If you want to drive for a private hire operator or platform such as Uber or Bolt, you must complete several important licensing requirements before you can work legally in London.

The process may seem complicated at first. However, it becomes much easier when you break it into three main steps:

Start your PCO licence application
Complete topographical training and prepare for the map test
Book and complete your medical appointment

You may also need an enhanced DBS check and SERU test prep, depending on your circumstances. The key is to prepare your documents early and complete each requirement carefully.

This guide explains how the process works, what to expect and how to avoid common delays.

What is a PCO licence?

A PCO licence is the private hire driver licence that allows you to work as a licensed private hire driver in London.

The licence application checks that you:

Meet the minimum age requirement
Hold the appropriate full driving licence
Have the right to live and work in the UK
Meet the required medical standard
Pass the necessary background checks
Understand London’s roads and routes
Understand your responsibilities as a private hire driver

Your licence application is not complete until you meet all the relevant requirements. This is why it is useful to plan your TfL PCO application as a complete process rather than treating each task as separate paperwork.

PCO GO’s licence application support can help you understand the process, organise your documents and receive guidance with DBS, medical and assessment requirements.

The correct order for your PCO application

There is no benefit in rushing one step while ignoring another. A practical order is:

Check your eligibility and documents
Begin your PCO licence application
Arrange your DBS check
Book your medical appointment
Start topographical training
Complete your SERU and English requirements, if needed
Attend your assessments and submit any outstanding documents

Some appointments may be completed in a different order depending on the instructions attached to your application. Always follow the latest information provided for your individual case.

The most important point is to start preparing early. DBS checks, medical paperwork and assessment appointments can all affect your overall timeline.

Step 1: Start your PCO licence application

Before booking training or appointments, check that you have the basic documents needed for your application.

Documents you may need

Prepare clear and accurate versions of:

Your passport or other accepted identity document
Your photocard driving licence
Proof of your right to work in the UK
Proof of address, where required
Details of your driving history
Evidence of your English language ability, if applicable
Information required for your DBS check
Your completed medical documentation

Your name, date of birth and address should match across your documents. Even a small difference, such as an incorrect spelling or an old address, can create unnecessary questions and delays.

DBS checks

An enhanced DBS check is an important part of the private hire licensing process. It helps assess whether you are suitable to work with members of the public.

When completing your DBS application:

Use your full legal name
Include previous addresses accurately
Provide the correct identity documents
Check every detail before submitting
Keep copies of any information you provide

If you have lived outside the UK, you may need additional documentation. It is better to ask for help early than to discover this after your application has already been delayed.

PCO GO can provide DBS and application assistance as part of its wider support for new applicants.

English and SERU requirements

Many applicants also need to complete the English language and SERU requirements.

SERU stands for Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding. It tests whether you understand the duties and responsibilities of working as a private hire driver.

Topics can include:

Passenger safety
Equality and accessibility
Safeguarding
Driver responsibilities
Licensing rules
Reporting incidents
Professional conduct

If English is not your first language, the wording of the assessment may feel challenging. This does not mean you cannot pass. Focused preparation can help you understand the questions and answer with greater confidence.

Read more about SERU test preparation before booking your assessment.

Step 2: Complete topographical training

Topographical training prepares you for the map-reading and route-planning assessment required for many new private hire driver applicants.

This is not simply a test of whether you can follow a sat-nav. You need to understand London’s road layout, identify suitable routes and work accurately under time pressure.

What does topographical training cover?

Professional topographical test training can help you practise:

Reading London maps
Finding start and destination points
Planning routes between locations
Understanding local, intermediate and longer journeys
Identifying major roads and motorways
Recognising bridges, tunnels and key landmarks
Avoiding common route-planning errors
Working within the time allowed

At PCO GO, training uses a computer-based environment with map and route-planning software. This helps you become familiar with the type of practical work involved in the assessment.

Topographical training at PCO GO starts from £99.

Why computer-based practice matters

Many people practise with a paper map but feel less confident when they sit in front of a computer. The screen layout, timing and question format can make a difference.

Computer-based training helps you practise the following:

Clicking and navigating through the map
Reading details at different zoom levels
Planning a route efficiently
Checking your answer before moving on
Managing your time during a mock test

PCO GO also provides computer-based training and real exam-style mocks to help you identify the areas that need more work.

Insider Tip: Do not memorise routes blindly

London’s roads can be confusing, and memorising one route is not enough. Instead, learn how to think through a journey.

Ask yourself:

Where does the route begin?
Where is the destination?
Which major roads connect the two areas?
Are there bridges, rivers, motorways or one-way systems to consider?
Is there a simpler or more direct route?

This approach will help you answer unfamiliar questions and build skills that are useful when you start driving professionally.

