AdminIf you are planning to become a private hire driver in London, the cost of getting your PCO licence has changed in 2026.
The main increase affects the TfL driver licence application and grant fees. Assessment fees have also risen, and resits are now more expensive than before.
This does not mean the process is unaffordable. However, you need to plan carefully. Understanding the PCO licence fees 2026 schedule can help you avoid unexpected costs, failed tests and delays before you start driving for platforms such as Uber or Bolt.
What has changed in the 2026 PCO licence fees?
The 2026 fee changes have been introduced in stages:
- Assessment fees increased from March 2026.
- Driver application and grant fees increased from June 2026.
The following figures are the 2026 amounts used for budgeting in this guide.
| Cost | Previous fee | 2026 fee | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCO licence application | £124 | £138 | £14 |
| Grant of licence | £186 | £205 | £19 |
| Application and grant combined | £310 | £343 | £33 |
| First topographical assessment | £36 | £40 | £4 |
| First SERU assessment | £36 | £40 | £4 |
| First English assessment, if required | £36 | £40 | £4 |
| Assessment resit | £16 | £30 | £14 |
The £343 total covers the two main TfL driver licence charges:
- The application fee, which is non-refundable.
- The grant of a licence fee, paid when your licence is approved and granted.
Important: These are driver licensing costs. They do not include vehicle rental, insurance, vehicle licensing, fuel or platform-related expenses.
How much does a PCO licence cost in total in 2026?
The £343 licence fee is only one part of the full journey. Most applicants also need to budget for checks, assessments, a medical examination and preparation.
Here is a practical breakdown.
1. PCO licence application and grant fees: £343
This is the core cost of the TfL PCO application and licence.
You should be prepared to pay:
- £138 for the application.
- £205 for the grant of licence.
The application fee is generally non-refundable. This is why it is important to check your documents and eligibility before submitting your application.
Our PCO licence application support service can help you prepare your documents, complete the registration process and avoid common administration mistakes.
2. Enhanced DBS check: £52 or £54
You will normally need an Enhanced DBS check as part of the licensing process.
The 2026 costs are:
- £52 for an online DBS check, or
- £54 for a paper DBS check.
You may also choose to use the DBS Update Service, which costs £16 per year. This is a separate optional ongoing cost and should be considered when planning for future renewals or monitoring requirements.
The DBS process can cause delays if your identity documents, addresses or previous names are not entered correctly. Getting support early can help you avoid having to repeat the process.
3. Mandatory assessments: £40 each
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to complete some or all of the following assessments:
- Topographical skills assessment: £40
- SERU assessment: £40
- English speaking and listening assessment: £40, if required
If you need all three assessments and pass on your first attempt, the total assessment cost is £120.
You may not need the English assessment if you can provide accepted evidence of your English language ability. Do not assume that you are exempt without checking your documents carefully.
4. Medical appointment: estimate £45–£150
Your medical assessment is completed by a doctor, and the price can vary significantly.
For budgeting purposes, allow an estimated £45 to £150. The final price depends on the provider, your location and whether the doctor needs additional information about your medical history.
PCO GO can help you arrange a suitable medical appointment and understand what information you need to take with you.
5. Optional Check and Send service: £7.15
If you use the Post Office Check and Send service, allow £7.15.
This is optional. You may choose to submit your documents yourself, but you must make sure your paperwork is complete and correctly presented.
Realistic 2026 PCO licence budget
Your final cost depends on which assessments apply to you and whether you pass first time.
Estimated first-time budget if all three assessments are required
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £138 |
| Grant of licence fee | £205 |
| Enhanced DBS check, online | £52 |
| Topographical assessment | £40 |
| SERU assessment | £40 |
| English assessment | £40 |
| Medical appointment | £45–£150 estimate |
| Estimated total | £560–£665 |
This estimate does not include training, travel, vehicle costs or the optional Check and Send service.
If you do not need the English assessment, your estimated total may be approximately £520–£625, depending mainly on the medical cost.
These figures are for planning purposes. Fees and medical prices can change, so always check the amount shown when your assessment or application is booked.
Why resits can make your PCO licence more expensive
The 2026 resit fee is £30, compared with £16 previously.
