Thinking about driving private hire in London? Before you can pick up a single passenger you need two separate licences from Transport for London: one for you, and one for the car. Here is exactly what each one involves.

1. Your private hire driver licence

This is the licence most people mean when they say PCO licence. To apply, you must:

• Be at least 21 at the time of applying. There is no upper age limit.
• Have held a full DVLA, Northern Ireland or other EEA driving licence for at least three years.
• Have the right to live and work in the UK.
• Pass an enhanced DBS check through an authorised service provider.
• Be medically fit to DVLA Group 2 standard. This means an examination by someone with access to your full medical history, not a quick drop-in check.
• Meet TfL’s English language requirement at B1 level – a speaking and listening assessment, plus the Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) assessment.
• Pass the topographical skills assessment, unless you are exempt. Exemptions apply to previously licensed PHV drivers, London taxi drivers and professional tourist guides.

What the licence costs

TfL charges £138 to apply and £205 on grant of the licence. Budget on top of that for the enhanced DBS check (£52 online), £40 for each assessment, and your medical, which varies from practice to practice.

2. The vehicle licence

The car needs its own licence, and this is where a lot of new drivers get caught out:

• Zero emission capable and Euro 6. Since 1 January 2023 every newly licensed PHV must be zero emission capable. Fully electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles meet this requirement.
• An MOT certificate issued within the last 14 days when you attend your inspection.
• Hire and reward insurance. An ordinary private car policy is not enough and will leave you uninsured the moment you accept a job.

Vehicle fees are £84 to apply and £56 on grant. Inspections are booked through your TfL customer account.

3. Budget for the running costs, not just the licences

Private hire vehicles are not exempt from the Congestion Charge. From 2 January 2026 it is £18 per day if you pay on the day, or £21 if you pay within three days. Electric cars, including PHVs, that are registered on Auto Pay qualify for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount of 25 per cent, which brings it down to £13.50 a day. If you are not signed up to Auto Pay, you do not get the discount – so sign up.

Getting into a compliant car

Getting licensed is one job. Getting into a compliant, insured, ZEC vehicle without tying up thousands of pounds of your own money is another. That is what we do: PCO car hire and leasing for London drivers, with straight advice about which option actually suits your situation.

Call 020 3633 9447 or get in touch for a free consultation.

Requirements and fees correct as of August 2026. Always confirm the current position on tfl.gov.uk before you apply.