Despite the public-facing role of taxi and private hire drivers, there is currently no simple and consistent way for them to demonstrate that they hold the right training and qualifications required to carry out their job.
People 1st, the sector skills council for hospitality, passenger transport, travel and tourism, is currently piloting a voluntary Licence to Practise scheme, giving individuals a unique way to demonstrate that they are professionals. Through the scheme, drivers carry out a nationally recognised qualification that People 1st accredited colleges and training providers deliver.
After completing the programme, individuals are able to record their training on the National Register of Professional Taxi and Private Hire Drivers.
Registration costs £20. Once drivers have registered, they will need to renew it every three years after completing Continual Professional Development (CPD) training.
Recognition on the national register will give you access to some fantastic benefits including 50% off your personal breakdown cover with the RAC and much more!
Find out how you can become recognised on the national register for taxi and private hire drivers.
The register allows licensing authorities to access information about drivers’ skills and qualifications that trusted training providers have verified.
If you are a licensing authority find out how the register will benefit you and how you can help us promote it to drivers!
If you have a question about the register or would like to get in touch to find out more, email [email protected]
The register is the first ever to recognise the high levels of professionalism of drivers, and has been developed to give operators such as yourself one central system to access accurate and timely information about drivers’ skills.
“Merseytravel has a long history of supporting transport sector skills, in partnership with People 1st and our Merseylearn team, because we recognise that enhanced skills will deliver a better customer service. We believe that a registration scheme for drivers will support the quality of training across the industry and help demonstrate the professionalism of the drivers in the taxi and private hire trade.”
Andy Thornton, Merseylearn Manager
Operators that display our professionalism banner have shown they are taking their drivers' training seriously and support the national register for professional taxi and private hire drivers .
As the organisation responsible for the development of qualifications and training in the passenger transport sector, People 1st introduced the register to ensure taxi and private hire drivers have the skills to provide you with a safe and effective service.
Registration means drivers have achieved an industry-recognised qualification with a top college or training provider that we have accredited. Drivers also have to update their skills and training every three years to remain on the register and make sure they learn the latest in areas like safety, legislation and disability awareness.
So if you see a driver wearing this badge, you know you are in safe hands!
