How to get a PCO licence

A PCO licence is a private hire driver licence. You need one to drive for Uber, Bolt or any private hire company. In London it comes from TfL, and outside London from your local council.

Who can apply to TfL

  • You are at least 21. There is no upper age limit.
  • You have held a full UK, Northern Ireland or EEA driving licence for at least three years.
  • You have the right to live and work in the UK.

The steps with TfL

  • Apply online Fill in the application on TfL's website and pay the application fee.
  • Criminal record check An enhanced DBS check. TfL also asks you to join the DBS Update Service.
  • Medical A doctor who can see your full medical history checks you against the DVLA Group 2 standard, the one used for lorry and bus drivers.
  • Safeguarding course A short online course on protecting children and vulnerable adults. Do it before the SERU assessment.
  • English and SERU A speaking and listening assessment, and the SERU assessment on safety, equality and the rules for private hire, which also checks your reading and writing.
  • Map and route test The topographical assessment, taken at a TfL driver assessment centre.
  • Get your licence Once you pass everything, TfL sends your licence and badge. You then work through a licensed private hire operator, such as Uber or Bolt.

Outside London

Each council sets its own rules. Most ask for a DBS check, a medical and your driving licence, plus their own knowledge test. Some also ask for a driving assessment. Your driver licence, the car's licence and the operator's licence must all come from the same council, so pick the council where you want to work.

  • Birmingham City Council
  • Manchester City Council
  • Leeds City Council
  • Sheffield City Council
  • City of Wolverhampton Council
  • Liverpool City Council

How long it takes

It can take a few months from applying to getting your licence. Have your documents ready so nothing is sent back.

Once you have your licence

Next you need a car with a private hire licence. If you do not own one, you can rent one by the week. See the cars and what they cost on Kharo.

More guides

  • PCO car hire, with every cost shown up front PCO car hire means renting a car licensed for private hire, so you can drive for Uber, Bolt and other apps. On Kharo you see the rent, deposit and insurance before you apply.
  • Rent a car for Uber and Bolt To drive for Uber or Bolt you need a car with a private hire licence. If you do not own one, you can rent one by the week. Kharo lists cars from checked rental companies, with every cost shown.
  • What PCO car hire costs What renting a private hire car costs, from the weekly rent to collection day. The prices come from the cars on Kharo, which show what rental companies charge.

Next

Questions

Is a PCO licence the same as a private hire licence?

Yes. PCO is the old name, from the Public Carriage Office. Today TfL issues the licence in London, and councils issue it everywhere else.

Can I drive for Uber with a licence from another council?

Only through an operator licensed by the same council. Your driver licence, the car's licence and the operator's licence must all come from the same place.

How long does a PCO licence last?

A driver licence usually lasts three years. Apply to renew well before it runs out, so you keep working.

Can I rent a car before my licence arrives?

You can pick a car and join the waitlist on Kharo, but you need your licence before you can collect a car.