Renewing Your 2023 PCO Licence in London

For rideshare drivers, maintaining a valid PCO licence is essential for their role. Therefore, understanding its expiration date and the replacement process is crucial.

Discover comprehensive information on renewing your PCO licence

When is the optimal time for PCO licence renewal, and what’s the expected duration of the process?

Your PCO licence remains valid for three years from its issuance date. To ensure a seamless renewal, initiate the paperwork well in advance of your existing licence’s expiry.

FUN FACT: TfL now dispatches all application packs approximately four months ahead of the expiry date.

How can I proceed with renewing my PCO licence?

Given your prior experience during the initial PCO licence application, you’ll likely find the renewal process familiar. The good news is that renewing involves fewer complexities and paperwork.

Here’s the 2023 step-by-step guide for renewing your PCO licence:

1. Submit Renewal Pack Forms to TfL:

TfL will dispatch a renewal pack to you about four months before your licence expires. This pack includes forms for you to sign and return.

2. Apply for a DBS Check:

A fresh enhanced criminal records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required. Be sure to declare any identity variations appearing on your official identification documents.

NOTE: DBS checks remain valid for three months, so timing is crucial.

Opting for the £13 DBS update service enables you to keep your certificate current, streamlining renewals and preventing delays.

3. Undergo a Medical Examination:

Proving your medical fitness for licence renewal entails meeting Group 2 DVLA standards. Obtain and complete the TPH/204 medical form, then visit your General Practitioner for verification.

4. Provide a Recent Photograph:

Supply a recent photograph adhering to the specified photo standards.

5. Complete Safeguarding Awareness Training:

Participate in the online Safeguarding Awareness training course, mandatory for both new and existing drivers. This course addresses safeguarding vulnerable individuals from harm and abuse.

6. Address Missing Documents from Prior Application:

TfL revised and introduced new documents and regulations for the PCO licence application. If these haven’t been previously submitted, you’ll need to:

Validate your right to work in the UK through the Right to Work check.
Register with HMRC and complete a tax check using your Government Gateway ID and password.
If you used a language certification for proof, take the TfL English test, as mandated since October 21st, 2021.

7. Settle the Fee:

A £170 fee is necessary to process your renewal application.

REMINDER: Ensure your old licence is returned within seven days of its expiration.

What are the expenses associated with renewing my PCO licence?

The costs of renewing your PCO licence can vary. Here’s an outline of the anticipated expenses for each stage.

PCO licence renewal fees	PCO licence renewal fees
Licence application fee	£170
DBS Check	£52 (online) / £54 (paper)
Medical exam	~£80 (or set by your G.P.)
Post Office® Check and Send	£7.15 (unless paid via credit/debit card)
English test (SERU ./Speaking and listening .)	£36/£36

Renewing your PCO licence involves an approximate cost of £380, provided you need to undergo the English test and choose to apply through the Post Office. For a more streamlined process and a £10 cost reduction, consider submitting your application online through the TfL website after completing the registration.

What if I delay renewing my PCO licence?

Failing to renew your PCO licence on time can have legal consequences. Driving with an expired PCO licence is against the law, so it’s crucial to initiate the renewal application well in advance.

Should you send the renewal documents to TfL after your licence has already expired, you won’t hold a valid licence. In this scenario, you’ll face approximately six weeks of waiting before receiving your new PCO licence, during which you won’t be able to engage in rideshare driving.

VITAL NOTE: Neglecting to apply for PCO licence renewal within three months following the previous licence’s expiration will result in your removal from TfL’s system. Consequently, you’ll be treated as a new applicant and required to reinitiate the initial application process.