PCO Vehicle Inspection: A Definitive Guide
For a PHV or PCO licence, your car must pass the PCO vehicle inspection. It is a thorough examination conducted by TfL-approved test centres. The inspection cost is £140 for a full inspection, with a £60 retest fee if rebooked within 28 days.
This way, you can get or renew your PHV and PCO licence to earn through ride-hailing apps. What it is, why it is essential, what its requirements are, and many more – we will discuss all the important factors in this article.
Why Is It Essential to Inspect a PCO Car?
Car inspection is mandatory to ensure its good health, which is ultimately beneficial for passengers’ safety. Here is why you cannot skip it:
- Compliance & Safety: Inspectors ensure everything is in its place and in good condition, covering all key components including brakes, lights, tyres, and gas emissions.
- Aligns with TfL Rules: Inspection ensures that your car meets TfL criteria for CO2 and other emissions. There are some fixed ratios that you must follow to keep your vehicle rolling on the road.
- Zero Penalties: Ignoring inspection can push you to bear unexpected expenses when applying for a PCO or PHV licence. You can even lose your licence without a valid VIR.
- Easy Licence Renewal: Whether applying for a new licence or renewing an existing one, you require a PCO vehicle check report for both.
Insider Tip: If you own your vehicle, managing inspections and renewals is your personal responsibility. However, with Fleeto PCO rentals, all maintenance, servicing, and TfL vehicle licensing are fully managed for you so you can focus entirely on earning.
What are the TfL Requirements for PCO Vehicles?
TfL requirements change from time to time, so you must stay updated to keep your car moving on the road.
- If you are licensing the car for the first time, it must be Zero Emission Capable (Fully Electric or Plug-in Hybrid).
- If it is a hybrid, the engine must meet Euro 6 clean-air rules. Pure petrol or diesel cars are banned for new licences.
- The car cannot be older than 10 years from its first registration date.
- The steering wheel must be on the right side (unless you have a rare speciality business exemption from TfL).
- No modifications: The car body and frame must be factory standard.
- Visible PHV Licence Discs (Official TfL discs) must be displayed on both front and rear windscreens, completely undamaged and unblocked.
Volkswagen Sharan
£280/week
Toyota Rav4
£270/week
Toyota Prius Plus
£220/week
Toyota Prius
£200/week
Toyota Corolla
£200/week
Mercedes-Benz E300e
£320/week
MG HS
£250/week
Kia eNiro
£200/week
PCO Vehicle Pre-Inspection Checklist: Avoid Common Failures
Don’t risk failing over basic oversights. Work through this checklist before presenting your car at the test centre:
1. Mechanical & Safety Systems
- Brakes: Ensure brake pads, discs, and handbrakes are fully responsive without squeaking or excessive travel.
- Suspension: The suspension must be stable, quiet, and free of leaks or worn bushings.
- Tyres: Must have at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 75% of the tyre width. Check sidewalls for bulges, cuts, or cracks, and inflate to manufacturer specifications.
- Dashboard Warning Lights: An illuminated engine, ABS, power steering, or airbag warning light results in an automatic failure. Resolve all diagnostic codes prior to the test.
- Lighting: Test every light bulb: headlights, high beams, fog lights, indicators, reverse lights, brake lights, and rear number plate lights.
- Windscreen & Wipers: Fix any chips or cracks within the driver’s direct field of vision. Ensure wipers clear the glass effectively and top off the washer fluid reservoir.
- Seats & Belts: All seatbelts must retract smoothly, latch securely, and show no fraying.
2. Bodywork & Exterior Condition
Inspectors flag obvious signs of neglect. Ensure your vehicle has no:
- Major dents, structural damage, or sharp exposed edges
- Flaking, severe rust, or peeling paintwork
- Cracked or clouded headlight and taillight lenses
- Faded, damaged, or illegible registration plates
3. Interior & Exterior Cleanliness
- Interior: Must be thoroughly vacuumed, stain-free, deodorised, and well-maintained.
