How to obtain a PCO Licence in London – A Step-by-Step Guide
What You Will Learn In This Article?
- Who can apply for a PCO licence?
- How to apply for a PCO licence online?
- What is the process of obtaining a PCO licence?
- Tips to pass your PCO licence test
- Get a PCO car with Fleeto
Are you looking for a rewarding full-time job? Working as a private hire driver in London is an excellent way to earn a substantial living. It allows you to set your own hours, work at your own pace, and take advantage of the growing ride-hailing market.
However, to legally work as a private hire driver in London, you must have a PCO (Public Carriage Office) licence.
PCO licence is issued by the Transport for London (TFL) and it is important for anyone looking to work as a private hire driver. Without a valid PCO licence, you can not legally work for any of the ride-hailing platforms like Uber, Bolt, and Freenow, etc. Therefore, it’s important to understand the process so you can get your licence without hassle.
Below, we will discuss everything you need to know about how to obtain a PCO licence in London.
Who Can Apply for PCO Licence?
Anyone who meets the following criteria can apply for a PCO licence:
- You must have held a full UK or EEA driving licence for at least three years.
- You must be at least 21 years old.
- You must have the right to work in the UK.
- You must be registered with HMRC to pay taxes.
- You should have no history of serious driving offences.
- You should be of good character.
- You must provide proof of address such as a bank statement or utility bill from the last three months.
- A valid passport and national insurance number are also required.
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
Complete the Application Form: Once you have successfully created an account, you must complete the application form, which requires you to:
- Enter your personal information
- Provide your work history
- Submit the necessary documents
Pay the Application Fee: Paying the application fee, which is around £600. You can pay cash or through a credit card or debit card.
Submit the Application: Please review the application thoroughly so there are no mistakes. Once submitted, you can track the progress through the TfL website.
What Is The Process of Obtaining PCO Licence?
It is a step-by-step process and can take up to 3-4 months to complete. Here’s a thorough guide on how it works:
Step 1: Medical Check
TfL requires you to undergo a medical check before obtaining a PCO licence. To be considered medically fit, you must meet DVLA group 2 health standards. This ensures you are fit to drive and pose no safety risk to passengers.
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 the 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 see if you have a criminal history and if so, whether it’s safe for the passengers.
It’s important to remember that a DBS check is only valid for three months. After this period, you must have your background rechecked. To make matters simpler, DBS offers an update service which only costs £13 per year. People who register with this service don’t have to pay the £52 fee for every new background check they undergo.
Step 3: Right to Work Check
When applying for a PCO licence, you must confirm that you can legally work in the UK. To do so, you should submit your PCO licence application after which TfL will perform an online check on the government website. This process works for most people; however, if your situation is complicated, TfL may ask you to provide extra documents manually.
If you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss national, you must provide proof of valid immigration status in the UK. This law was introduced in July 2021 and it states that the EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals can no longer solely rely on their ID card or passport to prove their right to work in the UK.
Step 4: Pass Two Tests
This step involves passing speaking and listening assessments as well as the SERU test. SERU stands for safety, equality, and regulatory understanding.
The first test checks your communication skills in English. This means you must be able to interact properly with passengers, drivers, and other road users.
In the second test, your knowledge of road safety, PCO regulations, and the best driving practices will be checked. It also makes sure that you are fully committed to offering an inclusive and respectful service to all passengers.
Step 5: Topographical Skills Test
This is the final step in your PCO licence application process. It checks whether you have a basic understanding of London’s geography and routes. The test isn’t difficult to pass. For instance, it may ask you something as simple as finding the shortest route between Canary Wharf and Westminster using a map.
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 a lot
Remember that preparing for a test takes time. So, develop good study habits long before the test date and study at a time that works for you e.g., some people learn better during the day while others at night.
Understand the test structure
By knowing what types of questions to expect, you can reduce exam-related stress and tackle the test with more confidence.
Engage with practice materials
Regularly taking practice tests is an excellent way to prepare for the exam and familiarise yourself with the test’s time limitations.
Manage your Time Effectively
Divide your study schedule into manageable segments, and allocate each segment to the most important topics. This will help you prepare for all parts of the test without burnout.
Join Hundreds of Drivers Who Trust Us
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 PCO cars designed to meet the highest standards of comfort, safety, and efficiency. So, get started now with Fleeto and drive towards a brighter future.
Suggested Blogs
Rent a Fully Insured Uber-Ready PCO Car & Start Earning Right Away!
Experience the hassle-free on-demand driving with Fleeto! Our expert team is available to support you 24/7, providing tailored solutions every step of the way!
