The Complete Guide to PCO in London 2024

If you live in London, you must have heard of and even used PCO care hire services often. People in big cities like London leverage such services to cover long-distance travel and earn an income through platforms like Uber, Ola, or Bolt. PCO is short for the Public Carriage Office, and it is a part of the Transport for London department. PCO is responsible for licensing private taxi services like Uber in London.

If you’re considering PCO car hire, this blog will help you get all the necessary information to get started. Read on to learn more about PCO cars for rent in London.

LEARN MORE: Buying a PCO car from Gumtree. A complete guide.

PCO Licensing

A PCO license is an important document that a PCO car rental owner must hold to drive for Uber and other platforms and earn an income.

It’s important to understand the difference between a PCO license and a PHV license. While there isn’t a vast difference between the two, the goals of PHV and PCO licenses differ. PCO license is mostly used to refer to the driver, and PHV is used for the vehicle.

You can easily obtain your PCO license if you have a valid UK work permit and more than three years of driving experience. Make sure you follow the below steps:

PCO Eligibility

For the driver to be eligible for the PCO license, they must follow these requirements:

21 years old or above
Have a legal work permit in the UK
Have more than three years of driving experience

Documents for PCO

Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you can proceed with obtaining your PCO license by submitting the following documents:

Driver’s license
Insurance number
DVLA Check Code
Address including bank statement or utility bills
Car Levy’s evidence documentation
Vehicle alterations documents
Other documents if you have lived abroad for more than three years

Medical Examination

To get a PCO license, the driver must be physically fit to drive other passengers. This is why you need to pass the Group 2 Standard of the DVLA Agency. Once you pass the test, you can include the document along with the required forms. TIP: Make sure that the medical test includes an eye test; if not, you will need to take a separate eye test.

DBS Check

To get your PCO license, the Disclosure and Barring Service also checks your criminal records (if any) to ensure that the license holder is of good character. TIP: The DBS check is only valid for up to three months, but you can update your certificate at any time by getting DBS update services.

MOT Test

The MOT test is another essential part of getting your PCO license that is required every six months by the Ministry of Transport (MOT). The MOT test is also needed when you renew your car’s license. The MOT test form you submit for the PCO car hire in Tottenham shouldn’t be less than 14 days.

The MOT test will check the following:

A number plate for the car
Doors and seat
Mirror and horn
Headlights, brake lights, tail lights, and driving lamps
Brakes of the vehicle
Bonnet catch
Steering wheel
Windscreen and seat belts
Body and structure of the car
Fuel system and exhaust
Suspension and battery wiring

If the car fails any of the above tests, you will not be able to acquire your PCO license in London.

English Language Test

To be qualified for a PCO license, you’ll need a TFL English test to show the authorities that you can be a private chauffeur in London.

The following certificate tests are accepted as English language tests at TFL:

GCSE/ O level (or equivalent)
AS Level qualification
IELTS proficiency test
UK certification for City and Guilds/NVQ/BTEC
UK BA Hons or higher degree
SELT Certification
UK HND/HNC

TIP: If you don’t speak English, we recommend you take English-spoken and written classes to ensure you pass the test.

Topography Test

The topography test ensures that the driver can read a digital map to provide seamless pick-and-drop services to passengers in London.

Once you’ve cleared all your tests and submitted the documents, you can apply for the PCO license online and earn an income through a flexible driving schedule.

PCO License Validation

A PCO license is valid for up to three years; you will have to renew it after that period.

PCO Car Requirements

PCO license holders must have a car registered as a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV). For people considering driving a PCO car hire in Streatham, we’d recommend renting a car, so they don’t have to worry about the documentation needed for the process and the service or maintenance costs of the vehicle.

In January 2012, new PCO car regulations were put forward by the authorities in the UK that put limitations on the age of the vehicle and other aspects.

The car must not be more than five years old
Cars that are approved by the PHV must comply with Euro 4 requirements

Hence, if you’re planning on purchasing your own car for PCO car hire, you should read the guidelines and be mindful of all the above regulations.

Apart from that, the car that you purchase should also have to keep the following things in mind:

PCO license
PCO regulated car
MOT test
PHV registered car

Renewing Your PCO License

If you want to renew your PCO license, you must submit the required documentation and pay the fees, which are less than the first time you applied for a PCO license. Here are some of the things you will have to pay to renew your license:

DBS check (if you have applied for an update subscription, you wouldn’t have to worry about this step)
A new and recent photo of the driver

You can then register for license renewal online by simply heading to tfl.gov.uk. However, if you wish to renew your license in the old-fashioned (offline) way, you will have to send your application pack, including your documents, to the TFL office.

Why Work With PCO Car Hire Agencies?

