MKL CARS

The Complete Beginner's Guide for London Drivers

Thinking about driving for Uber or Bolt in London?

You've probably already heard the term 'PCO car hire.' But if you're new to this, it can feel confusing fast.

• What does PCO actually mean? 
• Do you need a special licence?
• What's included? 
• How much does it cost?

The private car hire industry in London is now the largest in Europe. According to TfL, there are more than 96,000 licensed private hire vehicles and approximately 108,000 licensed drivers operating in London as of February 2025. (Source)

This guide answers all of it. By the time you finish reading, you'll understand exactly how PCO car hire works in London — and whether it's the right option for you.

What PCO Actually Means (and Why It Matters in London) 

Let's start at the beginning.

What Does PCO Stand For?

PCO stands for Public Carriage Office.

The PCO was the previous licensing authority for taxis and private hire vehicles in London. 

Now, if you hear the word ‘PCO', the first thing that springs to mind is a vehicle or driver authorised by TfL to transport paying passengers in London.

What Makes a Car a 'PCO Car'?

Not every car can legally carry paying passengers in London.

A PCO car is a vehicle that has been:

• Registered and approved by TfL
• Checked for roadworthiness and emissions compliance
• Licensed specifically for private hire work
• Insured with the right type of cover 

Only a PCO-licensed vehicle can be used on platforms like Uber, Bolt, Ola, and Free Now in London.

⚠️ Important

If you drive passengers in a regular, unlicensed car — even with Uber — you are breaking the law. This applies even if you have personal car insurance. 

Read our article on: “PCO Vehicle Requirements for London: A Complete Checklist.” 

PCO Car Licence vs. PCO Driver Licence — What's the Difference?

This is where many new drivers get confused. There are two separate licences in London's private hire system.

When you hire a PCO car, the vehicle licence is already taken care of by the hire company.

But you — as the driver — still need your own TfL private hire driver licence before you can legally work. 

How to Know If You Qualify 

Before you invest time and money in PCO car hire, you need to check whether you are eligible to drive.

Here is exactly what TfL requires.

Driver Eligibility Checklist

To apply for a TfL private hire driver licence, you must:

• Hold a valid full UK or EU driving licence
• Have held a driving licence for at least 3 years
• Be aged 21 or over
• Pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check — enhanced criminal record check
• Pass a medical examination (including vision and fitness standards)
• Pass an English language assessment (if required by TfL)
• Pass a topographical skills assessment (knowledge of London's roads)
• Complete safeguarding training
• Have the right to work in the UK

📌 Note

TfL will review all driving records. Some convictions (for example, drink driving) could prevent you from being able to get a licence. Please refer to the list of convictions on the official TfL website (tfl.gov.uk) for the full list of convictions.

What If You're Not Yet Licensed?

Don't worry — getting your TfL private hire driver licence is entirely achievable.

The process typically takes 6 to 10 weeks from application to approval, depending on DBS check processing times and how quickly you complete the required assessments.

How PCO Car Hire Works — Step by Step 

PCO car rental is designed to get you on the road as quickly and affordably as possible.

Here is the full process, from start to first passenger.

tep 1 — Get Your TfL Private Hire Driver Licence

This is the foundation. You cannot legally drive a private hire vehicle in London without it. Your hire company will ask to see it before you collect your car.

How to Apply:

1.   Go to the TfL private hire licensing page at tfl.gov.uk

2.   Complete the online application form

3.   Book your DBS check and medical examination

4.   Complete the topographical and safeguarding assessments

5.   Submit all required documents to TfL

6.   Wait for TfL approval — typically 6 to 10 weeks

💡 Pro Tip

Apply for your driver's licence before you start shopping for a hire car. Some hiring companies can help guide you through the licensing process while you wait. 

Step 2 — Choose a PCO Car Hire Company

What to look for in a good PCO Car hire company:

•  Vehicles that are TfL-licensed and ULEZ-compliant
• Insurance included in the weekly fee (hire and reward + comprehensive)
• Maintenance and MOT included
• 24/7 breakdown cover
• Flexible weekly rolling agreements — no long lock-in
• Transparent pricing with no hidden charges
• Positive reviews from drivers
• Responsive customer support

Visit our latest car collection at MKL PCO Car Hire

 💡 Pro Tip

Make sure to read the entire rental agreement before signing. Keep note of mileage restrictions, deposit needs, and how the car is returned.

