Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Handbook Practice Flashcards

These vocabulary flashcards cover essential regulatory, safety, and licensing information from the London PHV Driver's Handbook.

Transport for London (TfL)

The organization responsible for the licensing and regulation of London’s taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) industry.

Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding Assessment

A test based on the handbook information that also proves a driver has the required English language skills of reading and writing.

Minimum Age Requirement

Applicants must be aged $21$ or older when they apply for their London PHV driver's licence.

Topographical Skills Assessment

A separate test held in a TfL approved centre to check a driver's ability to select and plan a route, read a map, and identify locations.

B1 level

The level of English language ability required in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for speaking and listening skills.

DVLA Group $2$ medical standards

The physical fitness requirements a PHV driver must meet, usually through a medical examination with a doctor who has access to full medical records.

PHV driver’s badge

Also known as photographic ID, it displays the driver's name, photograph, licence number, and expiry date; it must be worn at all times when working.

Exemption notice

A special notice issued by TfL that allows a driver not to wear their badge or not display vehicle licence discs; it must be carried at all times while working.

Licence discs

Discs fixed to the front and rear windscreens of a PHV that contain security features and must not be removed or damaged.

Hire or reward insurance

The specific type of insurance policy every PHV must have at all times when being used for private hire purposes.

Collision Reporting Timeframe

The requirement that a vehicle owner must tell TfL within $72$ hours of any collision that affects the safety, performance, appearance, or comfort of the PHV.

Heathrow Airport byelaws

A set of specific regulations for PHVs at Heathrow, including a rule that drivers cannot enter to pick up passengers without a prior booking.

Hate crime

Any offensive or violent behavior towards a driver because of their race, faith, sexual orientation, disability, or gender identity.

Lone worker device

A safety device used to communicate with an operator or alert help in case of aggressive or violent behavior by a passenger.

CCTV signage

Required notices that must be displayed in a prominent position if a vehicle is fitted with a camera system.

Taxi rank

A designated areas reserved for licensed London taxis (black cabs); PHVs are prohibited from parking, waiting, picking up, or dropping off passengers here.

Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)

A penalty similar to a fine issued for contravening road rules such as parking, loading, or illegal use of bus lanes.

Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

An air quality zone in London where PHVs must meet specific emissions standards (Petrol Euro $4$, Diesel Euro $6$) or pay a daily charge.

Advanced stop line box

The space at traffic lights reserved for cyclists; PHV drivers should not enter this box when the light is red.

Swept area

The portion of the windscreen covered by the wipers; it is an offence to place cradled devices or signage here that obstructs vision.

Equality Act $2010$

Legislation that protects nine characteristics, including disability and sexual orientation, from unfair treatment and discrimination.

Section $170$ of the Equality Act

The law requiring PHV drivers to accept passengers with assistance dogs and allow them to sit in the footwell without extra charge.

Safeguarding

The responsibility to protect children and adults at risk (vulnerable adults) from harm and abuse.

Adult at risk

Anyone over the age of $18$ who is in need of extra care and support and is unable to protect themselves from harm or abuse.

County lines

Criminal exploitation where gangs use children and young adults to sell and transport drugs across counties using mobile phone lines.

Ridesharing

A booking where people who do not know each other pay separate fares and travel together in the same vehicle.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

A public body that conducts enhanced criminal records checks as part of the licensing application process.

Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN)

A punishment for road traffic offences like speeding that usually involves a fine and penalty points on a driving licence.

Pedestrian clearway

A section of road, such as a zig-zag line, where drivers must never stop as it would cause an obstruction or danger to others.

Public register

A tool on the TfL website that contains details of all licensed private hire drivers, vehicles, and operators.