you will need to inform any new drivers you employ that they will be required to complete the assessment.

Should you have any queries or need further clarification about the content of this Notice, please contact the PCO via the e-mail address or telephone numbers given above.


16 February 2006 Roy Ellis
Head of the Public Carriage Office
Author:  Sussex [ Thu Feb 16, 2006 5:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: P.C.O Private hire new requirements from 1st April 200
tm wrote:
Exemptions from the topographical skills requirements

• licensed London taxi drivers – both All London and Suburban

Most generous of the PCO. :lol: :lol:
Author:  TDO [ Thu Feb 16, 2006 9:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: P.C.O Private hire new requirements from 1st April 200
tm wrote:
Exemptions from the topographical skills requirements


• professional London tourist guides (eg Blue Badge Driver Guide, Association of Professional Tourist Guides);
• an individual who can provide the PCO with evidence of a relevant vocational qualification in passenger transport (eg NVQ or equivalent).



So I wonder how this qualifies them to drive a PH in Hackney, say?

This all looks a bit tokenistic.
Author:  GBC [ Thu Feb 16, 2006 11:21 pm ]
Post subject: 
Show me your A-Z.

Open the pages and show me where you live.

Well done, a pass first time.

:?
Author:  smiffyz (geoff) [ Mon Feb 20, 2006 7:32 pm ]
Post subject: 
It's been ALLEGED that the "pink ladies" franchise drivers got away with taking the "route finding" part of our licence exam because they have sat-nav fitted. :shock:
I've made tentative enquiry's but cant get an straight answer. :?
But i'll keep trying :evil:
Author:  2old4this [ Fri Nov 10, 2006 7:47 am ]
Post subject: 
Do i have to take topographical skills test? as am allready a PH/HC driver outside london
Author:  rambo [ Mon Nov 13, 2006 9:37 pm ]
Post subject: 
I have heard a rumor, and I must stress that it is only a rumor, that cab companies will be allowed to test thier own new drivers. Wide open for abuse me thinks.
Author:  Sussex [ Mon Nov 13, 2006 9:42 pm ]
Post subject: 
rambo wrote:
I have heard a rumor, and I must stress that it is only a rumor, that cab companies will be allowed to test thier own new drivers. Wide open for abuse me thinks.

I think they have to be accredited testers, but your rumour is spot on.

Thing I find funny is the one or two of the black cab firms have asked for accreditation too. Image
Author:  2old4this [ Mon Nov 13, 2006 9:50 pm ]
Post subject: 
rambo wrote:
I have heard a rumor, and I must stress that it is only a rumor, that cab companies will be allowed to test thier own new drivers. Wide open for abuse me thinks.


Most companys i phoned up told me if i took the test & worked for them for 8-12 weeks they would refund my test fee :wink:
Author:  rambo [ Mon Nov 13, 2006 10:15 pm ]
Post subject: 
You know why they are allowing this, because it makes it easier to get drivers. And I can guess who the drivers are :wink: .
Author:  GMB Branch secretary [ Tue Nov 14, 2006 11:07 am ]
Post subject: 
Yep many companies are accredited to do the test,and guess what they corrupt it,if the punter cant talk english they sit an interprator with him.so in effect the interprator does the test,have reported this to PCO who are investigating,dont hold your breath.The GMB is in discussions with various bodies to set up a genuine scheme,when were ready we,ll show it to Ken.Not all companies corrupt it many are perfectly honest.2old4this you obviously need a lot of advice why not call me,i think you are about to get ripped off07958275339 and when you do it could be too late Terry
Author:  rambo [ Tue Nov 14, 2006 7:23 pm ]
Post subject: 
Why has Red Ken allowed companies to test thier own drivers?. I think there is a hidden agenda somewhere.
Author:  GMB Branch secretary [ Tue Nov 14, 2006 7:33 pm ]
Post subject: 
He employs the PCO to organise this area,but will obviously respond to OUR concerns on its activities.Hidden agenda such as what?????????
Author:  rambo [ Tue Nov 14, 2006 9:03 pm ]
Post subject: 
Here goes GMB.
I think the hidden agenda is this;
By allowing companies to test thier own drivers, it means nobody will fail.
Is a company going to fail a driver when that driver is going to pay a circuit fee every week, of course not.
Red Ken knows that if the PCO tested phv drivers about 50% would fail, and you know why?, because most drivers are foriegn and can't speak english!.
Racist comment?, no.
The truth?, yes.
Author:  Sussex [ Tue Nov 14, 2006 9:22 pm ]
Post subject: 
rambo wrote:
By allowing companies to test thier own drivers, it means nobody will fail.

That's the nub of it. :?
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