How to renew your PCO licence in London in 2024

A guide to PCO license renewal

Renewing your PCO license is a critical process that every private hire driver in London must undertake if you want to maintain your ability to keep driving. Failure to renew on time can have serious consequences, including hefty fines coupled with an inability to work.

To ensure you're fully prepared, this guide will walk you through every step of the PCO renewal process.

Check your PCO license expiry date

The first step in the renewal process is to check when your PCO license is due to expire. You can find this date on your physical license or in the documentation you received when your license was first issued.

To avoid any last-minute rush, we recommend using a calendar app to set a reminder. Ideally, start preparing three months in advance. Setting a reminder at least three months before your license expires will give you ample time to complete all the necessary steps and gather all the documents you need for your license renewal.

DID YOU KNOW? TfL now issues all application packs four months before the expiry date.  

Complete the safeguarding awareness training

As part of the renewal process, you must complete the safeguarding awareness training, which is designed to ensure that drivers are knowledgeable about protecting vulnerable passengers. This training is mandatory and must be completed before your renewal application can be processed. It contains 29 slides that are designed to raise driver awareness of how important safeguarding is in their role, how to identify possible victims of abuse or exploitation, and what steps to take in those instances.

Once you’ve completed the training, you will receive a certificate. Make sure to keep this certificate safe, as you’ll need to provide it during the renewal process. Without this proof, your application may be delayed, or even rejected.

Insurance and vehicle documents

Your vehicle’s insurance and other related documents must be up to date at the time of renewal. This includes your vehicle registration, MOT certificate, and insurance policy.

If any of your documents are close to expiring, renew them before submitting your PCO renewal application. This will help avoid any issues that could delay the processing of your license.

Pass a medical exam to prove your fitness to drive

As part of the renewal process, you’ll need to pass a medical exam. This exam assesses your physical and mental fitness to drive and ensures you meet the Group 2 standards set by the DVLA.

The Group 2 medical standards are more stringent than those for ordinary drivers. You’ll need to provide evidence that you meet these standards by completing a medical examination either with your GP or at a hospital.

Schedule your medical exam well in advance. It’s important to complete this step early to avoid any delays in your renewal process.

After your medical exam, your doctor will complete and sign a medical form. Submit this form along with your renewal application as proof your fit and healthy to drive.

Pass a DBS check to ensure suitability

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required to renew your PCO license. This check is to ensure that you do not have any criminal convictions that would make you unsuitable to work as a private hire driver. For example, a drink driving conviction and subsequent ban would make you ineligible to work as a private hire driver.

Submit a recent DBS certificate

If you’re already subscribed to the DBS update service, this step is quick and easy. Otherwise, you’ll need to submit a new DBS certificate with your application. It’s wise to enrol in the update service to simplify future renewals. DBS checks are only valid for three months, so make sure to get yours at the right time.

Provide a recent photograph

You’ll need to submit a recent passport-style photograph as part of your renewal application. The photo must adhere to Transport for London (TfL) guidelines, which specify that the image must be clear, well-lit, and taken against a plain background. Failure to comply with these guidelines could result in delays, so double-check that your photo meets all the necessary criteria before submitting it.

Options for your application submission

You can submit your renewal application either online through the TfL website or by mail. Online submissions are generally faster and allow you to track the status of your application.

The total cost of the various components you need to renew your PCO license is around £450 (or £486 if you need to take an English test)   

PCO renewal costs

• PCO renewal application fee (payable to TfL) – £310 (licence app fee £124 and grant of licence fee £186)

• DBS check application fee – £52 (online) £54 (paper)

• Medical check – £80 (this varies from GP to GP)

• Post Office Check and Send - £7.15

• TfL English test (only if you haven’t taken it previously) - £36.

Once you’ve submitted all the required documents and fees, the renewal process typically takes 1-2 weeks. During this time, TfL will review your application and conduct any necessary checks.

Upon approval, you will receive your renewed PCO license in the mail. Keep this license safe, as it is required for legal private hire driving.

What if you don’t renew your licence in time?

If you fail to renew your PCO license before it expires, you will be driving illegally. This could result in significant fines, points on your license, and the suspension of your ability to work as a private hire driver indefinitely.

If your license expires, you may be required to reapply from scratch, which could involve a lengthy waiting period. In some cases, you might be removed from the system entirely, making it materially more challenging to get back on the road.

The penalties for driving without a valid PCO license can be severe, including fines, points on your license, and suspension. It’s crucial to renew your license on time to avoid these consequences.

If a driver submits a renewal application after their previous licence has expired, there is no guarantee that a new licence will be issued immediately. In fact, it can take up to six weeks. The driver must wait until all necessary procedures, including the return of a satisfactory DBS check, have been completed. The new licence will become effective on the date of issue, not on the date the previous licence expired or the date of the application.

If a driver applies for renewal more than three months after their previous licence expired, they will be treated as a new applicant. This would incur more fees as it means you would need to:

·         Get a new medical examination

·         Meet the requirements for a new driver application

·         Wait for all necessary checks to be completed

­­­Driving a PCO car without a licence is illegal in London. You should apply to renew your licence at least two months before it expires.

A new licence will not be issued until all required checks are completed. Any driver who applies for renewal after their licence has expired will no longer be licensed and cannot work until the new licence is issued, affecting your earning potential. If you don’t apply to renew your PCO licence within three months after the expiry of the previous one, TfL will remove you from the system. 

Documents required­­

To renew your PCO license, you’ll need to submit the following documents:

·         Medical form

·         DBS Check

·         Passport style photographs

·         Relevant tickets

·         Original licence

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls during the PCO license renewal process:

·         Not submitting all the necessary documents: Missing documents will delay your application.

·         Not taking training seriously: The safeguarding awareness training is mandatory so should be given due importance.

·         Not researching licensing requirements: Ensure you understand all TfL requirements, so you don’t miss anything.

·         Not renewing on time: Set yourself reminders to avoid missing your renewal deadline.

Own a PCO approved car through FlexiOwn

If your vehicle doesn’t meet the required standards or you’re looking for an upgrade, Splend’s FlexiOwn provides you with the option to rent-to-own a PCO approved car. You can choose from our wide range of EVmodels, all of which are approved for private hire driving and come with a range of features to suit your driving needs.

By following these simple detailed steps and guidelines, you’ll give yourself the best chance success during your PCO license renewal process.

Renewing your license on time not only keeps you on the road but also enhances the safety and trust of your passengers. It also maintains your ability to continue earning an income.

FAQs

How long does a PCO licence last for?

·         How long does TfL take to renew my PCO licence?

The processing time can vary but it can take up to three months, so it is best to get everything you need to submit together when you receive your application pack from TfL four months ahead of the expiry date of your current license.

·         How much does a DBS check cost?

£52 (online) £54 (paper)

·         Is my data saved in TfL after 3 months of expiry? No. You will have to apply as a new applicant if your license has been expired for over three months.

·         What documents must I have for the PCO licence renewal?

1.      Medical form

2.      DBS Check

3.      Passport style photographs

4.      Relevant tickets

5.      Original licence