Your company will need a PSV operator’s licence for your PSV driver, also called PCV driver since a regulatory change in 1992 (!), to be able to drive a vehicle that carries 9 or more passengers, or if you’re planning to charge separate fares for the journey.
You’ll need to ensure that the PSV driver you’re hiring has a Category D licence.
Depending on the size and type of vehicle you’ll want them to drive, you may need them to have a Category D1 licence (if you need them to drive a minibus with seats for 9 to 16 passengers with a trailer of up to 750kg), D1 + E (if you need them to drive a minibus with seats for up to 16 passengers and a trailer weighing more than 750kg), D (if they’ll drive a bus with more than 8 seats and a trailer of 750 kg), or D + E (if they’ll drive any coach or bus and tow a trailer weighing more than 750 kg).
If your future driver is responsible to drive vulnerable people (e.g., children to and from their schools, passengers with disabilities), you’ll need to ensure to perform enhanced background checks, now called DBS checks.
A good PSV driver is not just good at driving, but should provide great customer service too - helping older passengers with their luggage for example, with patience.
Finally, a great knowledge of the local area is key so if you’re using a recruitment agency to find your PSV driver, don’t forget to request for your future PSV driver to have lived in the area for a while.
Typically, recruitment agencies will charge between £15.81 and £18.30 per hour for PSV drivers. This includes what the candidate is paid, their National Insurance and holiday payments, as well as the agency margin. Your budget should take into account the experience of the secretary and their working location. For example, expect to pay more in London, where the Living Wage is £10.55 per hour.