How to Become a PCO Driver in 2025

Thinking of becoming a PCO driver in 2025? Whether you're looking for a flexible side hustle or a full-time gig, navigating the licensing process can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—as always, Ayan’s got you covered. From the essential requirements to passing the infamous topographical test, this guide breaks it all down step by step. By the end, you'll know exactly what it takes to get on the road legally and start earning.

‍

What is a PCO Driver?

PCO stands for ‘Public Carriage Office’. A PCO driver is a licensed private hire driver in London, approved to transport passengers in exchange for payment. The licence, issued by Transport for London (TfL), ensures that drivers meet specific safety, health, and competence standards.

‍

In normal people's words? You’ll be the friendly face ferrying Londoners to brunch dates, airport pick-ups, and questionable Friday night plans.

‍

Contrary to popular belief—there’s more to it than just sitting in traffic and smiling through god-awful music requests. As a PCO driver, you’re part navigator, part problem-solver, and occasionally an unlicensed therapist. But first, let’s figure out how to get you licensed and behind that wheel legally.

‍

Basic Eligibility

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, if you don’t meet these basic requirements, I hate to say it but your journey has been cut short:

‍

• You need to be at least 21 years old. Your beard won’t save you this time, you need a valid passport and birth certificate to prove it.

• You must hold a full DVLA, Northern Ireland, or other EEA state driving licence. With a minimum of three years experience—if you can’t survive three years on the road you won’t survive three minutes with a customer breathing down your neck. 
• You must have the right to live and work in the UK. Honestly if you don’t pass this one I don’t even know what to tell you.

‍

If you tick all those boxes, congratulations! You’re ready to cruise into the next steps.

‍

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a PCO Driver

It isn’t a short list, so find a pen and paper and get planning.

‍

1. Apply for a DBS check‍

Start by applying for a basic DBS check. DBS stands for ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’, but most drivers know it as ‘that thing that takes forever’. 

‍

What is a DBS Check? Think of it as a background check to prove you’re not London’s most wanted. TfL wants to ensure that PCO drivers aren’t hardened criminals (absurd, right?). If your most scandalous record is that library book you never returned, you’ll probably be fine.

‍

How to Apply: Click on this GOV.UK link and request one. You’ll need to provide your:

• Addresses for the last 5 years
• Passport 
• Driving licence
• National Insurance number

All you do is fill out the form, pay a fee, and wait for your certificate (granted you pass).

‍

Ayan’s Advice: Apply for the DBS check early. It usually takes up to 14 days for you to receive your certificate.

‍

2. Pass a Medical Examination

It’s time for your human MOT. Book an appointment with your GP, who will fill out a TfL-approved medical form to confirm you’re fit for the job. 

‍

What to Expect: It should take about 30 minutes where you will be asked questions and tested on your: 

• Cardiovascular health (including some blood tests)
• Endocrine system
• Musculoskeletal system
• Neurological health
• Psychiatric health
• Vision

‍

Ayan’s Advice: Be honest about any health conditions, but don’t exaggerate. "Yes, doctor, sometimes I feel dizzy after eating ten jalebis in a row" isn’t the confession they’re looking for.

‍

3. Apply for a PCO Licence

At this stage you could probably use your towering stack of documents to build a car yourself. The proceeding stages are done whilst TfL reviews your application, so let’s make sure you have everything you need so far.

Where Do I Apply? On the TfL website on this link. Create an account, and fill out the online form. It’s a bit like Muzzmatch—lots of questions, you don’t want to mess up your answers, and you’re really trying to impress.

‍

Ayan’s Advice: The application alone costs £310, of which £124 is non-refundable, regardless of whether you pass or not. So, make sure you get together the right documents and say bismillah before you apply.

‍

4. Pass English Assessments 

Yes, you read that right (or at least I hope you did, otherwise this step’s going to be real tricky for you)—you’ll need to prove that you can read, write, and speak English. TfL wants to make sure you can communicate effectively with passengers and handle any unexpected situations—grunting and making random noises at your customers unfortunately won’t cut it. Once you have applied for a PCO licence, TfL will send you an invitation to take the test.

What Do the Assessments Involve? There are two parts:

1. Speaking and Listening Test: This is roughly a 20 minute call on a video or telephone link which tests your ability to understand questions and respond clearly.
2. Reading and Writing Test (SERU): A 45 minute timed written exam where you’ll be asked to write short answers or a few sentences on given topics.

They cost £36 a piece so revise well and ace it asap!

‍

Ayan’s Advice: Don't stress too much—TfL isn’t looking for the next Shakespeare, just someone who can handle basic interactions with passengers and TfL staff.

‍

5. Pass a Topographical Skills Test

London roads are no joke—one wrong turn, and you could end up at the border wondering how the Eiffel Tower was transported to Whitechapel.

