AdminBecoming a private hire driver in London can open the door to flexible work with platforms such as Uber and Bolt. However, before you can legally start carrying passengers, you must complete several important licensing steps.
For many applicants, the process feels confusing. You may be unsure which documents you need, when to book your medical, or how to prepare for the TfL topographical assessment.
The good news is that the journey becomes much easier when you understand the three main building blocks:
- Applying for your PCO licence
- Completing Topographical Training
- Booking and passing your Medical Appointments
This guide explains what each step involves, the mistakes to avoid and how PCO GO can support you from your first application through to starting your driving career.
What is a PCO licence?
A PCO licence is the private hire driver licence issued by Transport for London. It allows you to work legally as a private hire driver in London, provided you also meet the vehicle and operator requirements.
The licence is separate from the following:
- Your driving licence
- Your vehicle licence
- Your private hire operator arrangements
- Your hire-and-reward insurance
To apply, you will generally need to meet key eligibility requirements, including:
- Being at least 21 years old
- Holding a full driving licence for the required period
- Having the right to live and work in the UK
- Passing the relevant background checks
- Meeting the required medical standard
- Completing the required TfL assessments
The application involves more than simply filling in an online form. Your documents, identity, driving history, DBS information, medical evidence and other details must be accurate and consistent.
This is why many applicants choose PCO licence application support from PCO GO.
Step 1: Apply for your PCO licence correctly
Your PCO licence application is the foundation of the entire process. If information is missing or documents do not match, your application may be delayed.
Prepare your documents
Before starting, gather the documents and information you are likely to need:
- Passport or accepted proof of identity
- Driving licence details
- DVLA check information, where required
- National Insurance number
- Address history
- Proof of your right to work
- Passport-style photograph
- Information needed for your DBS check
- Medical documentation when requested
If you have lived outside the UK for a significant period during the relevant timeframe, you may also need overseas documents such as a Certificate of Good Conduct.
Complete your DBS check
TfL requires an enhanced DBS check as part of assessing whether you are a fit and proper person to hold a private hire driver licence.
This is an important safety measure. It does not necessarily mean that every past issue automatically prevents you from getting a licence. However, you must provide honest and complete information.
PCO GO can help you understand the DBS check process and make sure you know what information may be required.
Check every detail before submitting
Small errors can create unnecessary delays. Before submitting your application, check that:
- Your name is written consistently on every document
- Your date of birth is correct
- Your addresses are complete
- Your driving licence details are accurate
- Your photograph meets the requirements
- Your supporting evidence is clear and readable
Insider Tip: Do not rush your application just because you want to start driving quickly. Spending extra time checking your documents can help you avoid a much longer delay later.
Step 2: Build confidence with topographical training.
Topographical Training prepares you for the TfL topographical skills assessment. This assessment checks whether you can read maps, understand directions and plan suitable routes across London.
It is not enough to rely entirely on a sat-nav. A professional private hire driver needs to understand London’s roads and be able to make sensible decisions when facing traffic, road closures, one-way systems or restricted turns.
What does the topographical assessment test?
The assessment can involve areas such as the following:
- Map reading
- Grid references
- Compass directions
- Identifying major roads and locations
- Understanding London landmarks
- Planning routes between two points
- Recognising suitable and unsuitable roads
- Reading route instructions in English
The assessment is computer-based, so practising on a computer can make a major difference. You need to become comfortable reading the screen, moving through questions and working under time pressure.
PCO GO provides Topographical Training in London from £99, with computer-based practice and realistic exam mocks.
Why applicants struggle with the test
Many candidates make the mistake of treating the test as a general knowledge quiz. In reality, it tests practical skills that need to be developed through repetition.
Common difficulties include:
- Confusing east, west, north and south
- Misreading the map scale
- Missing a one-way road
- Choosing a route with a prohibited turn
- Taking too long on the first few questions
- Relying on memory instead of checking the map carefully
- Practising only on paper when the real assessment is computer-based
You do not need to memorise every London street. You do need a clear method for approaching each question.
A simple preparation routine
Use this routine to improve your confidence:
- Learn the main London areas
Start with central London, major airports, hospitals, railway stations and busy passenger destinations. - Practise compass directions
Test yourself by comparing well-known locations. For example, identify whether one landmark is north, south, east or west of another. - Study route logic
Look for the most practical route rather than simply the shortest-looking line. - Check restrictions
Pay attention to one-way systems, no-entry roads and roads that would make a route unsuitable. - Complete realistic mocks
Practise until you can answer accurately and calmly within the available time.
Frequent Flyer Tip: If you keep making the same mistake in your mock tests, do not simply repeat the test. Stop and review the reason for the mistake. Understanding the method is more valuable than memorising an answer.
