TfL PCO Licence Eligibility: Can You Apply?

The main eligibility areas

• Age: you must meet TfL's minimum age requirement for private hire driver applicants
• Driving licence: a full licence held for the minimum qualifying period TfL require
• Right to work: you must have the right to live and work in the UK
• Medical fitness: meeting the professional driver standard, assessed by a doctor
• English language: evidencing your ability to the level TfL require
• Criminal record: an enhanced DBS check that TfL are satisfied with
• Fit and proper: TfL's overall judgement that you can be trusted with passengers

Your driving record

Your DVLA record is looked at as a whole rather than as a simple points total. A few minor points from years ago sit very differently from a recent pattern of offences, and some offences — particularly drink or drug driving, dangerous driving and insurance offences — are treated far more seriously than speeding.

If you have points or a past conviction, read our dedicated guide before you apply.

Right to work and documents

You will need to evidence your right to live and work in the UK, and your documents need to be consistent. Mismatched names, expired documents and gaps in address history cause more refused or delayed applications than anything else at this stage.

Get your documents in order first. It makes every later step faster.

The fit and proper test

This is the part applicants find hardest to pin down, because it is deliberately broad. TfL are asking a single question: can this person be trusted, alone in a vehicle, with members of the public including children and vulnerable adults?

Everything feeds into it — your record, your declarations, your honesty and your conduct. The most avoidable damage comes from failing to disclose something that then appears on the enhanced check.

Not sure where you stand?

We would rather tell you honestly before you spend money than take a booking that was never going to work. If your situation is complicated, call us or request a callback and we will talk it through.

To be clear about what we can and cannot do: we provide training and application support. Eligibility and licensing decisions are made by Transport for London, and nobody can promise you a licence.