Application support
How to apply for a PCO licence in London
A plain-English guide to the TfL private hire driver application – what you need, the five steps, what it costs, and help with your form when you need it.
Before you apply
Check you are eligible for a PCO licence
To be eligible for a PCO licence, you need to meet all three of the following requirements.
21+
Be 21 years of age or older.
3+ years
Have at least 3 years of driving experience in the UK.
UK
Have the legal right to work in the UK.
Your checklist
Have these documents ready and valid
If you meet the requirements above, get the following together before you start. Having everything to hand makes the online application much quicker.
- Passport
- UK driver's licence (with at least 3 years of driving experience)
- National insurance number
- Proof of address (bank statement or utility bill dated within the last 3 months)
- Your debit or credit card to make the necessary payments
- DVLA check code
How it works
The PCO licence application in 5 steps
You will complete the application on the TfL private hire licensing website. Here is the order to do things in.
1
Register on the TfL licensing site
Register for an online account by going to www.tph.tfl.gov.uk (select Register) and fill in the form.
2
Complete your DBS check
Once you have created your account you will see your DBS information and a link to complete your criminal records check on app.knowyourpeople.co.uk. To complete it you will need:
- Passport or Biometric Residence Permit
- Proof of address history (last 5 years)
- Driving licence (at least 3 years of driving experience)
- National insurance number
- Bank statement or utility bill (dated within the last 3 months)
Tip
From 26th February 2024 TfL expects all new applicants to subscribe to the DBS Update Service after completing the Enhanced DBS check. It lets you keep your DBS certificate up to date while allowing employers to access it online, with your consent. This only costs £13 a year.
3
Get your medical form completed
You must be medically fit to get a PCO licence, which means you must pass the Group 2 standards of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
- Download the London Taxi and Private Hire TPH/204 Medical application form (available on the first page once you have registered your account), then print it out so your GP and optician can complete it.
- Call your GP and ask for an appointment – say you need your medical form signed because you are applying for a private hire licence.
- Book an appointment with your local optician (most allow walk-ins, so you may not need to book). They will give you a check-up and fill in your application form.
Once you have the TPH/204 medical form and your DBS completed, you can continue with the next steps of the application on www.tph.tfl.gov.uk.
4
Scan and upload your documents
Scan your documents and upload them. You will be asked for your passport, driving licence, National Insurance number, a passport-size photo (in colour) and your bank details to complete the application.
5
Wait for TfL, then take your assessments
TfL will take 3–4 weeks to process the application. They will then email you the date of your assessments. These are the 3 assessments TfL expects every new applicant to pass:
Costs
How much does the application cost?
The table highlights the typical cost of an application. However, some costs may vary.
Fees are set by TfL, the DBS and your doctor, and they can change. Always check the latest figures on TfL’s private hire driver licence page before you pay, and only pay through the official TfL application.
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 your GP
Example total
excluding the cost of the medical
£477
Application form support
Need help with your application form?
Book an appointment and our staff will be happy to help and make the process as smooth as possible.
Book an appointment on
This page is a guide only. Requirements, documents and fees are set by TfL and can change – always check TfL’s official guidance before you apply. New here? Find out more about No.1 PCO Training.