Complete guidelines to apply for TFL PCO Driving Licence
8 October 2024
To apply for a PCO (Private Hire Vehicle) licence and start working as a private hire driver in London, there are additional steps and details that are essential to your application. These include passing the SERU test, checking your driving licence, registering for tax codes, subscribing to the TfL DBS Update Service, and more. Here’s an expanded guide with additional details:
1. Eligibility Requirements (Recap)
Before diving into the application process, make sure you meet these requirements:
• Age: 21 years or older.
• Driving Experience: You must hold a full UK or EEA driving licence for at least 3 years.
• Right to Work in the UK.
• Medical Fitness: You must meet the Group 2 medical standards for vocational drivers (used for lorry and bus drivers).
2. Complete a DBS Check (Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check)
TfL requires a clean Enhanced DBS Check. This ensures that you do not have any convictions that could make you unsuitable to work as a private hire driver.
• Apply via TfL: Use TfL’s approved DBS provider or one of their recommended agencies.
• Cost: Approximately £52.75.
• DBS Application Process:
1. Fill out the form and provide identification documents (e.g., passport, driving licence, proof of address).
2. Wait for your DBS certificate to be issued, which may take a few weeks.
3. Subscribe to the DBS Update Service
TfL requires you to subscribe to the DBS Update Service so they can continually check your criminal record status. This must be done within 30 days of receiving your DBS certificate.
• Cost: £13 per year.
• How to Subscribe:
1. Go to the DBS Update Service.
2. Enter your DBS certificate number.
3. Complete the registration process.
This subscription will allow TfL to regularly check your DBS status, ensuring you stay compliant without needing to redo the DBS process each time your licence is renewed.
4. Medical Examination (Group 2 Medical)
You must pass a Group 2 Medical Examination, confirming that you meet the necessary medical standards.
• Where to get it done: This must be done by your GP or a TfL-approved doctor.
• What’s tested: Vision, hearing, overall health, and any medical conditions like diabetes, heart conditions, etc., that could affect your ability to drive safely.
• Medical Form: The doctor will complete a TfL PHV/203 form, which you will submit to TfL.
5. Pass the SERU Test (Safety, Equality, and Regulatory Understanding)
As part of the TfL licensing process, private hire drivers must pass the SERU Test, which assesses your understanding of:
• Passenger safety
• Equality obligations (dealing with disabled passengers, non-discrimination, etc.)
• Regulatory requirements for private hire drivers
This test ensures that you understand the rules and regulations governing your role.
• How to Prepare: Study the “Private Hire Driver’s Handbook” and review TfL’s rules and regulations.
• What’s Included:
• Regulatory knowledge (e.g., licensing regulations).
• Safety procedures (e.g., what to do in case of an emergency).
• Equality law (e.g., how to assist passengers with disabilities).
Once passed, you will be issued a certificate confirming you’ve met TfL’s safety and regulatory standards.
6. Pass a Topographical Skills Test
This test is designed to assess your map reading skills and ability to navigate London, essential for private hire drivers. The test includes:
• Identifying locations on a map.
• Planning routes between two points.
• Answering questions about London geography.
• Booking: You can book the test with a TfL-approved centre.
• Preparation: Training centres offer courses to help you prepare. You can practice reading maps and planning routes ahead of time.
7. Driving Licence Check
You will need to undergo a DVLA driving licence check as part of your application. TfL will check that:
• You have a full UK driving licence (or EEA driving licence).
• You’ve held this licence for at least 3 years.
• You have no penalty points or endorsements that would prevent you from being approved as a PHV driver.
You can provide this information directly through the application process or use the DVLA licence check service to generate a code, which TfL will use to verify your driving record.
8. Register for a Tax Check Code
Since 2022, TfL requires all new applicants and renewing drivers to provide a tax check code to confirm that you are properly registered to pay taxes as a self-employed individual (if applicable).
• How to Obtain a Tax Check Code:
1. Register with HMRC: You need to register and use the UTR Number to get a tax check code, if you plan to work as a private hire driver also need to register as self employed.
2. Complete a Tax Check: Go to the HMRC website and complete the process.
3. Get Your Tax Check Code: You will receive a code that you must submit with your application.
This step ensures that you are compliant with UK tax laws and that TfL can verify your tax status.
9. Submit Your PCO Licence Application
Once all the steps above are completed, you can submit your PCO licence application to TfL.
• Apply Online: Go to the TfL PHV Licensing portal.
• Upload Required Documents:
• Enhanced DBS certificate.
• Group 2 Medical form.
• Driving Licence check code.
• SERU and Topographical Test certificates.
• Tax check code.
• Application Fee: £250 (non-refundable).
10. Attend a Right-to-Work Interview (if required)
If you are not a UK citizen or have not previously demonstrated your right to work, TfL may invite you for a right-to-work interview.
• Documents Needed: You’ll need to bring proof of your right to work in the UK (e.g., passport, visa, or residence card).
11. Await the Decision
Once you have submitted your application and all required documentation, TfL will process your application, which can take 8-16 weeks. During this time, they will review your DBS check, medical exam, and test results.
• If successful, TfL will issue your PCO licence.
12. PHV Vehicle Licensing and Insurance
Once you have your PCO licence, you will need to ensure your vehicle is properly licensed as a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) if you plan to drive your own car.
• PHV Licence: Your vehicle must pass a TfL inspection.
• Private Hire Insurance: Your vehicle must have proper private hire insurance (standard insurance is not sufficient).
Summary of Additional Steps:
• Pass a Topographical Skills Test.
• Undergo a Driving Licence Check.
• Obtain a Tax Check Code from HMRC.
• Subscribe to the DBS Update Service.
• Attend a Right-to-Work Interview (if required).
Once you’ve completed all these steps and received your licence, you can start working as a private hire driver in London. Let me know if you need more details on any specific step!