How to Apply for a TfL PHV Driver Licence (PCO) in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

If you want to drive as a minicab or app-based driver in London (for example with Uber, Bolt, or any licensed operator), you must obtain your PHV driver licensed from Transport for London (TfL).

This guide explains the application process for 2026:

What you need before you apply
What documents and codes TfL will ask for
What the assessments are
How long the process can take
What the costs are

Important: Submitting an application does not guarantee a licence. TfL may request extra information during the process.

✅ Step 0: Check you meet the basic eligibility

Before you start, make sure you meet TfL’s core requirements:

You are 21 or older.
You have held a full driving licence for at least 3 years.
You have the right to live and work in the UK.
You are considered medically fit (DVLA Group 2 standard).
You are considered of good character (Enhanced DBS checks).

If any of your identity documents have different spellings or missing middle names, fix that first. TfL expects names to match across documents.

🧾 Step 1: Create a TfL online account and start the application

Create your TfL TPH account here for making applications.

📄 Step 2: Gather your documents

Typical documents and proofs TfL may ask for include:

Passport or other accepted identity document
Driving licence
Proof of address (for example: bank statement, council tax bill, utility bill)
Right to work proof (if required)
Photograph that meets TfL’s guidance

Overseas convictions checks / Certificate of Good Conduct (CoGC)

If you have lived outside the UK for one or more continuous periods of 3 months or more in the last 10 years (including extended vacations), TfL may require:

A Living Abroad Details form (TPH/205), and
A Certificate of Good Conduct (CoGC) from every relevant country

Official TfL guidance

🛡️ Step 3: Enhanced DBS check + DBS Update Service (very important)

To be licensed, you must complete an Enhanced DBS check through TfL’s authorised provider.

You must also sign up to the DBS Update Service.

TfL will not grant a licence unless you are registered.
Once licensed, you must keep the subscription active.

For full instructions, see: How to apply for DBS check and DBS Update Service (TfL PHV Application)

🩺 Step 4: DVLA Group 2 medical (fit to drive)

You must meet the DVLA Group 2 medical standard.

In most cases, you will need a medical examination with a medical professional who can access your full medical history.

You will need to have this form completed by a doctor.

🧾 Step 5: HMRC tax check / tax obligations (don’t leave this late)

Tax rules depend on your situation.

First-time applicants (never held a PHV driver licence before): you won’t need to provide a tax check. You only need to confirm you understand your tax responsibilities.
If you currently hold, or previously held (within the last 12 months), a private hire driver licence with any licensing authority (not just TfL): you must complete a tax check and provide the tax check code.

A tax check code is time-limited (expires after 120 days), so only generate it when you are ready to submit.

For more information, see HMRC tax check guidance.

💳 Step 6: Pay the TfL fees

TfL publishes the fee table and warns that there is no fast-track service.

A typical example total often comes out around £477 (excluding the medical cost), depending on which assessments apply and your medical fee.

Service	Cost
Enhanced DBS check	£52 (online) / £54 (paper)
DBS Update Service	£16 per year*
Licence application fee	£124
Grant of licence fee	£186
Post Office® Check and Send	£7.15
Speaking and listening assessment (if applicable)	£36
Topographical assessment (if applicable)	£36
SERU assessment	£36
Medical	Fee set by the examining doctor (your GP)
Example total	£477 (excluding cost of medical)

*You must keep your DBS Update Service subscription active to be granted a licence.

Note: You should also budget for the cost of training and study materials too.

📩 Step 7: Wait for the invitation and then book your assessments

After you submit your application, TfL will review it. If everything is in order, TfL will invite you to book your assessments. The initial review can take 2 weeks to 3 months to receive your invitation.

In most cases, you will book the assessments through your TfL portal and they will be scheduled on the same day.

📝 Step 8: Prepare for, and pass, the assessments

TfL expects applicants to pass mandatory assessments before licensing.

For most new applicants, these include:

SERU (Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding)
Speaking and listening assessment (English requirement)
Topographical assessment (map reading and route planning)

🎯 Preparing for the assessments

- Practice timed questions (especially for SERU and Topographical).

Seek one-to-one training if you need further help

⏳ Step 9: Final review (the waiting period after you pass)

After passing the assessments, TfL carries out final checks before issuing the licence.

This final review is where many applicants feel “stuck” because the application is largely complete but TfL still needs to finish compliance checks.

🗓️ Typical timeline (realistic expectations)

Timelines vary, but a common experience is:

Initial review and invitation to book assessments can take weeks to a few months.
Preparing for assessments takes 2 to 6 weeks
Results for assessments often come within a few weeks.
Final licence after passing can takes 6 months on average but can take longer, depending on TfL workload and whether any documents need clarification.

Overall, many applicants should plan for a long process and avoid leaving renewals or career plans to the last minute.

⚠️ Common mistakes that delay PHV applications

Documents don’t match (name order, spelling, missing middle names)
Missing DBS Update Service registration
Uploading unclear photos/scans
Medical form issues (wrong doctor, missing sections, not stamped/dated)
Waiting too long to prepare for assessments
Generating an HMRC tax check code too early (it can expire)

🙋 Need help with the application?

If you want support completing the TfL application correctly (documents, codes, DBS process, uploading, and submission), enquire about our PHV application service.

📞 Important TfL contact details

If you need to contact TfL about taxi & private hire licensing, these are commonly used contact options:

Email (licensing support): tphlicensingsupport@tfl.gov.uk

❓ Quick FAQs

What is the total wait time from start to finish?

12 to 18 months on average

Is there a fast-track option?

No. TfL warns that any third party selling a “fast-track” is fraudulent.

Do I need to retake the assessments every year?

No, once you pass your assessments you don’t need to retake them. Unless your license expires and you fail to apply for a renewal before the expiry date.

🚀 Next steps

Before you get started, it is a good idea to understand what your expected earnings and costs might be.
You can estimate your earnings and costs depending on the hours and type of work you plan to to do, using our calculator: London Uber Driver Earnings Calculator