AdminBecoming a minicab driver in London can give you the flexibility to choose your working hours and build a new career. However, you cannot legally carry passengers for hire until you have the correct private-hire driver licence, commonly called a PCO licence.
The process involves more than simply having a full driving licence. You must meet the eligibility rules, complete the relevant checks, pass the required assessments and use a properly licensed vehicle through a licensed private-hire operator.
This guide explains how to become a minicab driver in London in 2026, including the requirements, likely costs, expected timeline and common mistakes to avoid.
What is a minicab driver?
In London, a minicab driver is generally a private-hire driver. Private-hire journeys must be booked in advance through a licensed operator. This is different from a black-cab driver, who can accept passengers from the street or a taxi rank.
To work as a minicab driver, you normally need:
- A valid TfL private-hire driver licence, often called a PCO licence
- A suitable, licensed private-hire vehicle
- Appropriate private-hire insurance
- A relationship with a licensed private-hire operator or platform
Your driver licence, vehicle licence and operator licence are three separate requirements. Having one does not automatically give you the others.
Step 1: Check the PCO licence requirements
Before paying for training or submitting an application, check that you are likely to qualify.
In general, applicants must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have held a full UK, Northern Ireland or eligible EEA driving licence for at least three years
- Have the legal right to live and work in the UK
- Meet the required medical standard
- Pass an enhanced DBS check
- Meet the English language requirement
- Pass the topographical skills assessment
- Complete the SERU assessment
- Satisfy the licensing authority that they are of good character
You will also need suitable identity, address and right-to-work documents. If your immigration permission has an expiry date, your driver licence may be limited by that date.
Step 2: Gather your documents
Correct documents help prevent avoidable delays. Prepare clear copies or scans of the following where applicable:
- Driving licence
- Passport or other approved identity document
- Proof of address
- National Insurance details
- Right-to-work evidence
- Immigration documents, if relevant
- Recent passport-style photograph
- Medical information required for your Group 2 assessment
- HMRC tax check information, where required
Make sure your name and address are consistent across your documents. Blurry photographs, expired documents and incomplete forms are common reasons for applications to be delayed.
Insider Tip: Create one digital folder before you apply. Save your identity documents, medical paperwork, DBS information and application correspondence in clearly named files.
Step 3: Submit your TfL PCO application
The next stage is to start your private-hire driver licence application. This involves registering your details, submitting documents and paying the relevant application fees.
You may be asked to provide further information during the process. Responding quickly can help prevent your application from sitting incomplete.
PCO GO’s PCO licence application support is designed to make this stage easier. The team can guide you through registration, document preparation, DBS requirements and the steps that follow.
Step 4: Complete your enhanced DBS check
A DBS check helps assess your criminal record and suitability to work with passengers. It is an important part of the PCO licence process.
You will need to provide identity information and address history. Details must be accurate and complete. If you have previous convictions or driving offences, do not assume that you are automatically disqualified. Licensing decisions depend on the circumstances and relevant suitability rules.
A DBS check may take longer if:
- Your address history is incomplete
- Your names or dates do not match your documents
- Further checks are required
- You delay responding to a request for information
PCO GO can provide DBS guidance so you understand what information is needed and how to avoid basic application errors.
Step 5: Book your Group 2 medical assessment
Private-hire drivers must meet a higher medical standard than an ordinary car driver. This is commonly known as the DVLA Group 2 medical standard.
A doctor will normally review areas such as:
- Eyesight
- Blood pressure
- General health
- Medical history
- Conditions or medication that could affect safe driving
The cost depends on the doctor or clinic. A realistic 2026 estimate is around £80–£150.
If you are unsure whether a health condition will affect your application, do not leave the medical until the last minute. PCO GO can provide medical appointment guidance and help you understand what to prepare.
Step 6: Meet the English language requirement
You must be able to communicate effectively with passengers and understand important safety and licensing information.
The process may involve a separate English-speaking and listening assessment, depending on your circumstances and the evidence you provide.
You should be comfortable with:
- Listening to passenger requests
- Explaining journey or safety information
- Understanding written instructions
- Communicating clearly in stressful situations
- Reading professional and regulatory information
If English is not your first language, prepare early. The aim is not to use complicated vocabulary. It is to communicate clearly and understand your responsibilities as a driver.
Step 7: Pass the topographical skills assessment
The topographical assessment checks your ability to read maps and plan routes around London. It is one of the main reasons new applicants look for PCO training in London.
You may need to demonstrate skills such as:
- Reading an A–Z style map
- Finding streets and locations
- Planning a direct route
- Understanding one-way systems
- Identifying bridges, motorways and major roads
- Working accurately under time pressure
The assessment is computer-based, so practising only with a paper map may not be enough. You should become comfortable with the type of digital route-planning environment used during preparation.
PCO GO offers topographical training from £99, including computer-based training, route-planning practice and exam-style mocks. Experienced trainers can identify weak areas such as central London routes, M25 connections and time management.
Step 8: Prepare for the SERU assessment
SERU stands for Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding. It checks whether you understand the responsibilities of working as a licensed private-hire driver.
