AdminTfL’s Taxi and Private Hire Driver Policy Version 6.0 took effect on 1 September 2026. The updated policy introduces stricter expectations around driver conduct, unpaid TfL charges, account sharing, reporting offences and test documentation.
These changes affect both new PCO licence applicants and existing taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers. Some rules may seem administrative, but failing to follow them could delay your application, trigger a fitness review or even put your licence at risk.
The good news is that the requirements are manageable when you understand them. Here are the seven key changes you need to know.
1. You must declare that you do not owe money to TfL.
When making a new or renewal application, you must declare that you do not owe money to TfL.
This can include unpaid:
- Congestion Charge payments
- ULEZ charges
- Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs)
- Other money owed to TfL
One unpaid PCN will not necessarily prevent you from receiving or renewing a PCO licence. However, TfL may look at the wider circumstances.
Repeated non-payment, ignoring enforcement action or failing to comply with a court payment order could raise concerns about whether you are a fit and proper person to hold a licence.
For an existing licence holder, serious or repeated non-compliance could lead to a fitness review and potentially licence revocation.
Insider Tip: Before starting a TfL PCO application, check whether you have any outstanding Congestion Charge, ULEZ or penalty payments. Resolve issues early and keep proof of payment or any agreed payment arrangement.
2. Sharing operator account details can lead to revocation.
Version 6.0 now expressly covers account sharing for both taxi and PHV drivers.
You must not share your operator or taxi company account details, including:
- Login details
- Passwords
- App access
- Booking account information
- Other credentials that allow someone else to use your driver account
Importantly, TfL may take action even if the other person never completed a booking or carried out a job.
The act of sharing the account can be enough to create a serious licensing concern. Depending on the circumstances, TfL may refuse an application or revoke an existing licence unless there is significant mitigation.
This rule is particularly important if you drive for a platform or operator and allow a family member, friend or another driver to access your account.
Frequent Flyer Reminder: Your account must represent you and only you. Never let another person drive, accept bookings or access an operator account using your details.
3. Cycling offences now have specific waiting periods.
The new policy creates clearer rules for considering cycling offences when assessing a new application.
The outcome can depend on whether the offence is classed as minor or major.
One minor cycling conviction
A single minor cycling conviction will not normally prevent a new PCO licence application. TfL may still issue a formal warning or consider the wider circumstances.
One major cycling conviction
If you have one major cycling conviction, TfL will normally require a minimum one-year waiting period from the date of conviction or sentence before considering your application.
More than one major conviction in five years
If you have more than one major cycling conviction within five years, TfL will normally require at least seven years from completion of the sentence for the most recent offence before considering a new application.
These rules do not mean every case has the same outcome. TfL can consider the facts, the seriousness of the conduct and any relevant mitigation. However, cycling offences are now clearly part of the licensing fitness assessment.
4. Arrests, charges and investigations can be considered.
TfL can now consider non-conviction information when deciding whether someone is fit to hold a taxi or PHV driver licence.
This may include information about:
- Arrests
- Charges
- Ongoing investigations
- Serious alleged offences
- Other relevant police or enforcement information
A person does not have to be convicted before TfL can review their fitness. If serious information is brought to TfL’s attention, it may trigger a licensing review.
This does not mean that an arrest automatically results in refusal or revocation. TfL must consider the relevant circumstances. However, you should not assume that an investigation is irrelevant simply because it has not resulted in a conviction.
The safest approach is to understand your reporting obligations and provide accurate information when requested.
5. You must report certain matters within 48 hours.
Many drivers must report an arrest, charge, caution or conviction to TfL within 48 hours.
This includes relevant driving offences that result in DVLA penalty points.
The 48-hour reporting requirement applies to:
- Taxi drivers licensed from 1 July 2024
- PHV drivers whose licence was granted on or after 1 July 2024
There is an important transitional point. Drivers whose licence was granted before 1 July 2024 may remain under the previous 21-day reporting rule until they are relicensed. Even so, complying with the newer 48-hour standard is strongly advisable where possible.
Failing to report on time can itself become a fitness concern. It may suggest that a driver has not followed licensing requirements or has attempted to withhold relevant information.
What should you do?