You can also read PCO GO’s guide to the PCO topographical test for additional preparation advice.
Step 3: Book your medical appointments.
Your Medical Appointments are another essential part of the PCO licence process. You must meet the DVLA Group 2 medical standard, which is the standard used for professional bus and lorry drivers.
The medical assessment helps confirm that you are medically fit to drive passengers safely.
What happens during the medical?
The exact appointment may vary by provider, but a Group 2 assessment can include checks relating to:
- Eyesight
- Blood pressure
- General health
- Medical conditions
- Medication
- Relevant medical history
- Fitness to drive professionally
You will normally need to provide accurate information about your health. If your medical history is incomplete, the clinician may need further information before completing the form.
PCO GO can help you arrange Medical Appointments for your PCO application, making it easier to find the right type of assessment and understand what you need to bring.
What should you take to your appointment?
Prepare the following before attending:
- Photo identification
- Your driving licence
- A list of current medication
- Details of your GP or previous medical providers
- Information about existing medical conditions
- Any relevant glasses or contact lenses
- Medical forms supplied for the assessment
Answer all questions honestly. Trying to hide a medical condition can cause more serious problems than declaring it and allowing the clinician to assess it properly.
Common medical appointment mistakes
Applicants often experience delays because they:
- Book the wrong type of medical
- Forget to bring their glasses
- Do not know the names of their medication
- Provide incomplete medical history
- Attend an appointment without the correct form
- Upload an unclear or incomplete document
- Wait until the last minute to book
Insider Tip: Book your medical early enough to allow time for follow-up information. If the clinician needs details from your GP, your application may take longer than expected.
Do not forget the other TfL assessments
Topographical Training and Medical Appointments are central to your application, but they are not the only requirements.
Many new applicants must also complete the SERU assessment, which covers:
- Safety
- Equality
- Regulatory understanding
- Passenger responsibilities
- Safeguarding
- Private hire rules
PCO GO offers SERU test preparation, including guidance and practice to help you prepare more confidently.
The best approach is to plan your full application rather than preparing for each requirement in isolation.
How PCO GO supports your complete journey
Applying for a PCO licence can feel like a lot to manage on your own. You may have to organise your DBS check, book a medical, prepare for assessments and keep track of TfL communications.
PCO GO provides practical support with the following:
- PCO licence application assistance
- TfL registration guidance
- DBS checks
- Medical Appointments
- Topographical Training from £99
- Computer-based training
- SERU test preparation
- Real exam mocks
- Advice about starting work after licensing
The aim is simple: to reduce confusion, help you prepare properly and give you the confidence to complete each stage correctly.
Once you are ready to start looking at driving opportunities, PCO GO can also provide job advice and driver guidance.
Your PCO licence checklist
Use this quick checklist to stay organised:
- Confirm that you meet the basic eligibility requirements
- Gather your identity and right-to-work documents
- Start your PCO licence application
- Complete your enhanced DBS check
- Book your Group 2 Medical Appointment
- Submit the completed medical evidence
- Begin Topographical Training
- Practise with computer-based mock tests
- Prepare for the SERU assessment
- Check all TfL deadlines and messages
- Arrange suitable vehicle, insurance and operator requirements before driving passengers
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a PCO licence?
The timeframe varies depending on your documents, DBS check, medical appointment, assessment dates and TfL processing times. Applications with missing information can take longer.
Is Topographical Training mandatory?
You are required to pass the TfL topographical assessment. Private training is not the same as the official assessment, but professional Topographical Training can help you understand the format, practise route planning and reduce the risk of failing.
What are Medical Appointments for a PCO licence?
Medical Appointments are used to assess whether you meet the DVLA Group 2 medical standard required for professional private hire driving.
Can I use my normal GP for the medical?
Some applicants use their GP, while others choose a private medical provider. Always confirm that the appointment is suitable for the PCO licence application and that the clinician can complete the required assessment.
What happens if I fail the topographical test?
A failed assessment can delay your application and may mean you need to book another test. The best way to reduce this risk is to take realistic mocks and identify your weak areas before the official assessment.
Does PCO GO help with the whole application?
Yes. PCO GO supports applicants with PCO licence applications, DBS checks, Medical Appointments, Topographical Training, SERU preparation, computer-based training and job advice.
Start your PCO journey with the right support
Your PCO licence is the key to starting work as a private hire driver in London. Topographical Training helps you prepare for the map-based assessment, while Medical Appointments help you complete the required Group 2 health assessment.
With the right plan, the process does not have to feel overwhelming.
Speak to PCO GO about your PCO licence application and training support, or visit the PCO GO services page to explore your next steps.