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Transport for London

Drivers

Private hire driver's licence If you want to become a private hire driver you must be licensed by the Public Carriage Office. Not only is it the law, it means your passengers know you are providing a safe and reliable service.

Applying for a licence

You can find out all you need to know about getting your first private hire driver licence in Becoming a driver. Here's a quick summary anyway of what your application should consist of:

We aim to issue your licence in eight to 12 weeks

We aim to issue a full licence in eight to twelve weeks, as long as you have filled out your application properly.

Renewing your licence

Driver licences are valid for three years. Renew your licence before your current one expires by sending in a renewal application form.

We will send you a renewal form about four weeks before your current licence expires. You can also get one from our offices or use the Post Office check and send service.

Temporary permits

As of 1 January 2007 the Licensing Authority will no longer be able to issue temporary permits to people submitting new applications for London private hire driver licences. If you submit an application on or after 1 January 2007 you will need to wait until a full licence is issued before starting work as a private hire driver.

More information

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