How to prepare effectively

For the best results:

Attend training before your assessment date
Practise regularly rather than completing one long session
Ask your trainer to explain mistakes
Complete timed mock tests
Review areas you consistently find difficult
Avoid booking your assessment before you are ready

A short, focused session can be useful if you already have some map knowledge. If you are completely new to London’s geography, you may benefit from additional practice.

Step 3: Book your medical appointment

Your medical appointment confirms whether you meet the required medical standard for private hire driving.

The examination is generally based on the DVLA Group 2 standard, which is used for professional drivers. The doctor will review your health and assess whether any medical condition could affect your ability to drive safely.

What happens during a medical appointment?

A medical appointment may include:

A health questionnaire
A review of your medical history
Blood pressure checks
Vision checks
Questions about medication
Questions about conditions such as diabetes, heart problems or neurological conditions
A general assessment of your fitness to drive

You should answer every question honestly. If you have a medical condition, this does not automatically mean your application will fail. The doctor will assess your individual circumstances and may ask for further information.

What should you bring?

Before attending your appointment, check whether you need to bring:

Photo identification
Your driving licence
Your glasses or contact lenses
A list of current medication
Details of your GP or previous treatment
Relevant medical letters or reports
The correct licensing medical form

Do not leave the form until the day of your appointment. Check that your personal details are correct and ask whether the doctor completing it is familiar with professional driver medicals.

You can arrange support through PCO GO’s medical appointment service.

Common mistakes that cause delays

The most frequent problems are usually avoidable. Watch out for these mistakes:

Applying with an expired or incorrect document
Using different spellings of your name
Failing to list previous addresses on a DBS application
Booking a medical but forgetting your glasses
Leaving the medical form incomplete
Starting topographical training too late
Booking an assessment without completing enough practice
Ignoring SERU preparation
Missing an appointment or deadline
Assuming that driving experience alone is enough to pass the assessments

Insider Tip: Keep a licensing folder

Create a physical or digital folder containing:

Application confirmation
DBS information
Medical documents
Assessment bookings
Training notes
Identification documents
Any messages or letters about your application

This makes it easier to track your progress and respond quickly if more information is requested.

A realistic PCO licence timeline

Every applicant’s timeline is different. It depends on document checks, DBS processing, medical availability, training needs and assessment appointments.

A practical preparation plan could look like this:

Time	What to do
Days 1–3	Check eligibility and gather documents
Week 1	Begin the application and arrange DBS support
Week 1–2	Book and complete your medical appointment
Weeks 1–3	Complete topographical training and mock exams
Weeks 2–4	Prepare for SERU and English requirements
After booking	Attend your assessments and provide any outstanding information

This is only a planning guide. Your exact dates may be different.

Your PCO application checklist

Before you begin, check that you have:

A full and valid driving licence
Proof of identity
Right-to-work evidence
Address history for your DBS check
DBS application information
Medical appointment booked
Correct medical form
Topographical training arranged
Computer-based mock tests completed
SERU test prep completed, if required
Assessment dates recorded
Copies of all submitted documents

How PCO GO can help

Applying for a PCO licence while managing work and family responsibilities can feel stressful. You do not have to work through every stage alone.

PCO GO can support you with:

Full PCO licence application guidance
DBS check assistance
Medical appointment support
Topographical training from £99
Computer-based map and route-planning practice
Real exam-style mock tests
SERU test prep
Guidance on the English requirement
Job advice for new private-hire drivers

The aim is simple: to give you a clear plan, practical training and support from experienced trainers.

Contact PCO GO to discuss your application and choose the right next step.

FAQs

How long does it take to get a PCO licence?

The timescale varies depending on your DBS check, medical appointment, assessment bookings and whether you need additional training. Starting early and submitting accurate documents can help prevent avoidable delays.

Do I need topographical training?

Private training is not always mandatory, but it is strongly recommended if you are unfamiliar with London’s roads or want to improve your confidence before the assessment. PCO GO offers topographical test training with computer-based practice and mock exams.

What is checked during the medical appointment?

The doctor may review your health history, medication, blood pressure, eyesight and any medical conditions that could affect safe professional driving. The assessment is based on the required Group 2 medical standard.

Can I use my own GP for the medical?

You may be able to use your own GP or another suitable medical provider. Before booking, confirm that the doctor can complete the correct professional driver medical form.

Is SERU test prep separate from topographical training?

Yes. Topographical training focuses on maps, route planning and London geography. SERU test prep focuses on safety, equality, regulations and private hire driver responsibilities. You may need to complete both.

What is the biggest mistake new applicants make?

The biggest mistake is treating the application as a last-minute task. Gather your documents, book your medical appointment and start training as early as possible. Preparation gives you more time to correct problems before they affect your application.

Can PCO GO help with the whole process?

Yes. PCO GO offers support with the PCO licence application, DBS checks, medical appointments, topographical training, SERU preparation and job advice. Speak to the team today to get started.

PCO Licence, Topographical Training and Medical Appointment: The 3 Steps to Driving in London