Obtaining a Private Hire Driver Licence, commonly known as a PCO licence, is essential for anyone looking to operate as a minicab driver or an executive driver in London. The PCO licence costs can be substantial and varies depending on several factors. Initially, you need to take into account the application fees, which are just the tip of the iceberg. The process involves several steps, each incurring its own cost, including a medical check, vision test, and the acquisition of a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
Beyond the initial application fee, you’ll also need to budget for the practical assessments that are part of the licensing process. These include a topographical skills assessment, which determines your navigational abilities, and may also involve a language proficiency test, ensuring you have the necessary level of English for the role. It’s important to assess all the potential costs early on so you can prepare adequately for the expenses associated with obtaining a PCO licence.
Quick Summary: PCO Licence Costs
- A PCO licence is mandatory to drive a private hire vehicle in London.
- The cost includes application fees, medical and eye tests, and an Enhanced DBS check.
- Practical assessments, like the topographical skills test, add to the overall expense.
Licence Application Fee
When applying for a private hire driver’s licence through Transport for London, you’ll incur specific costs tailored to your application. It’s essential to be aware of these fees and budget accordingly.
- Licence Application Fee: This is the charge for processing your application, which you need to pay upfront. Keep in mind that this is not refundable.
- Grant of Licence Fee: If your application is successful, you will be required to pay this fee to receive your licence, which is valid for a set period of three years.
You can make an initial licence application fee and pay the grant of licence fee later. But it is quicker to make the full payment of £310.
The PCO Licence costs are a crucial consideration for your application. Here is a breakdown of the fees related to licence application you might incur:
| Licence | Cost |
|---|---|
| Licence application fee | £124 |
| Grant of licence fee | £186 |
| TOTAL | £310 |
To avoid any surprises, regularly check the official TfL website, as fees can change and additional costs may apply, such as costs for required tests or DBS checks. Remember, these are investments in your professional qualifications as a private hire driver.
Your licence is typically valid for three years, and you must also budget for renewal costs. Before starting your application, ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Medical Declaration Form
As part of obtaining your Private Hire Driver licence, commonly known as a PCO licence, you’re required to undergo a medical examination by a GP to ensure you meet the DVLA Group 2 medical standards. This is necessary for the safety of both driver and passengers.
- The Medical examination cost can vary from surgery to surgery.
- On average, you should expect to pay between £80 and £150 for your GP to complete this examination.
- This fee is generally not covered by the NHS and must be paid directly to the surgery.
- Some services offer a fixed price, which may include additional tests such as an eye test.
Remember, you must have your medical declaration form completed by a GP who is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). Ensure that the TPH/204 Medical Declaration Form is fully completed with no sections left blank.
| Medical Declaration Form | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Medical examination by GP | £80 – £150 |
| Eye test (if not included) | Additional cost may be applicable |
Before booking your appointment, check if the GP’s fee includes all aspects of the examination required by Transport for London (TfL).
To prevent any surprises on the day, clarify the total cost and what’s included when you arrange your appointment. Keep in mind that prices may fluctuate and it’s wise to compare offers from different surgeries.
Eye Test
When applying for your PCO licence, one crucial step is the eye test conducted by an optician. This is part of the medical declaration form that needs to be completed either by your GP or an optician.
The cost for the vision test by an optician may vary but expect to pay around £40 as this is a standard charge for an eye test related to the PCO medical requirements.
Below, you’ll find the typical costs associated with obtaining an eye test from an optician, which is a necessary step to ensure your visual acuity meets the required standards for driving a PCO vehicle.
- Standard Eye Test: The price can range from £20 to £25. However, it’s important to check if you’re eligible for any discounts or free tests. For example, if you’re over 60 years old, you might be entitled to a free eye test with some opticians.
- Optician’s Fee for PCO: Some opticians may charge a separate fee for completing the PCO eye test documentation. This could be around £15-£20, as indicated in the PCO Licence application process.
It’s important to note that prices may vary depending on the optician and location. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to contact local opticians directly for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
| Eye Test | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Eye Test | £20 – £25 |
| Completing Medical Form for PCO | £15 – £20 |
Enhanced DBS Check
When applying for a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) Driver’s Licence, also known as a PCO Licence, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is a mandatory requirement. This check ensures that you have no criminal history that would disqualify you from driving professionally.
An Enhanced DBS check typically costs £54. It’s essential to understand that this fee is set and there may be additional costs if a more extensive history needs to be reviewed. Payment usually goes directly to the service provider processing your application, and you can expect the results within 5 to 10 days on average, although times can vary. Keep in mind that the cost of the DBS check is only one component of the overall PCO licence costs.
- Enhanced DBS Check Fee: As per the latest information, the standard cost for processing this check is approximately £54. To apply, you would visit a provider like First Advantage who can facilitate this for you.
- DBS Update Service: It is advisable to subscribe to the DBS Update Service as it keeps your DBS certificate up to date and allows Transport for London to check a certificate online. This might be a requirement in the future which TfL is looking to introduce.
You will either require an enhanced DBS check or a DBS Update Service and not both:
| DBS Check | Cost |
|---|---|
| Enhanced DBS Check | £54 |
| DBS Update Service | £18 per year |
SERU Assessment
The SERU assessment is a critical step in obtaining your PCO licence. Understanding the costs involved in taking this assessment is key to successfully budgeting for your application process.
The initial cost for a SERU assessment is £36, which you’ll need to pay when you first take the test. If, however, you don’t pass on your initial attempt, a re-sit is available at a reduced cost of £16. Keep in mind, that this fee structure ensures that if you need a second chance, the financial impact is somewhat mitigated.
Please remember, you have only one opportunity to re-sit the assessment. In the unfortunate event of failing twice, you’ll have to reapply for the private hire licence from the beginning, including paying the full Transport for London (TfL) licensing fees again.
| SERU Assessment | Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial Assessment | £36 |
| Resit (if required) | £16 |
Topographical Skills Test
Successfully passing the Topographical Skills Test is a significant step in obtaining your PCO licence. This test examines your ability to navigate and plan routes within Greater London.
The Topographical Skills Test fee set by Transport for London (TfL) is £36 for your initial attempt. If you need to retake the test, the cost is reduced to £16 for the subsequent attempt.
Training Costs:
Some candidates choose to undertake paid training before the test. The cost for this training varies across different service providers, and it’s worth weighing up whether you feel training is necessary for your level of geographical knowledge and navigational skills. Uber in London offers a free training session for drivers. Sign up with them and take benefit of the free training.
| Topographical Skills Test | Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial Topographical Test Fee | £36 |
| Resit (if required) | £16 |
| Training (optional) | Varies |
Speaking and Listening Test
When you’re preparing to become a private hire driver in London, a mandatory requirement is to pass the Transport for London (TfL) Speaking and Listening test. This assesses your proficiency in English and is a critical step in obtaining your Private Hire Driver Licence.
The PCO Licence cost includes the cost of the Speaking and Listening test which is set by TfL. If you’re taking the test for the first time, it will set you back £36. However, if you need to take the test again, the cost for a re-sit is reduced to £16.
For more detailed information on the test and associated costs, you may want to view Transport for London’s guidelines on the English language requirement.
| Speaking and Listening Test | Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial Assessment | £36 |
| Resit (if required) | £16 |