What Visa Do I Need to Drive For Addison Lee?
Many people ask whether they can drive for Addison Lee on a visa. The short answer is yes. But your visa type matters, and there are two things you need before you can start: a PCO licence from TfL and the legal right to work in the UK.
This guide explains what you need, which visas qualify and how Addison Lee can help you get started.
The Two Things You Need
To drive for Addison Lee, you need:
- A valid PCO licence issued by Transport for London (TfL)
- The right to work in the UK, which Addison Lee is legally required to check before you join
Both of these depend on your visa. If your visa allows you to work as a self-employed private hire driver in the UK, you can apply for your PCO licence and then join Addison Lee. If your visa does not allow this type of work, you will not be able to do either.
WHAT IS A RIGHT TO WORK CHECK?
Before you can start driving for Addison Lee, we carry out a right to work check. This is a legal requirement for all drivers, including UK nationals.
For visa holders, the easiest way to complete this check is with a share code. A share code is a number you can generate for free on the GOV.UK website. It lets Addison Lee check your immigration status digitally, without you needing to hand over any original documents.
You can get your share code at: www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status
Visas That Usually Allow You to Drive for Addison Lee
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
ILR means you have the right to live and work in the UK permanently, with no restrictions. If you have ILR, you can apply for a PCO licence and drive for Addison Lee in exactly the same way as a UK citizen.
EU Settlement Scheme: Settled Status
If you are from an EU, EEA or Swiss country and have been granted Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you have the right to work in the UK without restrictions. Pre-Settled Status usually also permits work, but check your specific conditions before applying.
Skilled Worker Visa
Many people on a Skilled Worker Visa are able to do self-employed work alongside their main employment, but conditions vary. Check your visa conditions carefully, or speak to an immigration adviser, before starting the PCO licence process.
British National (Overseas) Visa (BNO)
The BNO visa is available to certain people from Hong Kong. BNO visa holders generally have the right to work in the UK, including self-employed private hire driving. Check your specific visa conditions to confirm.
Visas That Usually Do Not Allow You to Drive for Addison Lee
Student Visa
Student visas restrict the type and amount of work you can do. Self-employed work, which includes private hire driving, is generally not permitted on a student visa.
Visitor Visa
If you are in the UK on a visitor visa, you cannot work at all. This includes driving for Addison Lee or any other private hire operator.
Asylum Seeker Status
If you are waiting for a decision on your asylum application, you may not yet have the right to work. Check your current status before applying.
If you are not sure whether your visa allows you to drive for Addison Lee, speak to an immigration adviser before starting the process. This will save you time and money.
What Documents Will Addison Lee Need?
When you join Addison Lee, you will need to provide:
- Your valid PCO licence
- Proof of your right to work (usually a share code, or a valid UK or Irish passport)
- Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), if you have one
- Your UK driving licence
Our team will walk you through exactly what is needed when you apply.
For a full breakdown of the PCO licence process as a non-UK national, read our guide here.
How Addison Lee Can Help
Addison Lee has drivers from many different countries and backgrounds. We understand the process and we know that applying for a PCO licence as a non-UK national can feel complicated at first.
Our team can help you understand what documents you need, answer questions about the right to work check and guide you through the process of joining once you have your licence. We also work with drivers who are going through the PCO licence process for the first time and can point you in the right direction.
Once you’re driving with us, you get the same package as every Addison Lee driver: eight weeks of free vehicle hire (subject to drivers meeting the required job targets), no congestion or ULEZ charges, an industry-leading maintenance package, pension contributions, holiday pay and 24/7 support.
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