How to Renew Expired PCO Driving Licence?
Driving without a valid PCO licence is illegal in London. If your PCO driving licence is expired or nearing its expiry date, you need to plan your renewal early. It’s best to apply at least 3–4 months before your licence expires, as the renewal process can take several weeks. The total cost is usually around £350–£600, depending on the checks, medical requirements and other fees involved.
This guide will help you understand the complete PCO licence renewal process and how to avoid common mistakes that lead to a rejected application.
Why PCO Driving Licence is Essential?
A PCO licence is a permit that allows you to earn money by driving for private hire use, including Ride-Hailing Apps. Transport for London (TfL) requires PCO drivers to renew their licence every 3 years. If your PCO licence is nearing expiry, it’s crucial to renew it before the expiration date.
When Should You Apply for PCO Renewal?
You can apply to renew your PCO licence up to 4 months before it expires. It’s best to apply as early as possible.
Renewal involves several checks and can take weeks or even months if TfL needs additional information. If your licence expires before your renewal is approved, you cannot legally continue working as a private hire driver.
Insider Tip: TfL is currently experiencing significant processing delays, so start your renewal early to avoid a gap in your licence and the loss of valuable working time.
How Can You Renew the Expired PCO Licence?
Renew Your Expired PCO Licence in 6 Steps
- Check your licence expiry date
- Complete and submit the renewal form
- Provide a recent photograph
- Complete the safeguarding awareness course
- Submit any missing documents
- Pay the required fees
1. Check Your Licence Expiry Date
A PCO licence lasts 3 years. TfL usually sends a renewal reminder 4–6 weeks before expiry, but you should also keep track of your own expiry date.
If your licence has already expired, start the renewal process as soon as possible to avoid being unable to work.
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2. Complete and Submit the Renewal Form
TfL will send you renewal instructions and the relevant form. Check the details, sign the declaration and submit the form before your current licence expires.
You may also need to provide:
- A new DBS check
- A completed medical form
- Any other documents requested by TfL
DBS Check
Your DBS certificate generally needs to be less than 3 months old when TfL checks it. You can also join the DBS Update Service for £16 per year, which helps keep your DBS status up to date.
Medical Check
You must meet the DVLA Group 2 medical standards for PCO driving.
The process is:
- Complete the TPH/204 medical form
- Attend an appointment with your doctor
- Have the form completed and signed
- Submit it to TfL
3. Provide a Recent Photograph
Your photograph must meet TfL’s requirements. It should be:
- Recent, taken within the last 12 months
- Clear and sharp
- Taken against a plain background
- A full head-and-shoulders photograph
When taking the photo:
- Look directly at the camera
- Keep your eyes open
- Do not wear glasses
- Do not cover your face
- Religious head coverings are permitted
4. Complete the Safeguarding Awareness Course
TfL requires drivers to complete safeguarding awareness training as part of the renewal process. It covers how to help protect vulnerable passengers, including children and vulnerable adults.
5. Submit Any Missing Documents
Check TfL’s requirements and provide any outstanding documents. These may include:
- Right to work evidence
- HMRC certificate
- TfL English test certificate
- Medical form
- DBS check
- Two recent photographs
- Original PCO licence
- Copy of ID documents
6. Pay the Required Fees
Pay the required application and licence fees with your completed documents. Make sure everything is submitted correctly to avoid unnecessary delays.
You can apply to renew your PCO licence online or by post. Applying online is generally quicker and makes it easier to track your application.
Before submitting, check that you have completed all required checks, provided the correct documents and paid the relevant fees.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew a PCO Licence
The PCO renewal includes a £138 non-refundable application fee, along with other fees payable to TfL. Explore the table below for a detailed cost breakdown. The fees shown are based on the latest fees published by TfL and are subject to change.
PCO Licence Renewal Expense Breakdown | |
Licence application fee | £138 |
Grant of licence fee | £205 |
* DBS check | £52 (online)/£54 (paper) |
* Medical | ~ £80 (Varies as per your GP) |
Post Office Check and Send | £7.15 |
* English assessment | £40 |
* SERU assessment | £40 |
* Topographical assessment | £40 |
These additional costs may not apply to everyone. The fees you pay depend on your individual circumstances and the checks or assessments required by TfL.
The licence total cost can fall to around £531 excluding the cost of the medical. You can save £10 by getting registered with the TfL website. It enables you to submit the application online and makes the TfL PCO renewal process easy.
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What Happens If You Can't Renew Your PCO Licence?
It’s mandatory to renew before it expires; otherwise, you can’t get your car on the road, and your driving career could stall for months.
If you leave an expired licence unrenewed for 3 months, TfL will remove your data from the system and treat you as a completely new applicant. That means meeting all the initial licensing requirements again, including the key assessments.
Use the “New application” route in your TfL account. Your old licence number may still be referenced, but you’ll be assessed as if applying for the first time.
Read our guide on obtaining a PCO licence in London for detailed information.
Penalties for Driving Without a Licence
Stop driving if your licence has expired. Authorities can take strict action if they catch you, including:
- A fine of up to £2,500
- Licence suspension
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renewing an Expired PCO Licence
Many drivers make common mistakes that can lead to their PCO licence renewal being rejected. Avoid these to prevent delays and keep your licence valid.
- Check all your documents. Make sure your DBS check, medical form, driving licence, right to work evidence and ID are valid, complete and accurate.
- Ensure you meet the DVLA Group 2 medical standards and submit a correctly completed medical form.
- Complete an approved assessment or provide a recognised qualification that meets TfL’s English Language Requirement (ELR).
- Be aware that TfL carries out an enhanced DBS check, and convictions may affect your renewal based on their seriousness and how recent they are. So, check and update your DBS record.
- Review your driving record: Check your penalty points and driving offences, as 12 or more active points or serious offences may affect your renewal.
- Apply for renewal before your licence expires. This helps you avoid losing your ability to drive and earn.
Timely renewal of a PCO licence is key to maintaining a smooth, uninterrupted career in private hire driving. So, renew early, stay organised, and meet all TfL requirements to avoid setbacks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to renew a PCO driving licence?
The total cost to renew a Transport for London (TfL) PCO (Private Hire Vehicle) driver licence is approximately £440 to £550. The mandatory fees paid directly to TfL total £310.
How many years does a PCO licence last?
A PCO (Private Hire Driver) licence lasts for three years.
Can I renew my PCO Licence after it has expired?
Yes, you can renew your Transport for London (TfL) PCO driver licence after it expires, but only within 3 months of the expiry date. If you wait longer than 3 months, you must apply as a brand-new applicant.
Can TfL revoke a PCO licence?
Yes, TfL can revoke your PCO licence if it has proof of your involvement in a criminal activity, if it believes you are not fit for the job, or for any other reason that doesn’t align with its standards
Are PCO and PHV licences the same?
No, they are different. A PCO licence is issued to drivers, while a PHV licence is issued for private hire vehicles. The PHV licence confirms that a vehicle is approved for private hire use, including ride-hailing platforms. Fleeto handles the PHV licensing for its vehicles, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Can Vehicle Issues Affect My PCO Licence Renewal?
Vehicle issues primarily affect your PHV licence, which belongs to the vehicle, rather than your personal PCO driver’s licence.
However, serious or repeated issues can affect your ability to work. Make sure your PHV licence, MOT and insurance are valid, and your vehicle meets all required TfL standards.
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