A Look at the PCO Licence Fees Breakdown
A PCO driving licence involves several steps, and each step comes with its own associated fees. Understanding these costs is important to plan for your application process.
We have provided you a detailed breakdown below of the various fees you’ll have to pay throughout the process. It will help you to stay prepared and avoid any surprises.
From medical checks to the final licence fee, each stage comes with its own cost, so it’s important to be aware of these expenses before starting your application.
In this guide, we’ll break down all the key fees involved in obtaining your PCO licence so you can plan properly.
PCO Licence Application Fee - £124
This is the main fee paid to Transport for London (TfL) when applying for a Private Hire Driver Licence. It covers the processing of the application and helps authorities check that you meet the necessary standards.
Here are some important points to remember:
- The application is submitted online via the TfL website.
- This fee is non-refundable, so it’s important to have everything ready before applying.
- The licence is valid for 3 years. Once approved, you won’t need to pay again until licence renewal.
Mercedes Benz EQE
£350/week
Mercedes E300 2025
£450/week
Mercedes-Benz E300e
£320/week
MG 5
£115/week
MG HS
£250/week
Toyota Corolla
£200/week
Toyota Prius
£200/week
Toyota Prius Plus
£220/week
Toyota Rav4
£270/week
Enhanced DBS Check Fee - £52
Since PCO drivers are responsible for transporting passengers, they must undergo a criminal background check through TfL’s approved provider.
Here are some important points to remember:
- If you have lived in the UK for less than 5 years, you may need to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct from your home country.
- The process usually takes 1-2 weeks, but it can take longer if there are delays in processing.
Medical Examination Fee - £80 to £150
All applicants must pass a PCO Medical Examination to prove they are fit to drive. The examination must be conducted by a GP registered with the General Medical Council (GMC).
Here are some important points to remember:
- If you have existing medical conditions, the GP may require additional tests, which could increase the cost.
- Prices can vary by clinic.
Start your PCO journey with the right budget in mind.
Plan your budget wisely so you can hit the road as a licensed driver without delays.
Topographical Skills Test Fee - £36
This is a map-reading and navigation test designed to check your route planning abilities. It’s held at a TfL-approved test centre. The test covers:
- Reading an A-Z map
- Identifying important landmarks
- Planning short and long-distance journeys
- Understanding compass directions (north, south, east, west)
Tip: Consider joining a training centre if you’re unfamiliar with these skills.
SERU Assessment Fee - £36
The Safety, Equality, and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) assessment checks the driver’s knowledge of:
- Passenger safety
- Equality laws (e.g., assisting passengers with disabilities)
- TfL regulations for private hire drivers
- Road signs and driving rules
The test is computer-based and taken at a TfL-approved test centre. Study materials for the test are available online. We suggest you take help from them to prepare for the test.
Read our thorough blog on SERU assessment here.
English Language Requirement Fee - £36
Since PCO drivers need to communicate with passengers and follow written instructions, they must prove their English skills. TfL accepts GCSE/A-levels or equivalent qualifications from the UK or abroad. If you don’t have a recognised qualification, you will need to take a TfL-approved English test. The test includes:
- Speaking & listening
- Reading & writing
- Understanding instructions (like following GPS directions)
Grant of Licence Fee: £186
Once you have completed all the necessary checks and assessments, you will pay this fee so the licence can be issued and you can start offering rides to passengers. The fee can change any time. So, we advise you to regularly check the TfL website for any updates. Here is a summary of the fees
PCO licence Fee breakdown
Final Thoughts
The PCO licence obtaining process has different parts and each part costs a different amount of money. All the fees mentioned here do not involve any preparation or training costs. Moreover, if you fail in any of the tests or checks mentioned above, you will need to repay the fee. So, prepare well and take the tests with confidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a PCO licence?
Getting a PCO licence costs around £620. Various steps are involved in the process and each step has a separate fee. Make sure you have a clear idea of all the fees before getting started.
Should I get a PCO licence?
If you have a knack for driving, prefer flexible hours, and want to work on your own terms, then getting a PCO licence will be a smart choice.
Can I become a chauffeur with PCO licence?
Yes, PCO licence allows you to become a chauffeur as well.
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