PCO car hire in Whitechapel is a wise choice for PCO car drivers because they provide a safe and secure hire car. For an affordable price, you’ll get a vehicle in great condition and be able to drive it and make some profit.

Before choosing a PCO car hiring agency, ensure they’re reliable and trustworthy. Read the company reviews and go through their return policies as well. You can also learn about the models and brands of cars the company provides and check whether they’re eco-friendly. Some PCO car agencies also rent out EV cars with low CO2 emissions for customers looking for an environmentally friendly option.

Here are some things you should consider before working with your next Uber car rental agency:

Cancellation Policy

One of the reasons why most PCO drivers prefer rental agencies is because they have a refund and cancellation policy, so if you ever want to stop driving, you can simply wait until your contract ends and then return the car.

PCO rentals have 3 to 12 weeks long contracts, and some also offer long-term contracts. It’s a great way to earn money without a long-term commitment to Uber driving rentals. Hence, make sure that the agency of your choice offers a flexible cancellation policy so you can cancel your contract in case your plan changes.

Suitable Vehicle

Next, you need to learn that the agency offers a suitable vehicle in good condition that ensures your safety and comfort. Companies offering PCO cars in Edmonton have a diverse fleet, which is a great idea for drivers who intend to change their vehicles from time to time.

With strict TFL requirements in the UK, you may also consider PCO electric car hire. PCO EV cars are a great way to save on fuel prices. Not only that, but EV car drivers also get a discount granted by the UK government. Under the usage of charging points in your house scheme, you can get up to a 75% discount on charging and installation of charging points.

EV cars are a great alternative to traditional Uber cars. The riding performance of EV cars is significantly better than traditional cars in several aspects. The EV car engine generates torque that allows for seamless braking and acceleration. Moreover, EV cars are also based on batteries that don’t take up a lot of space, making the interior of the vehicle roomier.

Driving Platform Support

Through the PCO car agency, drivers can easily sign up for Ola or Uber and go through the process easily. PCO car agencies support team helps the drivers in the verification process and guides people who need it.

Inclusive Scheme

PCO car hire agencies are required for weekly payments, which include PCO license, car service and maintenance, PHV license, and MOT. This means that you can pay the price for the car, enjoy and focus on earning money, and not worry about maintenance costs and other issues. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?

Advantages of PCO Car Rentals in London

PCO services in London have strict policies and regulations that ensure the safety of drivers, agencies, and passengers as well. Cab drivers must have a valid license, extensive driving experience, and other documents. If you have any doubts about the quality of PCO car hire agencies, you can learn about the below advantages of the service that will clear out all your doubts.

Well-Maintained Vehicles

As an Uber driver, you will have a well-maintained luxurious car or even opt for EV cars in good condition and leverage it to earn more money. Customers on driving app platforms prefer luxury or electric cars in good condition.

PCO car agency payments cover the maintenance and servicing of vehicles, so you don’t have to worry about the car looking dirty after a long drive. You have the option to choose from their diverse collection of vehicles to improve your services.

No Hidden Charges

While most car leasing companies throw in hidden costs after the contract, PCO car rentals don’t have any hidden charges that the drivers have to cover afterward. The car’s maintenance and insurance packages are included in the subscription charges. Hence, once you’ve paid the car costs, you can have peace of mind and not worry about any hidden costs you must pay the agency.

Low Credit Scores are No Issue

Most car leasing companies will not consider you if you have low credit scores. But with PCO car hire agencies, you can have the car keys in your hands after paying the subscription costs. What’s more,the costs of the subscription paperwork are nothing compared to that of a car financing or leasing contract. Most agencies also pay the deposit back the same day they return the car.

Top PCO Cars in London

When finding a PCO car hire agency, make sure you hire an agency that has a diverse fleet and offers the top PCO cars. Here are some of the most popular PCO cars in London:

Kia E-Niro Full Electric Car

The Kia E-Niro PCO car is an EV car that is one of the most preferred PCO cars in the market. It’s eco-friendly, and the interior is roomy for passengers with luggage.

Toyota Prius

A Toyota Prius has a hybrid engine and is another popular PCO car in London. It has ample space for passengers and is a great choice for PCO.

Mercedes Benz E Class

Mercedes Benz E Class is another popular PCO car with a comfortable and secure interior and a sleek design that is perfect for long-distance travel.

If you’re looking to hire a PCO car for rent, you’re in the right place! At G&M Direct Hire, we have a diverse fleet option for you. Whether you’re looking for traditional cars or PCO electric cars in London, we can provide you with all of that! We provide well-maintained PCO cars in London and cover areas like Ilford, Wembley, Ealing, Slough, Edmonton, and Harrow, among many others. Check out our FAQs page or contact us for more information and details!