It is imperative for London private hire drivers to maintain their licence in good standing.An expired licence would mean that you would not be able to take up bookings, which would quickly impact your bottom line.PCO licence is a common term used among drivers while Transport for London (TfL) calls the licence a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) driver licence. The PHV driver licence is different from the licence for the vehicle itself. When is it time to renew your PCO licence? How soon should you apply? Which documents would you need? What if you have already expired your PCO licence?This guide covers all you need to know about renewing a private hire driver licence in London.
What is a PCO Licence?
The PCO Licence means you have the right to be employed as a private hire driver in London. To make such bookings you will need to have a valid TfL PHV Driver’s licence.The reason why the drivers refer to this as the PCO Licence is that the taxi and private hire licensing scheme of the TfL used to be administered by the Public Carriage Office which was called PCO. It is necessary to distinguish between the two licenses – the driver license and vehicle license.The driver license is relevant to the person driving passengers and the PHV license is relevant to the vehicle itself. Both need to be valid in order to operate legally.Compliance checks can be performed by TfL and they can ask for your driver license, vehicle license and insurance certificate.
When Can a TfL PCO Licence Be Renewed?
Another important thing about it is the time.According to TfL, a PHV driver licence in London may be renewed four months prior to its expiration and even up to 90 days after it expires. TfL also informs about renewal time. That helps drivers, but postponing it till the last moment is seldom reasonable.It would be more rational to find out the date of expiration in advance and prepare for it.
The significance of renewal at an early stage
License is the key component that enables you to operate your business. If you delay the process, any problem with your license application may lead to disruptions in your activity.For instance, let’s consider a scenario where an Uber/Bolt driver needs to renew their license on 30th September. Instead of delaying the process up to the last week, it is possible for them to initiate the procedure within the four-month period of renewal.
Steps to Renew PHV Driver Licence in London
The TfL offers an online application process via the Taxi and Private Hire Portal. For making an online renewal, you will need to register for an online customer account and link your existing licence with your online account. This will need to be done within the permitted time frame.
The process includes the following steps:
Step 1. Find out the expiry date
Find out first the expiry date of your current PHV driver license. Remember, you should never depend on your memory for this step.
2. Verify your online customer account
Check whether your TfL online customer account is working properly and the licence is linked with your account.
3. Make an application during the renewal period
TfL allows PHV driver licence renewals from four months before the expiry and up to 90 days after expiry of the licence.
4. Follow instructions of TfL regarding renewals
Provide all the required information and documentation as per the instructions of TfL.
What About the PCO Vehicle Licence?
This is where many new drivers get confused.The expiry of the driver licence does not mean automatic expiry of the vehicle licence.A PHV vehicle comes with specific licensing requirements. The vehicle guidance by TfL stipulates that owners of vehicles get a reminder for renewal about six weeks before the licence expires.
The vehicle licensing process requires inspection procedures.
According to the TfL inspection manual, which is currently being used, for all vehicles 12 months old and above from the date of manufacture, there are two MOT test requirements as a requirement for annual licensing. In addition, the first MOT certificate has to be issued within 14 days of the licensing inspection.
In other words, drivers have to remember two licences:
- TfL PHV Driver Licence
- PHV Vehicle Licence
If you rent a PCO vehicle, it will come with specific licensing procedures as part of the hiring package.
Top Common PCO Licence Renewal Errors
Renewal is normally a breeze provided you have organised yourself. Here are some mistakes that could cause you trouble.
Leaving renewal until the last minute
This is definitely one of the easiest mistakes to make.Take enough time to deal with any surprises.
Mistaking between a vehicle and a driver license
Having a valid driver license doesn’t necessarily mean that your vehicle will have a valid PHV license.
Check both.
Mishandling up-to-date information
The requirements of TfL may change. Information provided on Facebook posts by others or other drivers may no longer be accurate.Use TfL as your primary source for licensing requirements.
Failing to observe compliance
Renewal isn’t the only time you need to comply with the licensing requirements.TfL may take enforcement actions against drivers and vehicles failing to meet the licensing requirements.Keep your licence, insurance and vehicle documents in order.
What Will Happen If Your PCO License Expires?
It all depends on the date of your application. According to TfL’s advice on licence renewal, you will be able to renew up to 90 days after the expiry of the current licence. But for you to stay licensed after that renewal period, you will have to apply for a new driver licence according to TfL. This is why you shouldn’t consider the 90 days as additional working hours.In case of an expiry of the licence, you should find out what’s your situation at TfL before you accept any private hire bookings.If you’re a driver dependent on Uber, Bolt or other private hire companies for your living, it will affect your weekly income directly.
How Your PCO Car Selection Can Impact Your Business
Licence renewal forms just one component of making your private hire business a success.Even your car makes a difference with regards to your expenses, availability, and capability to operate.Your PCO car must be capable of meeting the TfL criteria as well as your intended usage.
Operating costs do make a difference.
Electric vehicles offer reduced energy costs in certain situations. Nevertheless, there is the issue of charging facilities, driving habits, and rental price per week.Alternatively, there are hybrids and plug-in hybrids available for drivers wishing to travel by different means.The selection of the best car will depend on your mileage, operating hours, charging access, and preferred platform.
Which Is Better? Electric Or Hybrid PCO Car?
There isn’t one right answer for all London drivers.
Electric PCO Cars
A good choice for those who:
- Drive a lot in urban areas
- Have access to charge points
- Would like to avoid paying for fuel costs
- Plan their journey to include charge points
But remember that charging time and charges should be included in your costs.
