PCO Car Age Requirements in London (2026 Update)
Driving a PCO car in London requires you to meet specific criteria set by TfL. If you are trying to get your car licensed for private hire use, the first thing you should know is the PCO car age requirements in London. “How old can a car be for PCO use?” is the most common question drivers ask. This article will answer this question in detail.
Key Takeaways
- PCO cars must be under 10 years old.
- What happens if a car turns 10 years old?
- Is the car’s age checked annually?
- Does ZEC replace the 10-year rule?
PCO Car Age Requirements in London
TfL implemented PCO car age requirements in January 2012. According to TfL, your car must be less than 10 years old. Cars that are more than 10 years old cannot be driven legally for PCO use. As of 2026, TfL requires all vehicles licensed for PCO use to be ZEC (Zero Emission Capable) and to meet Euro 6 emission standards.
Also Read: First Week as a PCO Driver: Expectations and Preparation
Kia eNiro
£200/week
Hyundai Kona
£200/week
Ford Tourneo
£400/week
Hyundai Ioniq SE
£200/week
KIA Sorento 2025
£370/week
Mercedes E300 2025
£425/week
Mercedes-Benz E300e
£320/week
MG HS 2025
£260/week
Toyota Prius
£200/week
Why PCO Car Age Requirements Matter for TfL Approval
TfL added car age requirements to its policies for many reasons, including:
- Newer cars feature advanced safety systems.
- TfL prefers low-emission cars to reduce its carbon footprint. Most new cars are Zero Emission Capable (ZEC).
- New cars are reliable and reduce the risk of breakdowns.
Hire a PCO car that meets all TfL requirements from Fleeto and drive legally on London’s roads. Our fleet consists of the latest models from leading car manufacturers to keep you on the road stress-free.
How Does PCO Vehicle Age Limit Affect Insurance Costs?
Older cars are more prone to breakdowns. Therefore, private hire insurance companies charge higher premiums for older cars. On the other hand, newer cars are low-risk and can reduce your insurance costs.
Also Read: 11 Best Cars for PCO Drivers in 2026
What If My Car Turns 10 This Year?
TfL says vehicles already licensed must be no older than 10 years at licence renewal. If you are on a PCO hire plan, the hire company is responsible for the vehicle’s PHV licence. Have a direct conversation with your hire provider and ask when the vehicle’s licence renews. A good hire company will cycle older vehicles out before they hit the limit to avoid legal complications.
Is the Age Rule at Licensing or Annually?
The check does not happen on a rolling calendar basis. TfL checks a car’s age at the time of official inspections and licence renewal. PHV licences can be issued for up to 12 months at a time. When you go back to renew, the vehicle undergoes another inspection where officials recalculate its age against the current date. So a perfectly fine car at its last renewal could fall outside the age limit at the next renewal.
Do Hybrids Qualify?
Hybrids qualify, but they have to meet certain ZEC (Zero Emission Capable) requirements. For instance, if your hybrid was licensed before 1 January 2023, then it can continue to be re-licensed as long as it meets Euro 6 emission requirements and remains under 10 years old.
Since 1 January 2023, TfL requires all vehicles licensed for the first time as PHVs to meet Zero Emission Capable standards. This means the vehicle must either emit no more than 50 g/km CO₂ and be capable of driving at least 10 miles with zero emissions.
Alternatively, it can emit no more than 75 g/km CO₂ and must then be capable of at least 20 miles of zero-emission driving.
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Does ZEC Replace the 10-Year Rule?
No, the ZEC requirement and the 10-year age rule are two separate things. The ZEC requirement concerns what type of vehicle can receive a PHV licence for the first time. Vehicles that are not ZEC and have not held a private hire vehicle licence previously will no longer be able to get a PHV licence in London.
The age rule applies to vehicles already due for renewal. These vehicles do not need to be ZEC unless they were first licensed after January 2023.
Do PCO Car Age Requirements Apply to Uber and Bolt?
Yes, they apply to every private hire vehicle operating in London, regardless of the platform you drive for. Uber and Bolt do not set their own independent age limits that override TfL. They simply require that your vehicle holds a valid PHV licence. TfL handles the compliance checks that determine whether it can have one.
Conclusion
The PCO car age requirements apply when a vehicle comes up for re-licensing. They do not apply automatically when a car turns 10. The ZEC requirement applies to any vehicle being licensed as a PHV for the first time. It means only EVs, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and PHEVs that meet the specific CO₂ and electric range thresholds can now get a PHV licence for the first time. If you are on a PCO car hire plan, the car provider will handle the licence renewal. Just make sure the car is TfL-compliant when you hire it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does TfL have a car age requirement for PCO drivers?
The TFL wants to promote safety, low emissions, and customer satisfaction. All of this is only possible with newer cars as they have advanced features that meet the evolving TFL requirements.
What if my car is older than 10 years?
You need to change your car if it is older than 10 years to keep working as a PCO driver in London.
Can I use a car older than 10 years for ride-hailing if it meets emission standards?
You can’t use a car which is over 10 years old for ride-hailing even if it meets emission standards. You need a PCO licence to drive your vehicle on any ride-hailing platform, and TfL only gives a licence to cars under 10 years old.
Looking for Newer Cars for PCO Hire? Rent a Car from Fleeto
Our fleet features a variety of newer car options, all under 3 years old, that are PCO-licenced, fully insured, and road-ready. Whether you want to rent a car or own yours via our rent to buy option, we ensure you get the perfect vehicle tailored to your needs.