Step 3 — Select Your Vehicle

There are different vehicles available to hire from PCO companies, which are approved by TfL. The best answer is related to your driving method:

•  Standard hybrid sedan — Good for Uber Standard or Bolt. Lower weekly cost.
• Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) — Lower fuel costs, ULEZ-compliant, ideal for high-mileage drivers.
•  Full electric (EV) — Zero ULEZ charge, lowest fuel cost, excellent for city driving.
•  7-seater MPV — Required for Uber XL or airport group runs. Higher weekly cost. 

Step 4 — Sign the Rental Agreement

Before collecting your car, you'll sign a hire agreement. Read it carefully. It will cover:

• Weekly rental cost
• Security deposit amount
•  Mileage limits (if any)
• What happens if the car is damaged
• Notice period for returning the car
• What is and isn't included

Step 5 — Inspect and Collect Your Car

At pick up, walk around and note any pre-existing damage with pictures before driving off.

Check: All lights are working, Fuel or battery level, condition of tyres and pressure, Body condition, and insurance papers in the car.

Step 6 — Set Up Your Apps and Start Earning

Once you have the car, connect it to your platform accounts. For Uber, you'll need to submit your TfL private hire driver licence and the vehicle licence details (provided by your hire company). 

Most platforms verify documents within 24 to 48 hours. Then you're live.

What's Included in PCO Car Hire  

What's included varies between providers. But a good PCO hire package should cover most of the following.

PCO Car Hire Insurance Explained 

There are a few things more important than insurance when it comes to Uber car hire – and one of the most confusing. 

This is a simple, non-technical explanation of all the facts.

Hire and Reward Insurance

This is the most important insurance for PCO drivers.

What it covers: When you are carrying paying passengers in exchange for payment, every Uber or Bolt fare you complete.

Why it matters: Standard personal car insurance explicitly excludes 'hire and reward' use. If you drive for Uber on a personal insurance policy, you're not covered. Accidents result in personal liability. 

TfL's requirements: TfL's regulations require that hire and reward insurance be obtained and maintained at the time of vehicle licensing and be kept for the duration of the licence.

Public Liability Insurance

What it covers: Injuries or property damage caused to passengers, pedestrians, or third parties during your rides.

Why it matters: With the hustle and bustle of London, accidents strike when you're least expecting them. Public liability cover means that the compensation claims are not your responsibility.

 Many PCO hire packages include this — confirm it explicitly.

Fully Comprehensive Vehicle Cover

What it covers: Your vehicle in the event of an accident, fire, theft, or vandalism — regardless of who is at fault.

Why it matters: Without comprehensive cover, a minor accident could result in a large repair bill that falls entirely on you. 

 How Much Does PCO Car Hire Cost? 

Let's talk numbers.

Read our article on: “Electric vs Hybrid: which PCO car actually saves you more in 2026.” 

📌 Note: Prices vary between providers. Newer vehicles and premium models sit at the higher end. Always get a quote that includes all charges — not just the headline weekly figure

 Car hire vs buying vs leasing 

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

• Security deposit — typically £200–£500, refundable on return
• Excess on damage — how much you pay if the car is damaged
• Mileage limits — some contracts limit weekly miles; going over incurs charges
• Early termination fees — if you need to return the car early
• Cleaning charges — for returning the car in poor condition
• Admin fees — for document processing or vehicle changeovers

 PCO Car Hire — Pros and Cons 

Here is an honest view.

 Conclusion

PCO car hire is one of the most practical ways to start driving professionally in London.

It gives you a fully compliant, insured, and maintained vehicle — without the high upfront cost of buying, or the complexity of arranging everything yourself.

You now know:

•      What PCO car hire actually is

•      Whether you qualify to drive

•      How the process works step by step

•      What's included — and what isn't

•      How much does it cost

•      Which vehicle makes financial sense in London

Was there anything in this guide you'd like us to expand on? Or something we missed? Leave a comment below — we update this guide regularly.