Written by the Sydenham Mini Cabs team. Last updated .
The work you would be doing
Our customers are mostly local people. A typical day includes short runs around Sydenham, Forest Hill, Penge and Catford, hospital appointments, station drops and longer airport jobs.
- Local journeys across the districts on our areas we cover page
- Airport transfers, such as the minicab from Sydenham to Gatwick Airport
- Station runs into central London
- Regular bookings, including the school run taxi
- Account work for local businesses
Every job is pre booked through the office and sent to you by our dispatch system. You never ply for hire.
Drivers we are looking for
We need drivers for three types of work, and you do not have to do all of them.
School run drivers with a DBS check. We are looking for drivers who hold a current DBS check for regular pupil journeys and school contracts. Our school run taxi page explains how these bookings work.
Airport drivers. Early morning pickups, late arrivals and flight-tracked transfers keep us busy all week.
Local job drivers. Everyday bookings from residents, businesses, hotels and venues.
No DBS check? You can still drive with us. A DBS check is only needed for school work. If you don't have one, you will still get airport runs, local jobs, and more. Many of our drivers work this way.
Shifts and hours
Our booking line runs around the clock, so there is work early morning, through the day, in the evening, and overnight. Tell us which hours suit you when you apply, and whether you are available for school runs. Weekend nights and early airport runs are the times we most often need cover. School runs are usually needed in the early morning and mid to late afternoon on term days.
What you need to apply
These are the standard requirements for private hire driving in London, set by Transport for London.
Your licence
You need a current private hire driver license from Transport for London, often called a PCO license. To hold one, a driver must be at least 21, have held a full driving license for at least three years, have the right to work in the UK, and have passed an enhanced criminal record check, a medical, a topographical assessment, and the English language and safety assessments.
DBS check for school work
If you want school run work, you will need a current DBS check that meets the school's requirements. [Business to confirm which level of DBS check is required and whether it must be on the update service or arranged through the business.] Drivers without a DBS check are not excluded from other work.
Your vehicle
If you drive your own car, it must hold a current Transport for London private hire vehicle license, a valid MOT and insurance for hire and reward. Transport for London also sets emissions rules for vehicles being licensed for the first time, so check the current rules before you buy.
Documents we will ask for
- Private hire driver licence and badge
- DVLA driving licence
- Private hire vehicle licence, MOT and logbook, if using your own car
- Hire and reward insurance certificate
- Proof of address and of your right to work
- DBS certificate, if you want school run work
We check originals before you start and again at each renewal.
Not licensed yet?
You cannot drive for us until Transport for London has issued your licence. You apply directly to Transport for London, and the process takes time because of the checks involved. If you are partway through, you are welcome to call us and talk about work once your badge arrives.
Do you need a car?
Many of our drivers own their vehicles. If you do not have a licensed car, tell us when you apply. Enquire for a company car if you need one.
Larger vehicles
We are always interested in drivers with MPVs, since demand for the 6-seater taxi is strong at the airport, for school, and for group work.
Pay, commission and fees
We will not print figures here, as they may change. Earnings depend on the hours you work and the jobs you take. We will explain how fares are paid, what commission or circuit fee applies, and when you are paid before you start.
- No commission
- No weekly fee
- No equipment deposit
- Paid weekly, after the work week has passed
Provide the documents we ask for, and once they are checked, you can start working.
What we look for in a driver
Licences get you through the door. These things keep customers coming back.
- Punctuality matters most, because people are catching flights and trains and children need to arrive at school on time
- Local knowledge helps a great deal, and if you are new to the area, you'll learn it quickly
- A clean car and careful driving
- Patience with older passengers, children, and people with luggage
- Drivers who are comfortable carrying pets and assistance dogs are especially welcome
How to apply
Call 020 8778 8888 and ask about driving for us, or email info@sydenhamcars.co.uk with these details.
Details to include
- Your full name and phone number
- Your private hire driver licence number and expiry date
- Whether you hold a current DBS check (yes or no)
- The type of work you want: school runs, airport runs, local jobs, or all
- Whether you have your own licensed vehicle, and its make and seat count
- The hours you would like to work
- The areas of London you know best
What happens next
We will call you back and arrange a time to go through your documents. Our contact details are on the contact us page. If you run several vehicles or a licensed company, see the become a partner page.
Driver questions
Do I need a PCO licence before I apply?
Yes. You must hold a current Transport for London private hire driver licence before you can take any work. You can contact us while your application is in progress.
Can I drive part time?
Tell us the hours you want when you apply. We need drivers at different times of day and night, and we will say honestly whether your hours fit.
Do I need my own car?
Most drivers use their own licensed vehicle. If you do not have one, mention it when you apply and we will tell you what options are available.
What area would I be working in?
Mainly Sydenham and the neighbouring parts of south east London, with regular airport and central London journeys.
How do I get paid?
Payment arrangements are explained before you start. Ask us about commission, fees and the payment schedule when we speak.
Is my car suitable?
It must hold a current private hire vehicle licence and be clean and well kept. Tell us the make, model, age and number of seats, and we will let you know.
Do you provide training?
We show new drivers how our dispatch system and office procedures work. Transport for London's own assessments must be completed as part of your licence.