- Exterior: Wash the bodywork, clean all glass surfaces inside and out, and degrease the wheels.
Regular maintenance can help you avoid many of these issues and keep your vehicle ready for inspection. For more practical advice, check out our guide on 7 Proven Ways to Keep Your PCO Licensed Car Well Maintained.
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4. Window Tint Compliance
TfL enforces strict light transmission standards for passenger visibility and safety:
- Windscreen: Must allow a minimum of 75% light transmission.
- Front Side & Rear Windows: Must allow a minimum of 70% light transmission. Factory privacy glass often falls below these thresholds; test your tint levels beforehand.
These are some of the common reasons for failing a PCO vehicle inspection. Checking them before your test helps you spot small issues early. If you want a vehicle without the hassle of checking and fixing these issues yourself, explore Fleeto’s PCO Fleet and choose a vehicle that is ready for the road.
Required Documents for Your PCO Inspection
Bring valid, original physical documents to your inspection appointment:
- V5c DVLA Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC)
- MOT Certificate (issued within the last 14 days prior to inspection)
- Hire & Reward Insurance Certificate (must include an original insurance permission letter confirming private hire coverage)
- Existing PHV Licence & Discs (required for renewals)
- Car Modification Documents (if any approved alterations exist)
- Voluntary Individual Vehicle Approval (VIVA) (if applicable for specialised imports)
- Conformity Certificate (if applicable)
How to Apply for PCO Vehicle Inspection
Plan ahead by booking your inspection 4 to 6 weeks before your current licence expires to avoid missing work shifts.
Book directly via the official TfL Private Hire portal or an approved inspection centre. Also, you can call the TfL team to book a car inspection. Date, time, and location- all are your choice. You can also change these schedules even after booking an inspection.
If you’re hiring a PCO car or on a Rent-to-Buy contract, take a moment to check what your agreement covers regarding inspections and maintenance. Knowing upfront what you’re responsible for and what your provider covers can save you surprises later.
How Much Does It Cost to Inspect a PCO Car?
It is essential to renew the PCO licence after it expires (3 years’ validity). Every time a licence is renewed, you need a car inspection, which costs around £140.
If you use your car for passenger transport, you will renew your licence annually, bearing the inspection cost yearly.
What If I Failed the PCO Car Inspection?
Firstly, you must give 100% to pass the inspection on the first attempt. Do not worry if you fail for any reason. You can retake the inspection within the next 21 days. A time extension is acceptable in case of car repair.
Hidden Fact: 85% of cars do not pass the inspection on the first attempt. It is only due to a driver’s incomplete homework.
Therefore, your focus should be on passing the test on the first attempt. It is crucial so you do not have to bear the inspection charges again.
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With Fleeto, every rental car in our fleet is fully PCO-licensed, zero-emission capable, insured, and pre-approved by TfL. Simply pick up your keys, connect your app, and start driving for Uber, Bolt, or Wheely right away. Check out our latest selection of inspection-ready PCO vehicles today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if my car is eligible for PCO?
You can check if your car is eligible for a Private Hire Vehicle (PCO) licence in London by checking its age, emissions standards, and paperwork against the latest Transport for London (TfL) requirements.
When do I need a PCO vehicle inspection?
You’ll need one:
- When applying for a new PHV licence.
- When renewing your existing PHV licence.
- After major repairs or vehicle modifications
How much does the inspection cost?
A Transport for London (TfL) PCO vehicle inspection costs a total of £140. But this may change. Always check the latest fees on the TfL site.
How long does the inspection take?
The inspection usually takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the vehicle and any issues found.
What cars are allowed for PCO?
Cars that meet Euro 6 standards and are Zero Emission Capable (ZEC) are allowed for PCO use in London. Also, the car must be less than 10 years old and should be PHV licensed as well.
How do I book a vehicle inspection for PCO?
The process is simple. You just have to visit the TFL website and select a date, time, and location that suits you. You can also call 0343 222 5555 and book the inspection.