Topics may include:
- Passenger safety
- Safeguarding
- Equality and fair treatment
- Supporting vulnerable passengers
- Driver conduct
- Private-hire regulations
- Reporting incidents
- Your responsibilities when working
The assessment also requires you to read and understand written information. Do not treat SERU as a test of common sense alone. Questions may focus on specific rules and procedures.
PCO GO’s SERU test preparation helps break the subject into manageable sections. You can practise questions, review difficult topics and build confidence before the assessment.
Step 9: Understand vehicle and operator requirements
Your PCO driver licence does not automatically licence a car.
Driver licence
This allows you to work as a private-hire driver, subject to the other requirements.
Vehicle licence
The car you use must meet the relevant private-hire vehicle standards. It must be properly licensed, suitable for the work and covered by appropriate private-hire insurance.
You may choose to:
- Use your own eligible vehicle
- Rent a PCO-ready vehicle
- Lease a vehicle through a specialist provider
- Work with a company that provides access to a licensed vehicle
Operator requirement
You must accept bookings through a licensed private-hire operator. This may be a minicab office, app-based platform or another licensed business.
You do not normally need your own operator licence if you work through an existing licensed operator. You would need to explore an operator licence if you plan to run your own minicab business and accept bookings directly.
Frequent Flyer Tip: Compare the complete cost of a vehicle, not just the weekly rental. Check insurance, servicing, mileage limits, excess, charging or fuel costs and the conditions for ending the agreement.
How much does a PCO licence cost in 2026?
The following figures are realistic estimates, not fixed quotations. Fees can change, and your total depends on your circumstances and the amount of training you need.
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| PCO application fee | About £124 |
| Grant of licence fee | About £186 |
| Enhanced DBS check | About £40–£52 |
| Topographical assessment | About £36 |
| SERU assessment | About £36 |
| English assessment, if required | About £36 |
| Group 2 medical | About £80–£150 |
| Training and preparation | From £99 upwards |
A realistic budget for the driver licence process only is approximately £500–£700, including basic preparation. This does not include a vehicle, rental deposit, private-hire insurance, fuel, charging, servicing or operator-related costs.
How long does the process take?
A realistic end-to-end timeframe is around three to six months, although it can be shorter or longer.
A typical order may look like this:
- Week 1–2: Check eligibility and gather documents
- Week 2–5: Arrange the medical and begin the DBS process
- Week 3–6: Submit the PCO application
- Week 4–10: Prepare for English, topographical and SERU assessments
- Week 8 onwards: Complete assessments and respond to any requests
- Final stage: Wait for checks to be completed and your licence to be issued
The biggest delays often come from missing documents, failed assessments, medical paperwork or slow responses to licensing queries.
2026 minicab driver checklist
Use this checklist to organise your application:
- Confirm you are at least 21
- Confirm you have held the required full driving licence for three years
- Check your right to work in the UK
- Gather identity and address documents
- Start the PCO application
- Complete the enhanced DBS check
- Book a Group 2 medical
- Prepare for the English requirement
- Complete topographical route-planning training
- Prepare for and pass the SERU assessment
- Choose an eligible vehicle or rental option
- Arrange private-hire insurance
- Join a licensed operator or platform
- Review your expected weekly costs before starting work
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying before checking the three-year driving requirement
- Uploading unclear or incomplete documents
- Booking tests without preparing properly
- Underestimating the computer-based topographical assessment
- Treating SERU as general knowledge
- Confusing a PCO driver licence with a vehicle licence
- Choosing a car before checking its licensing and operating costs
- Forgetting insurance, servicing, fuel or charging costs
- Assuming you can accept bookings without a licensed operator
- Waiting until the last minute to arrange a medical
How PCO GO can help
You do not have to manage every stage alone. PCO GO provides practical support for people starting a career as a private-hire driver in London.
Support includes:
- Full PCO licence application support
- DBS and medical guidance
- Topographical training from £99
- Computer-based exam-style mocks
- Experienced trainers and one-to-one support
- SERU preparation
- Job advice and guidance after licensing
- Help understanding the next step in your application
You can also review PCO GO’s wider driver services or contact the team to discuss your circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Can I become a minicab driver without a PCO licence?
No. You need the appropriate private-hire driver licence before carrying passengers for hire in London.
Is a PCO licence the same as an ordinary driving licence?
No. Your ordinary driving licence allows you to drive legally. A PCO licence allows you to work as a licensed private-hire driver, subject to vehicle and operator requirements.
Do I need my own car?
No. You can use your own eligible vehicle or rent a PCO-ready vehicle. Always check the full rental and operating costs before committing.
Can I drive for Uber or another platform with only a PCO licence?
Not usually. You also need access to a suitable licensed private-hire vehicle and must complete the platform's or operator’s onboarding requirements.
Is the topographical test difficult?
It can be challenging if you are unfamiliar with London maps or computer-based route planning. Structured practice and realistic mocks can make the assessment much easier to approach.
How much should I budget to become a minicab driver?
For the driver licence process, budget approximately £500–£700 as a starting estimate. Vehicle, insurance and ongoing work costs are separate.
How can PCO GO help me start?
PCO GO can guide you through the application, DBS and medical stages, provide topographical and SERU preparation, and offer job advice once you are ready to begin driving. Contact PCO GO to discuss your next step.