How to get your London PCO licence in 2024
When looking to become a PCO driver in London, it can be hard to navigate the internet to find exactly what you need to know to get started. To help you begin, Rapid PCO have created this guide on how you can start the journey to getting your PCO Licence.
Ready? Let’s begin!
Even before you start the process of obtaining your PCO Licence, there is a set of requirements that you will need to meet.
Basic Requirements
- You must hold a valid driving licence (Full UK driving licence or one from an EU or EEA state)
- You must be at least 21 years old (This includes three years as a qualified driver)
- Have the right to work in the UK (You must also register with HMRC to pay tax)
- Be of good character (You will be required to undertake an ‘enhanced’ criminal records check)
- No history of serious driving offences
- You must be medically fit
Some background on the PCO Licence
To be precise, the PCO Licence is called a Private Hire Licence (PHL), although it has always been well known as a PCO Licence.
PCO stems from the old body responsible for black taxis and stands for Public Carriage Office. This was renamed by Transport for London (TfL) as the Taxi and Private Hire Unit.
When looking for a PCO Licence in London, you will have to go through the TfL application process.
Once you obtain your PCO Licence it will be valid for 3 years, which only covers you as a person and not the vehicle you drive (Your vehicle must also be licenced by TfL)
The Private Hire Licence application process
1. Medical Check
TfL requires you to be medically fit if you are to obtain your PCO Licence. To be deemed medically fit you must meet the DVLA Group 2 medical standards.
You will need to undergo a medical examination with someone who has access to your full medical records; so, for example, your doctor or another medical health professional will be required to conduct this.
Your medical check should be updated every 12 months.
2. Complete your enhanced DBS check
To hold a PCO Licence, TfL states that you need to be of good character. As a result, you will be required to undertake an ‘enhanced’ criminal records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Much like other jobs, this check is to see if you have a criminal record and, if so, if it poses a threat to the public’s safety.
DBS checks are only valid for three months: TfL offer the DBS update service to ensure that your DBS check is always up to date and allows employers to access this online.
The DBS update service costs only £13 per year, and you can pay for it using debit or credit card. By registering with this service, you will not have to pay the £52 fee for every new background check you undergo.
3. Get your right to work check
Applying for your PCO licence means you must confirm that you are allowed to work in the UK.
To prove this you will need to go through an online check completed by TfL on the Government website after you have submitted your PCO licence application.
In some cases, additional documentation may be required.
Introduced in July 2021, EU, EEA and Swiss nationals are now required to have a valid immigration status in the UK. EU, EEA and Swiss nationals are now not able to solely rely on a passport or ID card to prove their right to work.
You can find out more on the EU/EEA nationals guidance here.
4. TfL speaking and listening test
For this part of your PCO Licence application, you will need to prove that you have a good standard of English.
The test will take 15 minutes and is conducted inside the TfL premises, either at Baker Street or West Kensington via a video or telephone link with a company called PeopleCert.
5. Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding (SERU)
This written test is to ensure that drivers are able to read and write English to the TfL’s required standard and can truly understand safety issues and passengers’ rights.
Road safety, protection of children or vulnerable adults, and UK equality law is also covered within the SERU test.
You can find information regarding the SERU test here.
6. Topographical skills test
This is the final test of your PCO licence application where your understanding of London geography and route planning will be put into practice.
You will be expected to understand the basic map symbols and be able to use a map index correctly.
Here is an example of what you could be asked:
“You are at Trafalgar Square and need to pick up a passenger at the British Museum. What is the most efficient route to take?
The cost of this assessment is £36 for the first time and £16 for a re-sit.
Down to the costs
The cost of your PCO licence application will be around £500. This is an estimate, as the cost can change depending on if you pay for courses to prepare for your exams or if you are required to retake any exams that you fail.
Please find a breakdown of the cost of your PCO licence application below:
- PCO Licence application fee (non-refundable) – £124
- Grant of licence fee – £186
- Medical Exam – Set up by your GP (Around £80)
- DBS check – £52 (online) / £54 (paper)
- Topographical assessment – £36/£16 each retake
- SERU assessment – £36
- Speaking and listening assessment – £36
How long will your PCO licence be valid?
Your PCO licence will be valid for 3 years. 4 months before your PCO licence expires, you should receive a PCO licence renewal pack through the post. As the PCO licence renewal process can take around 8 weeks, it is still a good idea to set a reminder to contact TfL.
Ready to apply for your PCO licence?
You can register your TfL account here. Provide your personal details as shown above and present an approved photo.
Rapid PCO are here for all of your PCO vehicle needs!
Once you receive your PCO licence and you are now ready to set off on the streets of London, but where do you find a PCO vehicle that suits your needs?
Rapid PCO have you covered, with a range of standard, hybrid and executive vehicles ready for collection with 24 hours.
Call us on 01732 747 190 or click here to hire today with no credit checks!
