The Blue Badge is the British national standard guiding qualification and internationally recognised benchmark of excellence. Blue Badge Guides are selected, trained and examined by the Institute of Tourist Guiding. The training is in-depth and comprehensive, the examinations rigorous and the award of a Blue Badge is a real achievement.

As well as acquiring wide-ranging knowledge, Blue Badge Guides are trained in the selection and presentation of material and all practical aspects of guiding. This professional training has been so successful that English trainers have trained guides all over the world, and the Blue Badge is recognised internationally.

In London the course lasts for eighteen months.

Blue Badge Guides take pride in constantly updating their knowledge and to support this aim the Guiding Associations run specialist courses throughout the year.

For more information on the Blue Badge click here.

Please bear in mind that only Blue Badge guides are permitted to show the inside of many of the historic sights including Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London.

Private Hire Vehicle Licensing

Under the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 all driver-guides operating from London require three special Private Hire (PHV) licences.

1. Operator’s Licence. Bookings for tours by car can only be taken by a licensed operator. My operator’s licence number is 02114/01/13.
2. PCO Driver’s Licence. A driver-guide must undergo a medical examination and a police record check before a licence is issued. My PCO driver’s licence number is 047415/01/01.
3. Vehicle Licence. Vehicles are inspected annually, with a government MOT test every 6 months (a thorough inspection which includes the mechanical condition, bodywork and emissions). My vehicle PCO licence number is 101843501.

I am a member of the Guild of Registered Tourist Guides, the Driver Guides Association and the Association of Professional Tourist Guides.