What Types of Licences Do You Need to Become a Private Hire Driver

This is the main licence you need to become a private hire driver in London. Issued by Transport for London (TfL), a Private Hire Driver Licence, commonly referred to as a PCO licence, gives you the legal right to carry passengers for hire through a licensed operator anywhere in the capital.

Without it, you can’t legally work as a private hire driver in London, regardless of how long you’ve been driving or which operator you want to work for.

To get your PCO licence, you’ll need to complete the following:

SERU assessment

The Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) assessment is a TfL-required half-day course covering city driving safety and passenger care. It costs around £180 and must be completed before you submit your application.

Medical examination

A medical to DVLA Group 2 standard is required, covering vision and general health. Costs typically range from £70 to £120 depending on the clinic.

Enhanced DBS check

A comprehensive criminal record check covering spent and unspent convictions. This costs around £38 plus a small processing fee and takes two to four weeks to come back. Start this one first as it’s the longest step.

TfL application

Once your documents are ready, you submit your application online and pay the £108 licence fee. The PCO licence is valid for three years and must be renewed before it expires.

The full process typically takes eight to sixteen weeks from start to finish. Total costs sit at around £400 to £450 for most applicants.

TfL licences cover London only. If you want to become a private hire driver outside of London, the licensing authority changes. Most areas in England and Wales are licensed by the local district or borough council rather than TfL, and requirements vary by area.

For drivers based in London and working through a London operator like Addison Lee, TfL licensing covers everything you need.

A Quick Summary