The fee itself is only part of the cost. A failed assessment can also lead to:
- Another booking fee.
- Additional travel costs.
- More training sessions.
- A delay before you can complete your licence.
- Lost earning time while you wait to qualify.
The topographical assessment is particularly difficult for candidates who have not practised route planning on a computer. The SERU assessment can also be challenging if you are unfamiliar with regulatory language or long written questions.
PCO GO provides computer-based training and realistic exam mocks to help you prepare before paying for the official assessment. Our topographical test training starts from £99 and focuses on the skills you need for the computer-based test.
How to avoid unnecessary costs and delays
Check your eligibility before paying
Before starting your TfL PCO application, confirm that you meet the main requirements, including:
- Being at least 21 years old.
- Holding the required full driving licence.
- Having the right to work in the UK.
- Meeting the character and fitness requirements.
- Having the correct identity and address documents.
Submitting an application before checking these details can lead to delays or additional costs.
Prepare your DBS documents carefully
Make sure your identity documents show consistent information. Pay attention to:
- Current and previous addresses.
- Spelling of your full name.
- Previous names.
- Date of birth.
- Clear document scans or photographs.
If the information does not match, your DBS check may take longer to process.
Do not book an assessment before you are ready
It can be tempting to book a test quickly. However, an early test date is not always the cheapest option if you are not prepared.
Use a structured SERU test preparation programme and complete practice questions before your official assessment.
For the topographical test, practise:
- Reading the A-Z Master Atlas.
- Finding roads and landmarks quickly.
- Planning routes between two points.
- Understanding one-way systems.
- Working accurately under time pressure.
- Using a computer-based interface.
Keep a separate fee budget
Create a simple budget before you begin. Keep money aside for:
- TfL application fee.
- TfL grant fee.
- DBS check.
- Medical appointment.
- Assessments.
- Training.
- Possible travel costs.
- A contingency amount in case a resit is needed.
A sensible contingency is an estimate of £70–£150, depending on how many assessments you need to retake and how much additional preparation is required.
Submit clear and complete documents
Blurry scans, missing pages and incorrect information are common causes of application delays. Check every document before uploading it.
PCO GO’s complete PCO licence application support is designed to make this stage easier. Our team can guide you through registration, DBS checks, medical arrangements and the required assessments.
Fee-planning checklist for 2026 applicants
Use this checklist before you begin your application:
- Confirm that you meet the basic PCO licence eligibility requirements.
- Set aside £138 for the application fee.
- Budget £205 for the grant of the licence fee.
- Allow £52–£54 for the Enhanced DBS check.
- Check whether you need the English speaking and listening assessment.
- Budget £40 for each first assessment.
- Allow £30 for each possible resit.
- Set aside an estimated £45–£150 for your medical.
- Budget for training and travel.
- Keep a contingency fund for unexpected costs.
- Check your documents before submitting the application.
Frequently asked questions
What are the PCO licence fees in 2026?
The 2026 driver fees are £138 for the application and £205 for the grant of licence. Together, these total £343.
How much should I budget for the full PCO licence process?
A realistic first-time budget is approximately £560–£665 if you need all three assessments and your medical costs between £45 and £150. This excludes training, travel and vehicle costs.
If you do not need the English assessment, your total may be lower.
How much is a PCO assessment resit in 2026?
The 2026 resit fee is £30 per assessment. You may also need to pay for further training and travel.
Is professional PCO training worth the cost?
Good preparation can help you avoid resit fees, extra travel and delays to your licence. PCO GO offers PCO training in London with computer-based practice, experienced trainers and realistic exam mocks.
Can PCO GO help with the complete TfL PCO application?
Yes. PCO GO can support you with the application process, DBS checks, medical appointments, topographical test training, SERU preparation and practical job advice. Visit our application support service to learn more.
Start your PCO licence journey with confidence
The 2026 fee increases mean that careful planning is more important than ever. However, you can keep your costs under control by preparing your documents properly, booking the right assessments and avoiding unnecessary retakes.
PCO GO can support you from your first application through to your training and career plans. Our team provides fast application support, computer-based training, realistic exam mocks and practical job advice.
Contact PCO GO today to discuss your PCO licence application and prepare for your next step as a London private hire driver.