PCO (PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER)

PCO (Private Hire Driver License)

PCO, also known as the Private Hire Driver License allows a candidate to work as a cab driver, chauffeur or a driver for private operators. As it is illegal to carry passengers without being appropriately licensed, it entitles drivers to carry a passenger for hire and reward basis. The license issued as a PCO is valid for three years and published by the authorities of Public Carriage Office, which is a part of Transport from London (TfL). With a PCO license, a driver will be able to pick flexible working hours and earn as much as 50,000 pounds + salary. 

Eligibility
Meet medical standards 

• An applicant must have been declared medically fit according to the Group 2 DVLA medical standards which can be attained by a General Physician or other medical professionals with full access to their medical records. 

Pass the English Test 

• An applicant must take an English test from one of the approved language test providers of the TfL. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Please contact our support team for further details 

Topographical Skills Assessment 

• An applicant must be able to demonstrate that he can locate places, read maps and plan routes effectively. To do this, he/she must take a topographical assessment from an accredited institute and on completion and obtain a certificate from the same. Obtain a full DVLA, EEA state driving license valid for three years and complete the form on the TfL website.  

Cost
Depending on the choice of the provider, a PCO License costs anywhere between 500-700 pounds (inclusive of medical tests, topography tests and application processing and grant fee). 
Note: Some providers may charge more than others. 

Renewal
A PCO license can be renewed, provided the license holder applies for renewal within three months of the date of expiration of the license. Failure to do so will result in the holder being treated as a new applicant. Please note that The Public Carriage Officer will send renewal forms a few weeks before the license expires.