How to obtain a PCO Licence in London – A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you looking for a rewarding full-time job? Working as a private hire driver in London is an excellent way to earn a good living. It allows you to set your own hours and work at your own pace.
There’s one essential step though: you need a PCO (Public Carriage Office) licence.
Transport for London (TfL) issues these licences, and without a valid one you can’t legally drive for Uber, Bolt, Free Now or any of the other platforms. To apply, you must be at least 21 years old and have held a full British or EU driving licence for at least three years.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting your PCO licence in London.
Who Can Apply for PCO Licence?
Here’s a quick checklist of the key PCO licence requirements to help you get started with your application. You’ll need to:
- Be at least 21 years old (no upper age limit if you meet other criteria)
- Have held a full driving licence for at least 3 years
- Have the right to live and work in the UK
- Meet DVLA Group 2 medical standards
- Pass an enhanced DBS check and TfL’s good character requirements
- Meet TfL’s English language requirements
- Complete the required driver assessments and safety checks
Insider Tip: Depending on your circumstances, TfL may also ask for your National Insurance number or proof of identity and immigration status.
How To Apply For PCO Licence Online?
You can apply for a PCO licence online through TfL’s website. Follow this step-by-step guide to get your licence:
Visit the Website: First, you will need to visit the TfL website and find the private hire driver section. By clicking this section, you will gain access to the online application form.
Create an Account
If you don’t already have an account, you must create one on the website. This requires you to:
- Fill in the required fields
- Verify your email address
- Set a secure password
Fill the Application Form
Once you have successfully created an account, you must fill the application form, which requires you to:
- Enter your personal information
- Provide your work history
Pay the application fee
After completing your assessments and receiving your certificates, pay the online fees via the TfL portal. As of March 2026, the PHV driver licence application fee is £138, and the grant of licence fee is £205; check TfL’s site for the latest rates, as these change periodically.
Submit the Application
Please review the application thoroughly so there are no mistakes. Once submitted, you can track the progress through the TfL website.
Pro Tip: Before completing your online application and paying your licence fee, you’ll need to pass several mandatory tests and assessments required by TfL.
Hyundai Ioniq SE
£200/week
Hyundai Kona
£200/week
Toyota Rav4
£270/week
Volkswagen Sharan
£280/week
What Is The Process of Obtaining a PCO Licence?
The PCO licence process involves completing several required assessments and checks, which can take around 12 to 20 weeks (3 to 4 months). Below is a step-by-step guide to help you understand each stage.
Step 1: Medical Check
TfL requires a medical check before you can get a PCO licence. A GP or qualified doctor will carry out the check and review your medical history.
You must meet the DVLA Group 2 health standards to pass the medical check. Be honest about your medical history, as TfL may ask for more information if needed.
The examination is carried out by a general physician or a specialised doctor who has access to your medical history. Be honest about your medical history as failure to share any medical condition could lead to your application being declined.
Keep in mind that medical checks are only valid for twelve months, which means your record should be updated every year.
Step 2: Background Check
TfL requires all PCO licence holders to be of good character. As a result, you will have to clear a background check performed by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
The goal of a DBS check is to identify any criminal history and help TfL assess whether you are suitable to carry passengers.
Your DBS certificate must usually be less than 3 months old when TfL checks it. If it is older, you may need to apply for a new DBS check.
You can make this easier by joining the DBS Update Service for £16 a year.
Just register within 30 days of getting your DBS certificate and keep the subscription active. Then TfL can check your status online instead of asking you for a new DBS every time.
Join Hundreds of Drivers Who Trust Us!
Join our fleet of 8000+ satisfied customers and start boosting your income today !
Step 3: Right to Work Check
Before TfL can issue your PCO licence in London, you must prove that you have the right to live and work in the UK.
Depending on your status, you may need:
- A Home Office share code
- An eVisa or other accepted document
- Proof of your right to work
Step 4: Pass the Required Tests
You need to pass the required assessments as part of your PCO licence application. These include the English Speaking and Listening assessment and the SERU test.
The English Speaking and Listening assessment checks your ability to communicate clearly with passengers, drivers and other road users.
The SERU test stands for Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding. It checks your knowledge of:
- Road and passenger safety
- PCO regulations
- Equality requirements
- Professional driving standards
Understand the key regulations and practise questions before your test to improve your chances of passing the SERU assessment on your first attempt. Both assessments cost £40 for the first attempt and £30 for a re-sit individually.
Step 5: Topographical Skills Test
The topographical skills test checks whether you have a basic understanding of London’s geography and routes.
For example, you may be asked to find the shortest route between two locations, such as Canary Wharf and Westminster, using a map.
This test is required if you are applying for a PCO Driver Licence for the first time. You are exempt if you are a previously licensed PHV driver.
Once your tests and documents are complete, submit your application through TfL’s website.
Also, you may be exempted from taking the test if you are a previously licenced PHV driver, a licenced London taxi driver, or a professional tourist guide in London.
Tips to Pass Your PCO Licence Test
If it’s your first time applying for a PCO licence, here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Study and plan ahead for every test so you are fully prepared and not rushing at the last minute
- Make sure you already have a valid enhanced DBS certificate as TfL will not process your application without one
- Budget carefully for all the tests, assessments and the licence itself and set aside extra money in case you need to resit anything
- Book your tests and medical assessment early and keep those dates free so you do not miss any appointments
- Treat your medical assessment as a fixed appointment and turn up on time as it is a key part of the process
Obtained Your Licence And Searching For A PCO Car In London? Look No Further!
We can help you kickstart your ride-hailing career! Whether you are planning to drive for Uber, Bolt, or any other company, we offer fully insured and well-maintained vehicles through both PCO car hire and rent-to-buy options, designed to meet the highest standards of comfort, safety, and efficiency. So, get started now with Fleeto and drive towards a brighter future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a PCO car with a normal driving licence?
No. You need a valid TfL Private Hire Driver Licence (PCO licence) to legally drive a PCO vehicle for private hire work in London.
How do I get a PCO licence in London?
To get a Private Hire Driver (PCO) licence in London, apply online through the Transport for London (TfL) Website. To apply, first you need to meet TfL’s eligibility criteria, including being 21 or older and holding a valid UK/EEA driving licence for at least 3 years.
Then you need to complete the medical, DBS check, topographical, SERU and English assessments before TfL can process your application.
How much does a PCO licence cost in 2026?
The basic PCO licence application costs £343 in total: a £138 application fee plus a £205 licence grant fee if your application is approved. Test fees are charged separately.
With the mandatory tests and medical check, the total cost usually comes to £560–£665. The exact amount depends on whether you pass the required tests first time and how much your doctor charges for the medical check.
How long is a PCO licence valid for?
A PCO Driver Licence is generally valid for three years. It may be shorter if your right to work is time-limited.
Why is my PCO licence application taking so long?
TfL checks your documents in detail, including your medical assessment, residency and right to work. Some applications may need extra documents or verification, which can cause delays. Keep checking your TfL account and emails after applying, as processing times vary between applications.
