PHV car eligibility checker

Answer four questions to see whether a car is likely to meet TfL's private hire rules, and why. Each rule links to the official page it comes from.

TfL decides after inspecting the car. This is a guide, not a decision. Kharo is not affiliated with TfL, Uber or Bolt.

The TfL rules it checks

  • First licence A car licensed by TfL for the first time must be zero emission capable (ZEC) and meet the Euro 6 emissions standard.
  • Zero emission capable Fully electric, or a plug-in hybrid with up to 50g/km CO2 and at least 10 electric miles, or up to 75g/km and at least 20 electric miles.
  • Renewal A car already licensed by TfL can be relicensed until it is 10 years old. The zero emission rule applies at first licensing, not at renewal.
  • ULEZ A daily charge in London for petrol cars below Euro 4 and diesel cars below Euro 6. It does not affect the licence.

Outside London

Each council sets its own rules for a private hire car's age, emissions and size. The checker sends you to your council rather than guessing.

Uber's own rules

Uber puts cars into types such as UberX, Comfort, Electric and UberXL, each with its own rules on age, size and fuel. They change, so check Uber's page for the current list.

What it cannot check

  • The car's exact CO2 figure and electric range. Both are on the V5C or the manufacturer's data.
  • The exact date the car was first registered, which matters near the 10 year limit.
  • The car's condition, which TfL checks at inspection.
  • Council rules outside London.

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.
  • What is a PCO car? A PCO car is a car licensed for private hire in London, so a driver can carry passengers who book a ride. Here is what the name means and the rules the car must meet.
  • Private hire car hire for minicab and app drivers Private hire car hire means renting a car licensed as a private hire vehicle (PHV), the kind minicab and app drivers use. 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, priced by the week and paid monthly. Kharo lists cars from rental companies, with every cost shown.
  • Rent a car for Bolt To drive for Bolt you need a car with a private hire licence. If you do not own one, you can rent one from a rental company.
  • Which cars can you use for Uber in London? In London, the car needs a TfL private hire licence first. Then Uber has its own rules for each type of trip.
  • Hybrid or electric: which PCO car should you rent? Both can work for private hire. In London, the rules for new cars, the Congestion Charge and the trips you can take are different for each.
  • The most common PCO cars in London TfL publishes a list of every licensed private hire vehicle in London. We counted the cars on it, so you can see which models drivers use most.
  • What PCO car hire costs What renting a private hire car costs, from the weekly rent to the deposit. The prices come from the cars on Kharo, which show what rental companies charge.
  • How a PCO car hire deposit works Most rental companies ask for a deposit before you collect a PCO car. Here is how it works, and what to check before you pay.
  • PCO car insurance, explained To drive a PCO car for work, you need insurance that covers carrying passengers for money. Here is what to look for before you rent.
  • Renting a PCO car with penalty points Points on your licence do not always stop you renting a PCO car. But they change who will rent to you, and what your insurance costs.
  • 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.

Questions

Can a normal hybrid get a TfL private hire licence?

Not for the first time. A self-charging hybrid cannot drive far enough on electric power alone to count as zero emission capable. A hybrid that is already licensed can be relicensed until it is 10 years old.

Do plug-in hybrids count as zero emission capable?

Most do, if they meet TfL's limits: up to 50g/km CO2 with at least 10 electric miles, or up to 75g/km with at least 20. Check the car's figures before you rely on it.

How old can a private hire car be in London?

A car already licensed by TfL can be relicensed until it is 10 years old. Councils outside London set their own limits.

Is anything I choose saved?

No. The check runs in your browser. Nothing you choose is sent to Kharo or stored.