Before you can obtain a badge to drive a public service vehicle (PSV) taxi or cab, you will need to:
- hold a full Jersey driving licence which includes category B
- be aged 21 or over
- complete an application form (see step 1)
- attend a formal briefing at Driver and Vehicle Standards Department (DVS) (see step 2)
- take a practical driving and island knowledge test (see step 3)
- have a medical form completed by your doctor confirming you are fit to drive a taxi / cab
The application process is split into three steps.
Step 1: fill in application form PSV1
You must fully complete application form PSV1 and submit it to DVS.
When your application has been processed you will be invited to a formal briefing at DVS.
At the briefing we will:
- explain what will be expected of you as a PSV driver
- issue you with a code of conduct
- answer any queries you may have
You will also complete the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) form and submit it along with a fee. DVS will check that the form has been completed and will pass it onto the relevant authority. A record check will then be undertaken to find out if you have any criminal convictions. The results of the check will be sent to you, and you must then present it to DVS. This may take several weeks.
About Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks
Step 3: take a PSV test
Once you've completed steps 1 and 2, you can book your test. PSV test bookings must be made in person at DVS. You must produce your Jersey driving licence along with the correct fee. You will then be given a date and time to sit the test.
It might be useful to take some formal driving lessons with an Approved Driving Instructor. This will help you to know what is required in the test, and will also help you to get rid of any bad driving habits.
Before you begin your test, the examiner will want to see:
- your Jersey driving licence
- a certificate of insurance or cover note entitling you to drive the vehicle (insurance policies, schedules or photocopies of the certificate are not acceptable. You will not be permitted to take the test unless the original certificate of insurance or a cover note is presented)
You must sit the test in a saloon of a similar size to a typical taxi or cab, no smaller than a Ford Focus. During the test you will be required to drive at the standard of a professional driver and as though you had a vehicle fully laden with passengers.
As part of the test, you will have to perform:
- a hill-start
- reversing manoeuvres
During the drive, the examiner will ask you to take them to various places using the shortest practical route between the locations. The test will last for up to 1 hour 30 mins.
If at the end of the test, the examiner does not feel you have attained the required standard in the drive or have not achieved the 75% pass mark for the knowledge, you will have to sit the test again.
Below is a table showing all categories that you will be tested on, with at least one from each section being asked on your test drive.
Section
| Category | Section
| Category |
|---|
1
| Housing estates | 9 | Night clubs and social clubs |
| 2 | Hotels | 10 | Town streets |
| 3 | Guesthouses | 11 | Campsites, recreation and sports areas |
| 4 | Nursing homes | 12 | Places of interest |
| 5 | Hospitals | 13 | Crossroads, junctions and districts |
| 6 | Schools | 14 | Parish halls |
| 7 | Public houses | 15 | Churches |
| 8 | Restaurants | 16 | Journeys |
Getting your badge
When you have successfully completed all the steps detailed above, and paid the relevant fee you will be issued with a badge to drive a taxi or cab.
You must renew your badge annually and on time. It is illegal to drive a public service vehicle unless you hold a valid PSV badge. You will not be sent a reminder to renew your badge.
You may also wish to apply for inclusion on the restricted taxi or cab licence waiting list. Request a form for this when you receive your badge.
As a PSV driver you will be expected to abide by the code of conduct and act in a professional manner at all times. You will probably be the first Jersey resident visitors meet in the Island. Ensure that their first impression is a good one.
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