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid PCO cars
Either a hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle would be appropriate for someone looking for flexibility.A plug-in hybrid car uses electricity on trips where it is suitable but still has an engine for longer trips.The ideal choice would be whichever one corresponds to your own work routine, not just the latest technology.
Renting vs Rent to Own: Which Is Best?
When it comes to a new driver for private hire, it’s not always possible to buy a car outright. PCO car hire could cut down on the initial need to buy a large car. This will also allow the driver to see how things work in the private hire market before committing to anything long-term. But Rent to Own is another option. In this case, instead of just renting out the car indefinitely, the deal should provide the opportunity to own the car in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
Before you sign any Rent to Own agreement, consider:
- The weekly payment
- Total payment period
- What happens at the end
- Insurance terms
- Maintenance terms
- Mileage restrictions
- What happens if you stop driving
- Other fees and charges
Don’t compare rental agreements based on weekly payments alone.The total costs and expected private hire earnings are more important.
How Primal Cars Fits Into This Picture
As far as PCO cars in London are concerned, Primal Cars provides not only PCO car hire but also Rent to Own deals, which include electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.Furthermore, Primal Cars’ website mentions that PCO packages provided by the company may contain everything starting from PCO license and insurance to car servicing, maintenance, road tax, MOT twice a year and 24/7 breakdown cover. This information may come in handy for people who do not want to have too much to do with the vehicle-related administration.Primal Cars also has flexible rental periods and runs a 24/7 customer contact centre, according to the company’s website. Currently, the company’s fleet consists of electric and plug-in hybrid cars, so there are several options for private hire drivers.The main idea here is that you should choose a certain package considering your numbers.A cheaper weekly rental rate does not guarantee cheaper total expenses. Think about insurance, charging/fuelling, working hours and money earned from the platforms first.
How to Safeguard your Private Hire Income
Licensing and car condition have a very strong relation with earning capacity. In case the car is not available, you will not be able to fulfill the bookings. In case of license expiration, you may not be able to work lawfully. Thus experienced drivers make administration a key part of business. Put reminders for your:
-
- TfL driver license expiration
- PHV vehicle license expiration
- Dates for MOTs
- Date of insurance renewal
- Car rental date schedule
- And don’t forget to monitor your weekly stats.
Compare the total income from platforms with the expenses incurred in the form of vehicle rental, insurance, energy/fuel and other business expenses.
Example of a Simplified Scenario for a London PCO Driver
Imagine the case of a new driver who joins Uber and Bolt. She receives her TfL PHV driver license and rents a PCO car. Rather than immediately buying the car, she spends some months getting used to which parts of the city, times, and platforms suit her the best. In the meantime, she keeps track of the mileage, charge/fuel costs, and earnings per week. By the time she is approaching the expiration of her driver’s license, she will have a system in place to review the TfL conditions and car documentation.
At a later stage, when private hire driving becomes her career choice, she can consider whether renting-to-own could be better than renting.
Final PCO Licence Renewal Checklist
Prior to your licence expiry, ensure you have:
- Checked your TfL licence expiry date
- Ensure you can access your online customer account
- Linked your existing licence, if needed
- Renewed your licence in the prescribed renewal period
- Followed the current TfL guidelines
- Kept copies of any necessary confirmations
- Checked your PHV vehicle licence separately
- Kept up-to-date with your insurance documentation
- Met your MOT and vehicle criteria
- Not followed any out-of-date driver guidance
Above all else, understand that the PCO licence renewal process is simply part of operating a legal private hire company.In relation to London Uber, Bolt and other private hire drivers, proper administrative practice will ensure your licence and income time.
Conclusion
It does not have to be a daunting process to renew your PCO licence.What matters most is your ability to distinguish between the driver’s licence and the vehicle licence, as well as your knowledge of the renewal period and following TfL guidelines. In the case of new and seasoned private hire drivers in London, it also pays off to keep things organised for better business practice. You should consider your driver’s licence, vehicle, insurance, and its maintenance as they all play a part in your capacity to work.If you are also considering your PCO car needs, Primal Cars offers both PCO car hire and Rent to Own services, with options of electric and plug-in hybrid cars. Comparing the available options along with the anticipated expenses can lead you to find a suitable solution for your private hire plans.
FAQs
1.Can I renew my PCO licence before its expiry?
Yes. TfL allows the London PHV Driver Licences to be renewed four months before the current PCO licence expires. The same is possible 90 days after the licence expiration as well.
2.What will happen if my PCO licence has expired?
According to TfL, you have 90 days to renew your expired licence after which you will have to apply for a new licence.
3.Is a PCO Driver Licence the same as PCO Vehicle Licence?
No. In order for a PHV to be operated, both vehicle and driver are licensed separately by TfL. The driver license shows that you are licensed to drive the PHV as a driver.
4.Is a TfL vehicle licence required for PCO rental vehicles?
Yes. The car to be used as a London private hire vehicle should comply with TfL licensing rules. Ensure that when you rent a PCO car, you check what the rental agency will take care of.
5.Can I use my PCO car for Uber and Bolt?
This depends on whether your car is licensed and complies with the current requirements of the platform. Primal Cars offers vehicles for Uber X, Uber XL, and Comfort categories among others.
6.Rent to Own – Is it Better Than PCO Hire?
Depends on what you are planning. A rental is a flexible option while a Rent to Own can be good for those that have plans for ownership.
7.Do I opt for an electric or hybrid PCO car?
Think about your miles, availability of charging stations, type of trips and cost per week. Electric cars can be good for motorists who have charging points available and higher urban miles.
