How long does it take to get a PCO license in London?

People who need access to reliable, well paid work that’s also flexible often look to driving jobs with platforms like Uber. While these kinds of platforms often do meet those criteria, there are some boxes that you need to tick before you can actually get started. 

In London, that means getting a PCO license, but how long does that actually take? Unfortunately, there’s no single, clear cut answer to that question, but below, we try to outline some of the main processes involved, to provide you with a rough timeline. 

 

A rough estimate

Under normal circumstances, it can take as little as 3 months or so to get a PCO license. This includes getting a DBS check sorted, passing all of the tests, and having the application reviewed. 

Unfortunately, there are often quite a few delays, especially on TfL’s end. Many applicants have reported waiting over a year for the process to be completed recently, largely due to the backlog of applicants.

 

What you need to be eligible

The best case scenario outlined above (3 months from start to finish) only applies if you have all the right paperwork to prove that you are eligible to work as a private hire driver in London. 

Before even starting an application, it’s important to check that you meet the following criteria: 

• You’re at least 21 years old
• You’ve held full DVLA, Northern Ireland, or other EEA state license for at least 3 years
• You have the right to work and live in the UK
• You’re able to pass an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• You meet the DVLA Group 2 fitness requirements

If you meet all of these requirements, you will need to gather the documentation to prove all of this before you can submit an application. 

 

The various parts of the PCO license application process

How long it actually ends up taking you to get a PCO license will depend on how long it takes to sort out each part of the process, and there are a number of hurdles you’ll have to cross. 

Assembling the right documents

The first part of the application process is to start assembling all of the relevant documents. This will often include your driver’s license, proof of identity, your national insurance number, proof of your right to work if you are a non-UK national, and proof of address. 

DBS check

Before the candidate can apply for a PCO license, they will need to apply for and pass an enhanced DBS check. This will be processed by a third party, and typically takes anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. 

Application review

Once the application has been made, TfL will carry out a quick review to make sure that all of the right documents have been provided. How long this takes can depend on a few factors, but it shouldn’t take more than a couple of weeks. 

Medical examination

To get a PCO license, prospective drivers need to confirm that they meet DVLA Group 2 medical standards. This will mean passing a relatively basic medical exam; this test will usually be done in parallel with other license processing steps, and shouldn’t lead to any further delays. 

Assessments

As part of the application, you will need to pass a series of assessments. This will include: 

• A topographical test, where you prove that you’re capable of effective and safe route planning, and have some basic map knowledge of London.
• The SERU assessment, where you prove your knowledge of safety and regulatory requirements, along with your ability to read and write in English. 
• The English language assessment, which mostly consists of spoken conversation, and is part of TfL’s new requirements. The appropriate level for this test is around B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference. 

Once you’ve sat your tests, you should get your results in a couple of weeks.

 

What you can do to avoid delays

A lot of the delays, especially those that are a result of bureaucratic backlogs, are unfortunately unavoidable in most situations. However, there are certain things you can do to make sure that you avoid any unnecessary delays.

The most important thing you can do is make sure that your application is complete and accurate the first time you submit it. It’s a good idea to have a friend or family member check it with you, ideally someone who has already successfully applied for a PCO license. This can be particularly helpful if English is your second language. 

You can also make sure that you book your DBS check as early as possible. There can be delays in the processing of these checks, and you don’t want it to hold you up.

Finally, you can make sure that you’re fully prepared for the various assessments, so that you pass the first time.

 

Renewal timelines

If you already have a PCO license, or if your license expired less than 3 months ago, then you will be able to renew it rather than apply for a new one. This should be quicker than the initial application, but can still take some time to process. 

 

Vehicle license

It’s important to note that once you have your PCO license, you can’t just start working in any old car. To legally operate as a private hire driver, you will also need to be able to access a vehicle that is registered with TfL. 

If this is your own vehicle, it will need to pass a range of tests and meet certain age and emission related requirements. Many drivers, especially those who are just starting out, find that it’s much easier and more convenient to get started with a PCO car hire service. 

It can be frustrating if you want to start working but can’t due to bureaucratic delays, but unfortunately, you often just have to wait it out. So long as you’ve sorted out your documents and made sure everything is filled in correctly, all you can do is wait and make sure that you keep up to date with any alerts that appear in your TfL portal.