If you plan to drive professionally as a taxi, minicab or chauffeur in the UK, having a PCO licence is non-negotiable. A PCO licence, also known formally as a Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licence or Private Hire Driver Licence (PHDL), is your legal entitlement to carry passengers for payment. It represents more than just paperwork; it ensures safety, professionalism and compliance with UK law.
What Does PCO Stand For?
PCO stands for Public Carriage Office, formerly the licensing authority for taxis and private hire vehicles in London. Today it operates under Transport for London (TfL) and remains responsible for driver licensing in London.
What Is a PCO Licence?
A PCO licence is the legal permit you must hold if you wish to work as a private hire driver in the UK. This includes driving for ride hailing apps such as Uber, Bolt or FREENOW, or working with private hire operators. Without it, you may face prosecution under taxi and private hire laws.
Legal Requirements for a PCO Licence
To obtain a PCO licence, applicants must meet several key criteria:
- Age: You must be at least 21 years old.
- Driving Experience: You must hold a full UK, Northern Ireland or EEA driving licence for at least three years.
- Right to Work: You must be legally permitted to work in the UK. TfL will verify this, sometimes requiring documentation if immigration status is complex.
- Medical Fitness: A DVLA Group 2 medical examination is required to confirm you are fit to drive long hours.
- Good Character: An enhanced DBS check is mandatory. Since 2024, TfL requires new applicants to subscribe to the DBS Update Service to streamline future checks. You must report any arrest or conviction within 48 hours.
- English Language and Navigation Skills: You must demonstrate competency in spoken and written English and pass a topographical skills test (map reading and navigation) and a SERU assessment (Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding).
- Tax Awareness: First time applicants must register with HMRC, and renewals require a tax check code to confirm you understand self employment tax responsibilities.
- Certificate of Good Conduct: If you have lived outside the UK for a cumulative three months or more in the last ten years, you must supply certificates of good conduct from those countries.
- Proof of Identity and Address: You will need to provide documents such as passport, driving licence, national insurance number, and recent utility bill or bank statement as proof of address.
Summary of PCO Licence Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
| Age | At least 21 |
| Driving Licence | Full UK or EEA licence held for 3 years |
| Right to Work | Must be permitted; documentation may be required |
| Medical Check | DVLA Group 2 standard required |
| DBS Check | Enhanced check and DBS Update Service subscription |
| Language and Navigation | English test, SERU and topographical test |
| Tax Registration | HMRC registration and periodic tax check |
| Good Conduct Certificates | Required if lived abroad |
| Identity and Address Verification | Passport, licence, NI number, proof of address |
Why You Cannot Operate Without a PCO Licence?
Operating without a PCO licence risks prosecution and substantial fines. In London, TfL regulates both driver and vehicle licensing, requiring each to be separately and appropriately authorised. The licence is not just procedural, it preserves passenger safety, professionalism and compliance with the law.
How to Apply For PCO Vehicle Licence?
Applications are made through TfL in London, or via your local council elsewhere in England and Wales. Many operators also provide guidance and support throughout the process.
Related Services and Adding Value
As a taxi operator focusing on regional pages such as st albans taxi, it is important to highlight the need for properly licensed drivers. Clients in St Albans deserve safe, legal and competent service, best provided by drivers holding up to date PCO licences.
In conclusion, obtaining a PCO licence is essential if you intend to drive professionally in the UK. It is a legal requirement that ensures you are properly vetted, medically fit, registered for tax, and capable of communicating and navigating safely. It safeguards both driver and passenger, adds credibility to services like St. Albans taxi and supports a professional, reputable transport industry.