Seriousness matters more than the number
Applicants often focus on their points total. TfL are more interested in what the points are for. A couple of speeding endorsements from several years ago are a very different conversation from a recent drink driving conviction or an insurance offence.
Broadly, matters involving alcohol or drugs, dangerous driving, violence, dishonesty, or anything touching on safeguarding are treated with the greatest seriousness — because they speak directly to whether a passenger is safe with you.
Recency and pattern
Two factors sit alongside seriousness. How long ago was it, and is it isolated or part of a pattern?
A single incident many years ago, followed by a clean record, tells a very different story from three offences in eighteen months. If your record has been clean for a long time, that genuinely counts for something.
Disclosure is not optional
The most damaging thing an applicant can do is fail to disclose something that then appears on the enhanced DBS check. At that point the question stops being about the original matter and becomes about honesty — and honesty is central to the fit and proper test.
If you are not sure whether something needs declaring, get advice before you submit rather than guessing.
- Declare fully and accurately, even where you believe a matter is old or minor
- Keep your account consistent across every form and conversation
- Provide context where it helps: dates, outcome and what has changed since
- Gather supporting evidence such as references or a clean driving record since
If your application is refused
A refusal is not necessarily the end of the road. There are appeal routes, and in some cases waiting until a matter is further in the past and reapplying is the more sensible course.
What we would say plainly is this: think carefully before spending money on training if there is a significant recent matter on your record. Talk to us first and we will give you our honest view.
Getting advice before you commit
We have supported a lot of applicants with complicated records, and we will tell you straight if we think the timing is wrong. Call us or request a callback and we will go through your situation in confidence. During live hours, we aim to respond within 5 minutes.
We can help you prepare and present your application properly. We cannot influence or predict TfL's decision, and no training provider can.
Talk it through before you spend anything
Our TfL Gold VIP package is our full-support option: training and study material, medical and enhanced DBS arranged, TfL fees covered and your application prepared and submitted with you. £1,250.
We prepare and support your application. The decision to grant a licence, and the outcome of every TfL assessment, always rests with Transport for London.
Frequently asked questions
Related TfL guides
DBS Check
The enhanced criminal record check and the DBS Update Service.
Eligibility
Age, licence history, right to work and the other basic conditions.
PCO Application
A step-by-step walkthrough of the application from start to badge.
PCO Licence
What a TfL private hire driver licence is and how the process works.
TfL PCO Licensing & packages
Our main London page: training, full application support and pricing.
This guide is general information based on our day-to-day experience supporting London applicants. Rules, fees and requirements are set by Transport for London and can change — always check the current TfL guidance before you apply, and contact us if you would like help understanding your own situation.
