2026: Becoming a PCO and private hire driver in London

To work legally as a private hire driver in London, you must obtain a Private Hire Driver Licence (often called a PCO licence) from Transport for London, which is valid for three years and required whether you drive for Uber, Bolt, FREENOW, or another service. Applicants must meet basic eligibility conditions, including having a full UK (or EU/EEA) driving licence with at least three years’ experience, being 21 or older, having the right to work in the UK, and passing checks for medical fitness, criminal history, tax status, and English language ability. Once Transport for London completes initial checks, you’ll need to take several assessments: a speaking and listening test, a written SERU exam covering safety, equality and regulatory understanding, and a topographical skills test to prove route-planning competence. The entire process typically takes several months from start to finish. There are various fees involved — including licence application costs, assessment fees, and a medical charge — which together usually add up to several hundred pounds (not including the doctor’s fee for your medical). Successfully completing all stages allows you to become a licensed private hire driver and start working independently.

Becoming a licensed Private Hire (PCO) driver in the UK involves several essential steps to meet legal and regulatory standards. To qualify, you must hold a valid full UK driving licence (or qualifying EU/EEA licence) and satisfy Transport for London’s requirements, which ensure safety and professionalism for passengers. The journey begins with registering your details and submitting an application through the official PCO online system. After that, you’ll need to complete a medical check demonstrating fitness to drive, undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to assess your background, and take the Topographical Skills Assessment to show you can navigate efficiently around London. Throughout the process, you must supply key documents like proof of identity, driving history, and medical reports, keeping an eye on any follow-up requests from TfL. Once all criteria are successfully met and verified, you’ll be eligible to operate as a private hire driver, offering services through platforms like Uber, Bolt or traditional

What it is: A PCO licence (officially called a Private Hire Driver Licence) is needed to drive for private hire platforms in London.
Who licences it: Transport for London manages the process.
Licence duration: Valid for three years once granted.
Eligibility requirements before applying:
- Full UK driving licence (or eligible EU/EEA licence) with at least three years’ experience.
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Right to work in the UK and registered with HMRC for tax.
- Good character with no serious offences.
Checks TfL carries out:
- Medical examination to meet DVLA Group 2 fitness standards.
- Enhanced criminal records check via DBS.
- Right to work and tax compliance checks.
Tests you must pass:
- Speaking and listening assessment.
- SERU (Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding) test.
- Topographical assessment (map and route planning).
Timeline: The full application journey can take several months, as TfL needs to complete all checks before you are invited for tests.
Typical costs: Combination of application and assessment fees — for example, DBS disclosure, licence charges, and individual test fees — usually totals several hundred pounds plus any medical cost.
Outcome: Once all requirements are satisfied and tests passed, you are legally authorised to work as a private hire driver.

PHV operators

Overview of Becoming a PCO Driver

To operate legally as a private hire driver in London, you must obtain a PCO licence.
Licensing standards are enforced to promote passenger safety and professional conduct.

Basic Eligibility

Hold a full UK driving licence or eligible EU/EEA licence that’s been converted.
Be prepared to comply with medical and background checks.

Application Process

Register and start your licence application on the Transport for London online portal.
Pay any necessary application fees to trigger the review process.
Book and pass a medical examination that assesses your physical fitness to drive.
Complete a DBS disclosure check to verify your criminal history.
Take and succeed in the Topographical Skills Assessment to prove navigation proficiency.

Documentation Requirements

Provide your licence details, proof of right to work, medical results, and other official documents.
Check for TfL notifications in case additional information is needed.