TfL SERU Book 2023 in audio | PHV Driver handbook,Section 2: Licensing Requirements for PHVs,

Summary

This video script outlines licensing requirements for Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs), emphasizing the importance of vehicle licenses, discs, and their security features. It highlights the necessity of hire or reward insurance and the need to maintain vehicles in good condition. The script also addresses the procedures to follow in case of damage or manufacturer-identified faults, stressing the importance of compliance with instructions from TfL or the manufacturer.

Takeaways

• 📜 Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs) require specific licensing and must adhere to certain rules and regulations.
• 🔖 Upon licensing, a PHV is issued a vehicle license and license discs that must be affixed to the front and rear windshields.
• 🚗 The registered keeper of a PHV receives a leaflet outlining the conditions of the license, which typically lasts for one year.
• 🔄 PHVs must undergo a licensing inspection before a new license can be issued, ensuring ongoing compliance with standards.
• 🚫 The license discs for PHVs are tamper-evident and should not be removed under any circumstances.
• 🛡 In case of damage, loss, or theft of the license discs, the vehicle owner must contact Transport for London (TfL) immediately for replacements.
• 🚫 A PHV cannot be used for private hire purposes if the license discs are missing, damaged, or altered.
• 🏷️ In exceptional cases, a vehicle may be exempt from displaying license discs, with an exemption notice provided for the driver to carry.
• 🚘 Every PHV must have valid 'hire or reward' insurance, which must be maintained at all times the vehicle is licensed and in use.
• 📋 It is recommended for PHV drivers to carry proof of valid insurance and evidence of being insured to drive the vehicle under that policy.
• 🚔 PHV drivers must provide insurance details to the police or to passengers/public upon request, especially in the event of a collision.
• 🔧 PHV owners must inform TfL within 72 hours of any collision affecting the vehicle's safety, performance, appearance, or comfort, which may necessitate a reexamination.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the 'section two license in requirements for private hire vehicles'?

The purpose of this section is to provide information on licensing requirements and rules for private hire vehicles (PHVs), ensuring that drivers are aware of the regulations even if they do not own a licensed vehicle.

What is given to the registered keeper once a PHV has been licensed?

Once a PHV has been licensed, the registered keeper is given a vehicle license and license discs that must be fixed to the front and rear windshields of the vehicle, along with a leaflet describing the conditions of the license.

How long do PHV licenses last for?

PHV licenses last for 1 year, after which the vehicle must undergo another licensing inspection before a new license can be issued.

What should one do if the PHV license discs are damaged, lost, or stolen?

If the PHV license discs are damaged, lost, or stolen, the vehicle owner should contact Transport for London (TfL) immediately so that replacement discs can be issued.

Can a vehicle be used for private hire purposes without the licensed discs?

No, a vehicle cannot be used for private hire purposes if the licensed discs are missing, have been badly damaged, or their appearance has been spoiled in any way.

What is the requirement for insurance on a PHV?

Every PHV must have hire or reward insurance, and the insurance policy must be valid when the vehicle is licensed and at all times when the vehicle is being used as a PHV.

What should a driver carry if they are working with a PHV?

A driver should carry details of the vehicle's valid hire or reward insurance policy whenever they are working, as well as evidence that they are insured to drive the vehicle under that policy.

What is the driver's responsibility when asked to provide insurance details by the police or a passenger?

The driver must make details of the insurance available to the police when asked for them and provide insurance details to a passenger or member of the public if the vehicle is involved in a collision.

What should a PHV owner do if their vehicle is involved in a collision that affects its safety, performance, appearance, or comfort?

If the owner of a PHV is involved in a collision that affects the vehicle's safety, performance, appearance, or comfort, they must inform TfL within 72 hours.

What action should be taken if TfL or the manufacturer contacts the registered keeper of a vehicle about a fault?

If TfL or the manufacturer contacts the registered keeper about a fault, the keeper should follow the instructions provided in the letter to get the vehicle fixed.

What is the consequence if a vehicle needs to be fixed as per TfL or the manufacturer's instructions?

The vehicle may not be used for private hire purposes until it has been fixed, as explained in the letter received from TfL or the manufacturer.