How Long does it Take to Become a Private Hire Driver?

The first thing you need is a PCO licence. To get one, you must be 21 years old, and you must have a valid driving licence that is at least 3 years old.

As part of your training for this licence, you’ll also be required to take a few tests.

• A medical examination from your doctor
• An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (criminal record) check
• A topographical (map-reading and route-finding) skills assessment
• An English speaking and listening assessment
• A Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) assessment to determine your English reading and writing skills

NB: Note that you must have the legal right to live and work in the UK before you can apply for a PHV licence.

How Long does it Take to Get a PCO Licence?

It can take between 12 – 16 weeks to get your PCO licence.

Once you have obtained your licence and passed the tests, the next step is to register with a private hire company, like Addison Lee.

These are the essential documents you’ll need in order to drive for us:

• Identification: We require 2 documents as proof of identity.
• Driving licence: In order to legally work as a taxi driver, you must have a valid driving licence.
• PHV (Private Hire Vehicle) licence or PCO licence: A type of driving licence issued by the Public Carriage Office (PCO), which is a department of Transport for London (TfL).

If you have any questions, please contact our driver recruitment team on 0207 255 4204 for more information.