When planning to drive in London, you have to deal with a lot of requirements, be it about the maintenance of vehicle driving, or about the driver. Let’s discuss all the problems under the umbrella of licenses. Two major requirements for you being an uber driver or trying to rent your car for ride hailing apps are PHV licence and private hire driver licence. Let’s break it down and know from the basics about the two licences and how they cover everything you need to get for driving in London.
What is the PHV Licence?
The PHV (Private hire vehicle ) licence is the licence for vehicles to be driven on roads. This licence is legally required if you want your vehicle to be used by apps like uber, bolt, ola or any other ride hailing app. It ensures that the car meets Transport for London’s (TfL) standards for safety, insurance, age, and emissions. Moreover, this licence allows the vehicle to be used for hire and reward. By making sure your vehicle has the private hire vehicle licence, you can avoid any kind of inconvenience later on when picking up passangers. This licence is only for the vehicle and not the driver. Whether you are the driver of a vehicle or just own a vehicle which you are going to rent out for ride hailing apps, the PHV licence is a must for you.
Requirements of PHV Licence
To obtain a valid private hire vehicle licence for your vehicle , your vehicle needs to fulfil the following requirements:
Zero Emission Capability
A private hire vehicle licence requires you to be in the best condition when it comes to emission. They must meet at least the Euro 6 emission standard. Talking about petrol vehicles, the emission standard is Euro 4 while for diesel, it’s Euro 6. These criterias are made to ensure the vehicle is environment friendly and will not harm the London city atmosphere.
Age Limit
The age limit is basically the age of the vehicle . Usually, the vehicle preferred for PCO licence must be within the last 10 years of models. This age limit is specifically required at the time of documentation. However, there are some exceptions for some electric or low emission vehicles.
Vehicle Safety and Roadworthiness
The vehicle you are getting licenced should pass the road readiness inspection by Transport for London authority to ensure the safety and compatibility of the vehicle with all the relevant rules and regulations. This includes the safety features check like airbags, seatbelts, properly functioning doors and the sound mechanical conditions.
Vehicle Registration
To get the licence, you must be able to prove the ownership of the vehicle with the valid and original documents.
Insurance
The car you are getting licence for must be insured properly for the hire and reward purpose which covers both the driver and the passenger in case of any disaster or road accident.
Seating Capacity
These licensed cars must not accommodate more than 8 people at a time. Moreover, it must have 4 doors and enough space for at least 4 people.
MOT Certificate
The MOT certificate is required for acquiring this licence and it would be issued no more than 10 days before the date of application.
Identification and Appearance
The private hire vehicles must not resemble the standard London “ black cab”, as they are not allowed to place lights on the roof or other markings restricted to licensed taxis.
Compliance with TfL and ULEZ Rules
The vehicles up for the Private Hire vehicle licence must comply with the Ultra low emission zone regulations if they are operating in the designated zone of London. Or else, they would pay daily charges.
What is a PCO Licence?
Coming to private hire driver licence, this is a driver oriented one, and has nothing to do with the vehicle . The licence is also known as the “Private Hire Drover Licence (PHDL). It involves background checks, medical checks, an English test, a topographical (navigation) skills test, and proof of legal work status. Moreover, this is a must have licence for anyone to opt for the drive and earn, making it a cornerstone of the professional driving process in London. This licence is valid for upto three years and must be renewed as soon as it expires to avoid any kind of inconvenience while driving on the road.
Requirements of PCO Licence
Following are the key requirements you need to fulfil while getting your Private hire driver licence (PHDL), also known as PCO licence.
Age
Your age must be 21 years when you are applying for the licence. Any one less than 21 years of age must not be able to get the licence.
Driving experience
A person applying for the private hire driver licence must have a UK driving licence for three years.
Right to work
This is an important requirement if you want to work in London or overall in the United Kingdom.
DBS check
To get the PCO licence, applicants must pass the DBS check to prove the good character required to work in London city.
What is DBS?
This stands for Disclosure and Barring service check. This is a test in which authorities review your record, making sure you do not have a criminal background. Moreover, they ensure you do not have any convictions, reprimands or warnings. This ensures your trustworthiness to work as a private hire driver.
Medical fitness check
You need to pass the DVLA group 2 medical examination to confirm that you are medically fit and healthy to be a part of this driving business in London.
English language proficiency
It is also important to prove your English language proficiency because this is the only mode of communication in the United Kingdom.
Topographical test
Coming to this, knowing all the routes in London is the cornerstone of driving business especially PCO car hire in London and to get this licence, you need to prove that you are proficient in this.
Tax Registration Awareness
First-time applicants must confirm awareness of HMRC tax guidance and are required to register with HMRC to pay tax on earnings.
Additional checks
If you have been out of the UK for 3 months or more, you need to give a certificate of good conduct for those countries too.
Meeting all these requirements make you eligible for the private hire driver licence.
Comparison of how PHV licence Differs from PCO licence
Get PCO car from Zoom PCO Hire
Now that you understand the difference between a PCO and PHV licence, you might be wondering , where do I get a vehicle that’s already approved and ready to drive?
That’s where Zoom PCO Hire comes in. They offer fully PHV-licenced vehicles that are ready to hit the roads of London. Whether you’re a newly licensed driver or someone looking for a reliable vehicle without the hassle of paperwork and compliance checks, Zoom PCO Hire provides a stress-free solution. Their cars meet all TfL standards, from emission compliance to insurance and safety.
Conclusion
Having a PHV-licenced vehicle and being a PCO-licenced driver can save you from many inconveniences while driving professionally in London. Moreover, the necessary steps and documentation for acquiring these licences have been clearly outlined to help you complete the process smoothly. By following the guidance closely and ensuring you obtain all required licences on time, you can avoid troublesome scenarios and ensure a hassle free experience on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a PCO licence and a PHV licence?
The PCO licence (Private Hire Driver Licence) is for drivers who want to work for ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt. The Private Hire Vehicle Licence is for vehicles that are used to carry passengers. Both licences are required — one for the driver, and one for the car.
Can I drive for Uber if I only have a PHV licence for my car?
No. This licence only applies to the car. To drive for Uber or any private hire service, you must also have a valid PCO licence issued by TfL.
Do I need a private hire vehicle licence if I’m just renting my car out to a driver?
Yes. If your vehicle will be used for private hire, it must have a private hire vehicle licence, even if someone else is driving it. The private hire vehicle licence confirms that the car meets TfL’s safety, emission, and insurance standards.
How long are PCO and PHV licences valid for?
The PCO licence (driver) is valid for 3 years, while the private hire vehicle licence (vehicle ) must be renewed annually.
What tests are required to get a PCO licence?
To get a PCO licence, you’ll need to pass:
- A medical fitness check (DVLA Group 2)
- An enhanced DBS check (criminal background)
- An English language test
- A topographical skills test (map reading/navigation)
Can I use my personal car to drive for Uber or Bolt if I get a PCO licence?
Not unless your car also has a valid private hire vehicle licence. Both the driver and the vehicle need to be licensed by TfL to legally operate in London’s private hire industry.
