Taxi Cab Insurance
If you have ever wondered how taxi drivers are licensed in the United Kingdom, and just what sort of things are covered by taxi cab insurance, you are not alone. Those questions are appropriate to ponder when considering whether or not to open a taxi business, or become a licensed taxi driver.
Becoming a taxi driver involves obtaining a license from the Council, as well as obtaining taxi cab insurance. The Council’s job is to determine whether or not you are a “fit and proper” person because they need to protect the interests of the public at large. You must be at least 21 years old to apply and have to pass a series of checks and balances in order to be accepted.
First, they will do a criminal records check through the Criminal Records Bureau. This goes a long way to prove whether or not you are a good person who can be trusted to serve the general public.
After you have passed the criminal check, you move on to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) check, also known by its location as the Swansea check. This check is put in place to review your driving record. The Council has to make sure you are a safe driver due to the fact that you will be taking the lives of the public into your hands. It also makes sure that you, the applicant, have had your driving license for at least 12 months, which is a requirement for driving a taxi in the United Kingdom.
Once you have cleared the DVLA check, you are then required to take a physical exam as part of the medical check. As you will be driving passengers in your vehicle, it is imperative that you are in good health, to minimize the risk of accidental incidents related to any medical condition. After this initial exam, you will need to be reexamined every five years beginning at age 45 and up through age 60. After 60 years of age, you will have to get a physical exam every year.
While we have begun to demystify the taxi cab insurance and licensing process, there are still further steps to consider that will be covered in later articles.
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