How to Renew Your PCO Licence: A Step-by-Step Guide
If your PCO licence is near expiry, it’s crucial to renew it before the expiration date. Uber, Bolt, and other ride-hailing platforms deactivate drivers with expired licence, meaning you can’t legally drive or earn until it’s renewed.
To avoid interruptions, start the renewal process early.
Article Highlights
PCO licence expiring? Here’s what you need to do:
- Check your licence expiry date
- Complete a DBS check
- Pass the required medical examination
- Complete the SERU assessment
- Submit your renewal application online
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Check Your Licence Expiry Date
- A PCO licence lasts for 3 years.
- TfL sends one reminder about 4 months before expiry. No second reminders are sent.
- Start the renewal process early to avoid delays.
- Late applications may result in licence expiration before renewal approval, stopping you from driving and blocking your income.
Don’t wait for the deadline to sneak up on you. Staying ahead of your expiry date means you stay on the road and in control of your earnings.
Complete a DBS Check (Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service)
- Verifies your criminal history.
- Convictions related to fraud, theft, or driving offences can lead to rejection.
- Even with a clean record, delays may occur due to:
- Extra background checks
- Mistakes in the application
- Slow processing times
Tip: Register for the DBS Update Service within 30 days of getting your DBS certificate. This avoids needing a new check for future renewals.
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Pass the Medical Check
- Required for TfL to approve your licence.
- Conducted by:
- Your General Practitioner (preferred, as they know your medical history)
- A TfL-approved doctor familiar with PCO medicals
Frequency Based on Age:
- Under 45: Once, at initial application.
- Aged 45–64: At every renewal.
- 65 and above: Annually.
Make sure your medical check is up to date and accurate. It’s a key part of staying licensed, safe, and eligible to keep driving professionally.
Complete the SERU Assessment (Safety, Equality & Regulatory Understanding)
The assessment confirms that you:
- Know your legal and safety obligations.
- Understand passenger rights and TfL policies.
- Can handle real-world driving situations professionally.
Test Format:
- Multiple-choice questions
- Reading and writing tasks
- Duration: ~90 minutes
- Location: TfL-approved centres
- Rules: No phones or personal notes allowed
Cost:
- First attempt: £36
- Second attempt (if failed): £16
- Fail again? You must reapply and pay the full fee.
Passing the SERU assessment proves you’re ready to drive safely, legally, and responsibly.
Submit Your Renewal Application Online
Documents required:
- Enhanced DBS certificate
- Completed medical form (TPH/204)
- SERU test results
- Valid UK driving licence
- Proof of right to work in the UK
- Pay the £170 renewal fee
Processing Time:
- Typically 6-8 weeks
- May take longer if:
- Application has errors
- TfL needs extra documents or clarification
To avoid unnecessary delays, double-check all documents before submitting. A complete and accurate application speeds up the approval process and keeps you earning without interruption.
Start Earning Today.
Final Thoughts
PCO licence renewal isn’t something to delay. The entire process from medical to SERU and final approval can take weeks. If your current licence expires before your renewal is approved, you’ll lose the ability to drive for hire legally.
So don’t wait. Plan ahead, act early, and secure your income.
Got Your Licence? Get on the Road Today!
At Fleeto, we make it easy to start earning:
- All vehicles are TfL-compliant.
- Insurance and maintenance included.
- No complicated paperwork. We handle it all.
- Choose your car, pick a plan, and start driving.
Ready to earn? Let’s connect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a PCO licence valid for?
A PCO licence is valid for three years. If it expires before you renew it, you won’t be able to offer rides to passengers legally.
Are PCO and PHV licences the same?
A PCO licence is issued to drivers while a PHV licence is for vehicles. PHV licence confirms that the car you use is road-worthy and complies with all TfL regulations.
How much does a PCO driver earn?
On average, PCO drivers in London earn between £20,000 and £30,000 per year. The amount you make depends on the number of hours you work and the areas in which you operate.
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Got Your Licence? Hire a Car and Start Making Money Today!
At Fleeto, we make it easy to get started. Every vehicle in our fleet is TfL compliant and comes with insurance and maintenance included in the package. Plus, there’s no complex paperwork. We handle everything for you. You just need to pick a car, choose a flexible plan, and start driving. Let’s connect.
