How do I Apply for Pco license

22 June 2023

Take the following steps

 To be a private hire driver in the UK, you must have a PCO licence for the area where you work. This licence is usually valid for three years  

So starting your career as a private hire driver, you’ll need a PCO (Public Carriage Office) licence.

 1: Check that you’re eligible

1: You should be at least 21 years old.

2: You should have held a full UK driving licence for at least 3 years.

3: You must have the legal right to live and work in the UK.

4: Topographical skills test certificate.

5: English language & SERU.

 Complete an enhanced criminal records check

As a private hire driver, you'll be responsible for your passengers’ safety. To show that you're a trustworthy person, you'll need to undergo an enhanced criminal records check. This will involve providing your personal details and fingerprints for a thorough background investigation.

Take two different assessments

To get your PCO licence, you'll need to pass two assessment tests:

Speaking and listening assessment: This test checks your communication skills, including your ability to understand and interact with passengers, drivers, and other road users.

Safety, equality and regulatory understanding assessment: This test measures your knowledge of road safety, regulations, and best practices, as well as your commitment to providing an inclusive and respectful service to every passenger.

Prove your right to work and tax compliance

You'll need to provide proof of your legal right to live and work in the UK. This may include documents like a passport or a biometric residence permit. You’ll also need to provide a tax code check to verify that you're registered to pay tax.

Show good geographical skills

If you’re looking to work as a private hire driver in London, you’ll need to have good knowledge of the city's roads and streets. This includes the ability to plan routes, read maps, and navigate the city efficiently.

Apply (and wait to be approved)

Once you've completed all of the steps above, you should be ready to submit your PCO licence application. The entire process, from start to finish, usually takes around 3 to 4 months.

Vehicle requirements for a PCO licence

To work as a private hire driver, your vehicle needs to meet specific requirements set by your local licensing authority. Usually, your car should be less than 10 years old, and it should meet the Euro 6 emissions standard.

Conclusion

A PCO licence is an essential part of your journey towards becoming a private hire driver. By following the steps outlined in this guide, and staying informed about the latest industry updates, you'll be ready to enjoy a successful career as a private hire taxi driver.

PCO Licence  application step

1. How to apply 

If you can meet all of the above criteria and wish to apply, you can start your application by registering online.

You will be asked to provide some personal details so we can create an account for you and allow you to complete your online application or request an application pack.

As part of your application, you will need to provide a photograph of yourself. See our guidance on the type of photograph we will accept.

2.

Character requirements: To establish this you will be required to undertake an 'enhanced' criminal records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) 

3.

Medical requirements:  You must be medically fit which means meeting the DVLA Group 2 medical standards.get from your GP. and also need eye examination from optician.

4.

HMRC Tax Check:  You will need to complete a tax check with HMRC (using your GOV.UK Government Gateway ID and password). You must then obtain a unique 9-character tax check code which confirms your registration to pay tax. The tax check code will then need to be provided to TfL as part of your application to renew your licence. 

4.

English Language Requirement and SERU Assessment - New approach to assessing ELR

5

How much will my application cost?

The table below highlights the typical cost of an application. However, some costs may vary.

DBS disclosure application £52 (online)

£54 (paper)

*Licence application fee £124

Grant of licence fee £186

Post Office Check and Send £7.15

Speaking and listening assessment (if applicable) £36

Topographical assessment (if applicable) £36

SERU Assessment

£36

Medical Fee set by the examining doctor (your GP)

  Example total: £477 excluding cost of medical