‍

What’s a topographical skills test? This exam assesses your navigation skills, route planning, and map reading abilities. In simple terms: can you get a passenger from point A to point B without ending up in point Z? Don’t worry, they don’t test you on how to spell topographical. 

‍

How Do I Book One? Similar to the English tests, once you have applied for a PCO licence, TfL will send you an invitation to take the test. You can book this over the phone at this number: 0343 222 4444, or it can alternatively be done through the portal, but you must wait for them to invite you first. I know it all sounds like you’re getting onboarded to Hogwarts (minus the pet owls), but it’s pretty straightforward once you get going.

‍

Ayan’s Advice: Prepare, prepare, prepare, like it’s the triwizard tournament. If the examiner offers a cheeky grin, take it as a sign of mercy—but still double-check that final route.

‍

6. Complete a Tax Check

Without a doubt the most boring step of them all. Taxes are the reason accountants have job security and the rest of us have headaches. Nonetheless, HMRC wants what HMRC wants, and it is indeed important. Luckily for you first timers, this isn’t a requirement before applying for a PCO licence, but you will be required to register with the HMRC once you get your PCO licence. Whereas if you are renewing your PCO licence, continue reading.

‍

What is a Tax Check? It’s basically HMRC’s way of asking, "Are you being a responsible adult who pays their dues?" They want proof that you’ve either been paying your taxes as a self-employed driver or are at least aware that taxes exist.

‍

How to Complete It: Head to this page on GOV.UK, log in, and follow the prompts to complete your tax check. They’ll give you a special code at the end, and trust me—protect it like you protect your leather seats after picking up passengers that had way too much fun that night.

‍

Ayan’s Advice:

• Be Honest: If you’ve been a bit "creative" with your tax returns in the past, now’s the time to come clean.

• Get Help: If it all feels like deciphering ancient hieroglyphs, hire an accountant. They’ll speak the language of taxes and save you a migraine.

• Do it ASAP: Don’t procrastinate. Leaving this to the last minute is like eating that dodgy Indian right before a long drive—it’s never a good idea. (speaking of which, if you want to be stuffed instead of sick, head over to last weeks blog on the best eats for PCO drivers)

‍

7. BONUS STEP: Get a Car!

Hmmm, I wonder where you could do this. I mean, you can’t be a driver without a car, and who in this day and age has the money to buy a car outright? Not me, I’ll tell you that much. With the current cost of living crisis?!?! I think NOT. Mate, a pint of milk costs 2 quid. My chai addiction alone has me in overdraft.

‍

So if I can’t buy the car outright, and I don’t already have a car, what can I do? 

‍

You can get it financed by Ayan. But what if I want to own my car? Boy do I have some good news for you. All you have to do is apply online, get approved, and we can finance any car, from any dealership, anywhere in the UK. You just pick the car and we do the rest. Click here to start your application.

‍

8. Apply to Get Your Car PCO Registered

Whether you got an Ayan-financed car or are missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime, this is the last step to becoming a PCO driver. After TfL grants you your PCO license, you can book this through call on 0343 222 5555 or book online here.

‍

What Cars Are Eligible? Your car must:

• meet the Euro 6 standards for emissions
• be zero emission capable (ZEC). Click here to get more details
• be less than 10 years old (however most ride hailing companies will require newer cars than this)
• have 4 doors that unlock independently
• meet condition requirements (strong shape, no damage to the body, etc.)

‍
How Does It Work? You have to book an inspection in advance, and provide the following documents:

• Existing TfL vehicle licence and discs (if applicable)
• Certificate of conformity (if required)
• V5C DVLA vehicle registration document
• Hire and reward insurance documents
• MOT certificate issued within the last 14 days
• Vehicle modification documents
• Any other relevant documentation relating to the vehicle, where appropriate, such as Voluntary Individual Vehicle Approval (VIVA)

Ayan’s Advice: Get the car financed by Ayan.

‍

How Much Time and Money Will This Cost Me?

It’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into. The following table breaks down all the costs and how long each step will take you so that you can plan it all just right.

*Costs are subject to change and Ayan are, unfortunately, not directly affiliated with TfL so please do not hate us if the price is higher than what we’ve estimated.

**This is the amount of time it can take from start to finish including processing times of all documents, so please keep this in mind when planning.

‍

APPLY FOR HALAL CAR FINANCING HERE!

‍

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—you’re now armed with all the knowledge needed to become a PCO driver in 2025. If you’ve made it this far without throwing your laptop out the window, congrats—you’ve definitely got the patience required for the job.

‍

If you’re serious about getting started, don’t wait—apply for your PCO licence, sort your car, and hit the road. And if you need a car for it? You know where to go. (hint: it rhymes with byan, cyan and dyan).

‍

Until then, drive safe, avoid dodgy shortcuts, and may your passengers always tip generously 🤲

‍