If you are looking to build a career as a private hire vehicle (PHV) driver through an Uber or Bolt partnership, you now require an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check as part of your PCO licence application in London. This is not the basic check that used to suffice in some licensing scenarios.
TfL emphasises that PHV drivers “must be of good character” and has appointed First Advantage as its approved service provider for administering the DBS Check.
We’re here to make sure you get your application right the first time. Many new applicants make the mistake of submitting incomplete or incorrect details, which leads to delays of weeks, sometimes months. As a leading PCO Licence Centre in London, we can help you with the process with expert backing.
The Bottleneck Most New Applicants Don’t See Coming
TfL requires that your DBS application accurately reflect every address you have lived at over the past five years. It must reflect your full name history (including any previous names or name changes). Any discrepancy between your DBS form entries and legal records stalls the application for manual review. Such discrepancies can add anywhere from two to eight weeks to your waiting time.
This issue catches a surprising number of applicants, particularly those who have recently moved, have a hyphenated or dual-heritage name, or changed their name after marriage or divorce. If the above applies to you, you can always consult us at PCO Licence East London for a well-prepared, flawless application.
The DBS Checking Process for PCO Application
Before you can submit your full licence application to TfL, you need to start your DBS application through the KnowYourPeople platform. This is a completely online process. Paper forms are no longer supported.
You will need to present original identity documents to verify your DBS application. TfL and DBS both follow a three-document rule, split across two groups:
• Group 1 (Primary Identity): Passport, biometric residence permit, or UK/EU photocard driving licence.
• Group 2 (Supporting Documents): Utility bills, bank statements, HMRC letters, or council tax documents.
While utility bills/bank statements must be within 3 months, Council Tax statements must usually be within the last 12 months.
As you fill out your DBS application form, be sure to pay close attention to the following:
1. Five-year address history: List every address without gaps; even short stays at a family member’s home count
2. National Insurance number: A simple typo here will cause a rejection
3. Date of birth: Must match exactly what appears on your identity documents
4. Double-check everything before submitting. Ask a trusted person to review it if you are unsure.
Once submitted, you will receive a DBS application reference number. Use the DBS online tracking service to monitor progress. Standard Enhanced checks currently take between two and eight weeks. If your application is taking longer, contact the umbrella body rather than TfL directly, as they are the liaison at this stage.
Receive Your DBS Certificate and Submit to TfL
When your Enhanced DBS certificate arrives by post, check it immediately for accuracy. If you spot any errors, raise them with the DBS within three months of the issue date. After that, you will need to apply again. Once you are satisfied the certificate is correct, submit it as part of your wider PCO licence application pack to TfL. Keep the original safe; TfL may ask to see the physical certificate, not just a copy.
Once you receive your certificate, you have a strict 30-day window to register for the DBS Update Service online. TfL now makes this mandatory for all drivers.
Note: The Post Office visit is only for your initial ID verification, not for the Update Service registration.
A Word on Spent Convictions and Spent Cautions
Because TfL requires an Enhanced DBS, spent convictions are visible. This does not automatically disqualify you from a PCO licence, but TfL will assess each case individually. If you have anything on your record however historic it is better to disclose it proactively in your application than to let it appear without context. TfL has a published policy on character and convictions, and transparency always works in your favour.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is usually completed in eight weeks. However, in some cases, any inconsistencies or extra details in the information would need to be checked again, which takes more time.
You can only reuse an existing certificate if it is already registered with the DBS Update Service and was originally issued for the ‘Other Workforce’ (Private Hire or Taxi) category. If it’s for a different role (like a school or hospital), you will usually need a new one.
Having a past criminal record doesn’t disqualify you from getting a PCO licence in London. TfL considers each application on its own merits. They look at the type of crime, how long ago it happened, and any proof that the person has changed. More serious crimes, like violence, sexual misconduct, or fraud, are looked at more closely, but even then, TfL will look at the whole picture.
Mistakes about your identity, address history, or conviction details could lead to long delays, losing money, or even having your licence revoked. These mistakes are taken very seriously and affect whether you are a “fit and proper” person to hold a licence.
