The Land Transport Authority has received about 39,000 applications for the Private Hire Car Driver's Vocational Licence (PDVL) as of 21st June. Of these applications, about 33,000 have been given approval to go for the PDVL course, of which 500 have attended the course and passed.
About 27,000 private-hire cars have been affixed with tamper evident decals, which must be displayed on all private-hire cars providing chauffeured services from 1st July. Private-hire drivers must submit their applications for the PDVL course by the end of this month (30th June) to be allowed to continue driving. They will then have a year to attend and pass the course.
One driver, Mr. Gregory Poo, said the decal has allowed passengers to more easily identify his vehicle, and made it easier for him to drop off and pick up passengers as well. "Now, when I enter condominiums, the security guards know I am there to pick up or drop off passengers," said the 53-year old IT technician, who drives part-time for Uber.
As one of the 500 who has attended and passed the 10-hour PDVL course, Mr. Poo added that he now has more certainty about matters, such as where he is allowed to pick up and drop off passengers. "Now I know that you can't pick up or drop off riders at places like bus stops or taxi stands," he said. "Previously, I was not so sure."
