PCO licence requirements for Uber and taxi drivers in the UK are stricter than many new applicants expect, covering documents, medicals, and DBS checks.
If you want to drive for Uber, Bolt, or any other private hire or taxi company in the UK, you’ll need a PCO licence (Private Hire Car Operator licence), or more precisely, a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) driver licence. These are mandatory for anyone carrying passengers for hire or reward in a private vehicle. This comprehensive guide covers all PCO licence requirements in the UK, with a particular focus on London’s Transport for London (TfL) licensing — the most rigorous in the country.
What Is a PCO Licence?
The term “PCO licence” is commonly used in London to refer to the TfL-issued Private Hire Vehicle driver licence. Outside London, similar licences are issued by local councils under the name “private hire driver licence” or “hackney carriage licence” for black cab drivers. PCO stands for Public Carriage Office — formerly the licensing body in London, now replaced by TfL’s Taxi and Private Hire division.
Without this licence, you cannot legally drive for Uber, Bolt, Ola, or any other private hire platform in London — regardless of any agreement you have with the app company.
PCO Licence Requirements for London (TfL)
To obtain a TfL private hire driver licence, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Driving Licence Requirements
- Hold a full UK driving licence (or a qualifying EU/EEA licence exchanged for UK)
- Have held the licence for at least 3 years
- Have no more than 3 penalty points (some serious offences result in automatic refusal)
- Must not have been convicted of certain offences within specific time periods
2. Age Requirement
You must be at least 21 years old to apply for a TfL private hire driver licence. There is no upper age limit, but you must pass the required medical at any age.
3. Right to Work in the UK
TfL requires proof that you have the right to work in the UK. Acceptable documents include a UK/EU passport, biometric residence permit, or Home Office letter confirming your status. This is strictly enforced and applications without compliant documents are rejected.
4. DBS Enhanced Criminal Record Check
An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is mandatory. TfL uses this to assess your suitability as a driver transporting members of the public. Convictions for violence, sexual offences, or drug trafficking are likely to result in refusal.
5. Medical Certificate (DVLA Group 2 Standard)
All TfL PCO applicants must pass a DVLA Group 2 medical examination — the same standard as HGV/bus drivers. This is stricter than a standard driving medical and includes assessment of eyesight, cardiovascular health, and neurological fitness. Your GP completes the medical using the DVLA D4 form.
6. Topographical Skills Assessment
Until 2019, all TfL applicants had to pass a topographical skills test. In 2019, TfL waived this requirement for drivers using GPS navigation. However, TfL does retain the right to reintroduce or modify this requirement. As of 2026, applicants are not required to pass a separate topography test.
7. English Language Proficiency
TfL requires proof that you can speak and understand English to a level sufficient for safe communication with passengers. This can be evidenced through a GCSE-equivalent English qualification or an approved English language test.
PCO Licence Costs in 2026
- TfL application fee: £180 (3-year licence)
- DBS check: Approximately £60–£80
- DVLA Group 2 medical (D4): £50–£120 (varies by GP/clinic)
- English language test: £50–£150 if required
- Total typical cost: £350–£500+
Outside London — Local Council Licensing
Outside London, taxi and private hire licensing is handled by local councils rather than TfL. Requirements vary by council but typically include a DBS check, a medical, and proof of driving licence. The cost and processing time also vary significantly. See our full council-by-council guide to licensing outside London, including real fees from Manchester and Leeds, before you apply.
How Long Does a PCO Licence Take to Get?
TfL typically processes complete PCO applications within 8–12 weeks in 2026. However, delays are common when documents are missing, DBS checks are slow, or medical forms have errors. Ensuring your application is complete and accurate from day one is critical.
The Most Common Delays — And How to Avoid Them
Delay 1: DVLA Medical Processing (8–12 weeks)
This is consistently the longest single step. You cannot begin working until your DVLA D4 is processed and your licence updated. Book your D4 medical on day one, before taking any other step. If your medical is straightforward, using a professional licence service to handle the submission can reduce rejection risk and ensure DVLA receives a correctly completed form.
Delay 2: Incomplete DVLA Application
DVLA returns applications with missing signatures, wrong photo specifications, or outdated form versions. Each return means re-entering the queue. For PCO applicants specifically, where your income depends on starting work as fast as possible, a rejected DVLA application can be financially devastating.
Delay 3: DBS Extended Disclosure
If you have any previous convictions or cautions — even minor and spent ones — the DBS process can take significantly longer. Be upfront with TfL about your history; late disclosure causes more problems than the original record in most cases.
Delay 4: Vehicle Approval Pending While Driver Licence Approved
Many new PCO drivers make the mistake of sorting their vehicle licence after the driver licence. Run both processes in parallel where possible — the vehicle inspection and licensing can take 3–6 weeks independently.
Realistic Timeline — PCO Licence Application End to End
| Step | When to Start | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Book D4 medical | Day 1 | 1 week to book; 8–12 weeks DVLA processing |
| Study for Topographical Assessment | Day 1 | 2–4 weeks self-study |
| Pass Topographical Assessment | Week 3–5 | 1 day (test) |
| Request DBS check | Day 1 (parallel) | 2–4 weeks |
| Submit TfL application | Week 8–12 (after D4 complete) | 1 day to submit |
| Receive TfL Temporary Licence | ~Week 10 | 2–3 weeks after TfL submission |
| Full PCO Licence Issued | ~Week 16–20 | Total: 4–5 months end to end |
Need Help With Your PCO Application?
At Fast Driving Licence, we help private hire drivers get their PCO licences sorted efficiently. We know exactly what TfL requires, what causes rejections, and how to get your application moving without unnecessary delays.
→ Get expert support for your PCO licence application
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive for Uber without a PCO licence?
No. Uber and all other licensed private hire operators in London require all drivers to hold a valid TfL private hire driver licence (PCO). Driving without one is illegal and carries significant penalties.
Does a PCO licence allow me to drive a black cab?
No. Black cabs (hackney carriages) require a separate hackney carriage driver licence and the famous Knowledge of London qualification. PCO licences are for private hire vehicles only.
Can I renew my PCO licence online?
TfL offers an online renewal process for existing PCO licence holders. You’ll need to update your DBS, provide a new medical if required, and confirm your right to work status.
Last updated: May 2026. TfL PCO requirements are subject to change — always verify current requirements with TfL directly.