Can You be a Private Hire Vehicle Driver under HSMP Scheme ?

[troubledkhan1]

Hi,

I have been trying to find this out in HSMP guidelines but cant find anything. All it says that I can be self-employed.

I want to know if there are any restrictions in terms of what sort of self-employment one can pursue under HSMP Scheme. And if it is ok to drive a Private Hire Vehicle (Mini Cab) if some one is unable to find a proper job in his/her respective areas of profession?

Any feedback is appreciated.
TroubledKhan

[avjones]

It would be fine under the HSMP to work as a mini-cab driver (subject to getting a proper licence if needed, insurance, all the rest of it). It would make it hard for you to extend your leave, though, in the future, as the earnings might not be high enough.

[troubledkhan1]

Thanks a lot for the quick response. Thats all I wanted to know.
I only need to do this until I find a good job so that I can afford myself while I am in UK without a job.

[SYH]

Thanks a lot for the quick response. Thats all I wanted to know.
I only need to do this until I find a good job so that I can afford myself while I am in UK without a job.

good idea, I went unemployed in the beginning. In retrospect, I should have taken any job to get me back into the game

[avjones]

Good idea - while you are looking for a permanent job suitable for you in terms of experience / qualifications etc, it's far better to be earning some money rather than none!

[baskey]

Thanks a lot for the quick response. Thats all I wanted to know.
I only need to do this until I find a good job so that I can afford myself while I am in UK without a job.

As you think, becoming a mini cab driver is not an easy thing. You need to undergo tests and for that you should have proper understanding of roads and places , where you want to drive. On the top of it you should have full british driving licence and a good car. In my opinion to do all those things, it may take atleast 6 months time and constant effort. If I was you, I won't think, it is an viable option.

Any way the option is yours?

Regards,

[EdgeHillMole]

I agree with Baskey. It's too risky to take a job that the Home Office considers to be beneath its extension requirements.

If you end up coming to love the job/career and the place where you work, and don't wish to leave it for a higher paying position/geographical location, then the HO may very well reject your extension.

[pantaiema]

Once you get your FLR under HSMP you could do any legal job. In extreme case eventough You are unemployed you could still have the right to live in the UK as long as U could maintain yourself

But the problem will come when You are about to extend your FLR. As to be a cab driver is defenitely not a highly skilled job. Also, I doubt it that you will have enought point for earning.

Hi,

I have been trying to find this out in HSMP guidelines but cant find anything. All it says that I can be self-employed.

I want to know if there are any restrictions in terms of what sort of self-employment one can pursue under HSMP Scheme. And if it is ok to drive a Private Hire Vehicle (Mini Cab) if some one is unable to find a proper job in his/her respective areas of profession?

Any feedback is appreciated.
TroubledKhan

[HSMP_Extension]

to qualify as a mini cab driver the basic requirement is that you have British/EU/EEA driving licnese for minimum of 3 years before starting a cab.... there are other requirements from Public Carriage Office too....

[troubledkhan1]

Thanks a lot for all the feedbacks.

I'd like to mention that I already have a full UK Drivers License which is more than 3 years old. I have already passed the topographical test(which is quite easy) and have undergone a medical examination as well. SO i have fulfilled all the requirement.

Regarding how much can I earn, I have heard from other PHV drivers that they easily earn more than 30K per year. I only need 20K to extend my HSMP application.

Another thing is that as I have already mentioned, it is just a precaution for the worst circumstances. I am rigorously looking for a proper job in my own profession and as soon as I find one, there will be no need to this all.

Thanks a lot again for all your comments.

[Rog]

Nowadays HO is just concerned in how much you earn and do not care what your profession is. You are right that many minicab drivers earn very well especially if they do odd hours, weekends etc so it may be a more lucrative profession than an office job.

[pantaiema]

I agree with this people shall realise this loophole and therefore take advantage of this before the HO/BIA change the HSMP system.


Let see for example:
1. MSc degree: 35 Points
2. Earning:23 K = 20 points. A reasonable no. of of taxi drivers, people working in Tesco etc could exceed this income especially if they are working 12 hours a day, 7 days a weeks.
3. Age: Under 29 = 20 points
4. UK experience = 5 points.

Total > 75 points.

It means even people working as taxi drivers, people working in Tesco, warehouse could meet the thereshold points if you are under 29, working 12 hours a day, 7 days a weeks. You just need it for 2 years. After You get 3 years extension, you are thorugh.

Nowadays HO is just concerned in how much you earn and do not care what your profession is. You are right that many minicab drivers earn very well especially if they do odd hours, weekends etc so it may be a more lucrative profession than an office job.