Get a licence in the UK
Learn how to get your private hire licence with ease through our Ignition Programme.
Get a private hire licence in London
What is Ignition?
Driving with the Uber app means earning on your own terms – but we’re here to support you all the way. You’re in charge, but you’re not alone. And that's why we have created bespoke licensing support called Ignition.
Ignition is our free support programme to help you get a private hire licence. All Uber drivers in the UK are licensed as private hire drivers by local authorities.
In London, the private hire licence is called a PCO licence and is issued by TfL (Transport for London). Through our Ignition programme, we’re here to support you every step of the way from helping you prepare for your assessments, to supporting you in obtaining your PCO licence and driving with the Uber app in London.
Come to our Greenlight Hub to get support from our trained Experts.
Steps to get a private hire licence in London
Step 1 - Sign up!
If you haven’t already, sign up to become an Uber Driver to begin your application process.
Step 2 - Book your Ignition session
To make an appointment for your Ignition session, click here to get personalised help with every step of getting your TfL PCO licence. Or you can visit our Greenlight Hub anytime during the opening hours.
Step 3 - Complete Enhanced DBS
At the Ignition session, we can help you submit an Enhanced DBS check as part of your application process. A DBS is a criminal record check, required by TfL for all Private Hire Drivers. From 26 February 2024, all new and renewed PHV driver licences will be granted with a condition that the licensee maintains continuous registration with the DBS Update Service. The condition means that you must maintain continuous registration throughout the life of the licence.
To help you register for the DBS Update Service, bring your passport, driver’s licence, National Insurance number and Proof of Address, such as a bank statement or utility bill (from within 3 months) to your Ignition appointment.
Step 4 - Get Medical Check
TfL requires all Private Hire Drivers to get a medical check, to prove you’re fit to drive. You can complete this through your own GP or at our London Greenlight Hub with a GP from our partnership with DoctorCall. In order to complete your medical with DoctorCall, you’ll need to obtain a copy of your full medical history ahead of the appointment.
Step 5 - Submit Private Hire Application
Receive in-person Ignition support at our Greenlight Hub to submit your private hire application to TfL. Drop in with the required documents (Medical, Enhanced DBS, passport, driving licence, NI number). You’ll need to pay £310 to TfL to submit this application.
Step 6 - Prepare for Topographical Assessment
Once you’ve submitted your private hire driver licence application, you will be invited to take a topographical test with TfL. Uber offers preparation sessions so make sure you come along!
Step 7 - Prepare for SERU and English Language Requirement
You will also be invited to take a safety, equality and regulatory understanding (SERU) and English language requirement (ELR) tests from TfL. Uber drivers get a special discount for training.
Step 8 - Start driving with Uber!
Once you’ve received your private hire driver licence, take a look at some vehicle rental options offered by third parties. Make an appointment at our Greenlight Hub to onboard as a new driver partner and get on the road!
Preparing for your Ignition session
To make an Ignition session at your local Greenlight Hub, click here. It’s important you take the following items to your Ignition session:
Passport
UK Driving Licence (at least 3 years of driving experience)
National Insurance Number
Proof of Address (Bank Statement / Utility Bill dated within the last 3 months)
At your appointment, an Expert will walk you through the steps to getting your PCO licence. They’ll make sure you meet the licensing requirements, help you to submit your application and answer any questions you may have.
Uber Ignition
Listen to some of the stories from our Uber Ignition drivers. Ignition is a free information programme to help you get licensed as smoothly and as quickly as possible. Come to our office to get support by our specially trained Experts.
Plan your visit
Prepare for your upcoming visit by checking to make sure you have the following documents.
- Passport
- UK Driving Licence
- National Insurance Number
- Proof of Address
Requirements vary by city.
Online Topographical Preparation
Once you have submitted your TfL private hire application, you will be invited to book in for a topographical (map-reading) test. Make sure to prepare thoroughly beforehand with our online materials and in-person preparation sessions.
- How to book the mandatory assessments
All assessments are held in a TfL-approved centre (Pier Walk) and conducted under exam conditions by TfL assessors. Assessments can only be booked through TfL, and will most likely all take place on the same day.
You will be notified via an email from TfL as to when you can book your assessment, which can be found on your TfL dashboard. For any queries, contact TfL on 0343 222 4444 or email tphtopo@tfl.gov.uk.
Once TfL have confirmed that you have successfully passed all 3 assessments, they will start the process of reviewing your full application.
- How to prepare for the Topographical assessment
- Book a free in-person topographical index training session with a Greenlight Hub Expert (an A-Z will be available to use during the session)
- If required, book further route planning training through a recommended provider (PCO London)
- Visit t.uber.com/topo-session to view topographical training content available at the GLH
- How to prepare for SERU
- Prepare using the TfL Private Hire Vehicle driver handbook and assessment guide
- Undertake the online Safeguarding Awareness training course prior to completing the SERU assessment
- Attend a free in-person SERU information session at the Greenlight Hub
- How to prepare for English Language
- TfL will use the SERU assessment to assess an applicants' reading and writing skills
- The speaking and listening test consists of a 15-20 minute conversation via a secure video or telephone link, at a TfL driver assessment centre
Can I become an Uber partner?
How it works
Uber partners with Private Hire Licensed drivers. When you visit us for a new partner session, you will need to bring with you all up-to-date legally required documents. This includes:
Personal Documents:
- National Insurance Number
- UK Plastic Driving Licence (original)
- Electronic Counterpart code (generate this at t.uber.com/ec)
- Private Hire Paper Licence (original + supporting documentation where conditions apply - medical letter, visa, etc)
- Bank Statement (for the bank account that will be used to receive payments from Uber, needs to be under your name or a business which you are an owner of)
Vehicle Documents:
- PHV Licence
- Logbook (or New Keepers slip)
- MOT (issued within the last 6 months)
- Private Hire Insurance Certificate
Visit us during office hours to get personalised information
| Greater London and South | North, Ireland and Scotland | Midlands and Wales |
|---|---|---|
| London | Manchester | Cardiff |
| Brighton | Merseyside | Leicester |
| Portsmouth | Leeds | Bristol |
| Cambridge | Nottingham | |
| Southampton |
The information provided on this web page is intended for informational purposes only and may not be applicable in your country, region or city. It is subject to change and may be updated without notice.