Essential Guide to Becoming a PCV Driver: Costs and Training Explained

A career as a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) driver is a dynamic and vital role, transporting people safely and efficiently. Whether driving a city bus, bus or coach, a luxury coach or a private minibus, having a PCV licence is your key to professional driving. This guide covers the training, costs and opportunities for those who want to become a PCV driver.

What is a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) Licence?

A PCV licence allows you to drive vehicles designed to carry passengers, including buses and coaches. It’s also known as a bus licence or PSV (Passenger Service Vehicle) licence.

Quick Facts:

• You must be at least 18 years old and have a full Category B licence (car licence) to apply for a PCV licence.
• A PCV medical is required to ensure you are fit to drive professionally.

This licence will open up a career in passenger transport and allow you to take on responsibilities like passenger safety and industry standards.

Licence Categories and Requirements

The PCV licence, or pcv licences, is categorised into different categories for different types of passenger carrying vehicles.

Categories:

1. Category D1:

• Minibuses with 9-16 passenger seats.
• For smaller scale passenger transport.

2. Category D:

• Buses or coaches with more than 16 passenger seats.
• This is the category required for most professional driving roles in public or private transport.

3. Category D+E:

• Vehicles in Category D with trailers over 750kg.

Each category has different requirements for vehicle size, passenger capacity and towing capacity. If you want to drive full sized buses or coaches professionally, you will need a Category D licence.

PCV Training and Costs

PCV training and driver training is a structured programme of theory and practical lessons followed by assessments.

What’s in PCV Training?

• Theory Tests: Road rules, vehicle safety and hazard perception.
• Practical Training: Hands on learning to drive passenger vehicles safely.
• Practical Driving Test: Reversing exercises and on road driving.

Costs:

• PCV training costs are £1,000 to £3,000 depending on the licence category and training provider.
• Costs include training, provisional licence application fee and test fee.

Do budget and research before you commit.

How to Find a Good Training Provider

With over 100 companies offering PCV training in the UK, you need to choose the right one.

What to Look For:

1. DVSA Accreditation: Make sure the provider is accredited by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.
2. Pass Rate: Check the provider’s pass rate with previous students.
3. Full Training: Look for providers that offer the full package, theory, practical training and test preparation.

Research providers by reviews, location and price and make your decision.

PCV Licence Process

Getting your PCV licence, or driving licence, involves several stages which takes around 7-8 weeks.

Step by Step:

1. Provisional Licence Application: Apply for a provisional PCV licence and provisional entitlement, and have the medical.
2. Theory Test: Pass the theory test which is multiple choice and hazard perception.
3. Practical Training: Book practical lessons for the type of licence you want.
4. Practical Driving Test: Show off your skills with reversing exercises and on road driving.

Once you’ve completed these stages you’ll get your PCV licence and can work as a professional driver.

CPC Requirements

To drive professionally PCV drivers must do Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training. This is to make sure you’re ready for the responsibilities of passenger transport.

CPC Requirements:

• Initial CPC Training: New drivers must do this training with their PCV licence and pass a PCV medical examination.
• Periodic CPC Training: 35 hours of training every 5 years to keep your licence.

CPC training covers things like road safety, driver hours and vehicle maintenance so drivers meet industry standards.

PCV Driving Test

The PCV driving test, or PCV test, tests your theoretical knowledge and practical driving skills.

Test Breakdown:

1. Theory Test:

• Multiple choice and hazard perception.

1. Practical Driving Test:

• Vehicle handling exercises like reversing, practical test.
• On road driving.

You need to train and practice thoroughly to pass these tests.

PCV Training Funding

PCV training can be expensive but there are several funding options to help.

Funding:

• Bus Companies:
  Many companies sponsor training in exchange for a work commitment.
• Government Schemes:
  Grants or bursaries for people entering the transport industry.
• Private Lenders:
  Loans with payment plans to help with upfront costs.

Researching funding will help reduce the cost of training.

Career with a PCV Licence

A PCV licence opens up many career opportunities for coach drivers in the transport industry.

Jobs:

1. Bus Driver:
   Public or private bus companies.
2. Coach Driver:
   Long distance or tour coaches.
3. Minibus Driver:
   Small groups for schools, businesses or community groups.

The transport industry is always growing so there’s always demand for qualified PCV drivers.

Keeping Your PCV Licence

To keep your professional driving status PCV drivers must meet ongoing requirements.

Maintenance:

• CPC Training: 35 hours every 5 years.
• Medical Examinations: Over 45 years old, medical every 5 years.

If you meet these requirements you’ll keep your licence and be compliant with industry standards.

Final Words and Advice

Becoming a PCV driver is a big step and proper preparation is key.

Tips for New Drivers:

1. Research:
   Compare training providers, costs and funding to find the best option.
2. Know the Requirements:
   Check you meet all the eligibility criteria including medical and licence requirements.
3. Think Long Term:
   Consider the career opportunities and benefits of having a PCV licence.
4. Be Compliant:
   CPC training and industry rules are key to a successful career.

Follow these steps and you’ll be a PCV driver in no time.

Becoming a PCV driver is a financially rewarding career and a chance to be part of the transport industry. With training, a PCV licence and professional development you’ll be all set for a career in passenger transport. Get started today and find your training and funding options!