If you are arrested, charged, cautioned or convicted:
- Record the date and details of what happened.
- Check which reporting rule applies to your licence.
- Notify TfL as soon as possible.
- Keep evidence that you made the report.
- Do not wait for a court outcome if the matter must already be reported.
If you are unsure how an incident affects your PCO licence requirements, get professional guidance before submitting information.
6. Incomplete or unpaid applications will not be processed
TfL will not process an application where:
- The required fee has not been paid
- Information is missing.
- Answers are incomplete
- Supporting documents have not been provided.
- The application cannot be properly assessed.
This may sound straightforward, but incomplete applications are a common cause of delay. A missing document or unanswered question can prevent your application from moving forward.
Before submitting your TfL PCO application, check:
- Your identity documents
- DBS information
- Medical paperwork
- Address history
- Driving licence details
- Declarations about offences and TfL money owed
- Required assessment evidence
- Application and licensing fees
Do not guess an answer simply to complete a form. If a question is unclear, ask for advice and provide accurate information.
Insider Tip: Keep a digital folder containing your application documents, payment receipts, DBS information, medical form and test certificates. It makes renewals and TfL requests much easier to manage.
7. Only TfL-issued topographical certificates will be accepted
This is especially important for drivers who complete training or testing outside the approved TfL process.
Topographical skills assessment certificates not issued by TfL will not be accepted.
You can receive useful preparation from a private pco training centre, but your certificate must come from the correct TfL assessment process. Training and certification are not the same thing.
Before booking a course, ask:
- Is the training designed for the current TfL pco test?
- Will the actual assessment be completed through TfL?
- Does the provider clearly separate preparation from certification?
- Will the certificate be issued by TfL?
PCO GO provides computer-based topographical test training, route-planning practice and real exam-style mocks. The training helps you prepare, but the official assessment and certificate must follow TfL’s requirements.
New signage requirements begin on 4 January 2027.
Although the policy changes took effect on 1 September 2026, another important date is approaching.
From 4 January 2027, taxis and PHVs will need to display the prescribed TfL signage in the required position.
The signage is intended to provide passengers with important information, including details about complaints and contacting TfL. Drivers will be responsible for ensuring that the signage is correctly displayed.
Make sure you pay attention to instructions provided during your vehicle licensing or inspection process. Incorrectly displayed or missing signage could create avoidable compliance problems.
How PCO GO can help you stay prepared
The updated policy may feel like a lot to manage, particularly if you are applying for your first licence or trying to renew while working.
PCO GO can support you through the main stages of the process:
- PCO licence application support
- Topographical test training from £99
- SERU test preparation****
- Medical appointment booking
Our experienced trainers use computer-based training and realistic exam mocks to help you prepare properly. We can also guide you through TfL registration, DBS checks, medical requirements and the wider application process.
Whether you are looking for an Uber driver licence in London, planning to drive for Bolt or starting a private hire career, getting the correct support can help you avoid expensive delays.
FAQs
Does one unpaid ULEZ penalty stop me from getting a PCO licence?
Not necessarily. One unpaid PCN may not automatically block a new or renewal application. However, repeated non-payment or failure to follow a court payment order could raise concerns about your fitness to hold a licence.
Can I share my Uber or operator account with another driver?
No. Sharing account details can lead to serious licensing action. TfL may consider the account-sharing itself a breach, even if the other person never completed a booking.
Do cycling convictions affect a PCO licence application?
They can. One minor cycling conviction will not normally block an application. One major conviction usually means waiting at least one year, while more than one major cycling conviction within five years can mean a minimum seven-year wait.
Do I have to report an arrest if I was not convicted?
You may have to. Arrests, charges, cautions and investigations involving serious offences can be considered by TfL. Drivers covered by the newer rule must generally report relevant matters within 48 hours.
Can I use a topographical certificate from another training provider?
You can use another provider for preparation, but the certificate itself must be issued by TfL. Certificates not issued by TfL will not be accepted.
What happens if my PCO application is incomplete?
TfL will not process an application if required information is missing, incomplete or unpaid. Check your documents and fees carefully before submitting.
When do the new signage requirements start?
The new prescribed taxi and PHV signage requirements begin on 4 January 2027.