Being a private hire driver can be a rewarding job. Thousands of people use ride-hailing apps every day, and you can make a lot of money by driving your own car or using a PCO car hire service. But every driver needs to know this: if you don’t follow Transport for London’s (TfL) rules, you could lose your licence and your job.
TfL oversees the entire private hire industry to make sure it is safe, professional, and fair.
In this article, we’ll discuss the most important TfL rules you need to follow and explain why they are important.
Rule 1: Have a Valid PCO Licence
Having a valid PCO (Public Carriage Office) licence is the most basic but important thing for private hire drivers. You can’t drive for Uber, Bolt, Free Now, or any other operator without it.
A PCO licence is valid for three years. You will need to reapply for the licence renewal after it expires.
TfL notifies drivers to start the process of renewing their licence at least four months before its expiry date. If your licence expires and you don’t have a new licence, you’re instantly off the road until it’s renewed. A lot of drivers don’t realise this and end up losing work for weeks.
Rule 2: Keep Your Car’s Licence Up to Date
A driver’s PCO licence is only part of the story. In addition, each private hire vehicle must have its own TfL vehicle licence. You can’t legally carry passengers for hire without it.
Vehicle licences are valid for one year, and the car must pass strict checks before it can be renewed. This includes proof of car insurance for hire and reward purposes, an MOT, and proof of emissions compliance.
The company that rents you a PCO car is usually responsible for getting the licence. But don’t just take their word for it. Make sure that the licence disc on your car is valid and displayed correctly. TfL compliance officers check vehicles on the road all the time. If you drive without a valid vehicle licence, you could get a fine or have your licence suspended.
Rule 3: Maintain Good Behaviour and Professionalism
TfL doesn’t just keep an eye on cars and paperwork. It also expects drivers to be polite, helpful, and respectful to all of the passengers. Being rude, driving carelessly, or cancelling rides frequently can hurt your reputation.
Keeping your car clean and looking good is just as important. If your car smells bad or has trash on the seats, it makes you look unprofessional. Your car is like your office. It should always be ready for the business.
TfL can suspend or take away your licence if they think you’re not acting professionally enough in your job.
Rule 4: Follow Safety and Compliance Rules
TfL won’t let you drive a car that isn’t roadworthy. Some basic requirements are that the seatbelts and lights should work, the tyres should be in good condition, and there should be no warning lights on the dashboard. Vehicles must also meet strict emissions standards.
If you don’t follow safety and compliance rules, or if TfL keeps receiving complaints about your car’s condition from passengers, you could get fined. TfL takes complaints from passengers very seriously, and if you keep having problems, you could lose your job.
If you use a PCO car hire service, your car provider will be in charge of making sure that your car meets safety and legal requirements. But if you drive your own car, then it’s up to you to keep your car in good shape.
Rule 5: Book Rides the Right Way
Private hire drivers can’t pick up passengers off the street like black cabs can. You have to book every trip in advance with a licenced operator like Uber or Bolt.
This rule is in place to keep things fair and safe. Street hails are only for black cabs, while pre-booked rides are for private hire drivers. If you break this rule, you could get into serious trouble.
Picture this: you’re parked outside a busy train station and someone waves you down for a ride. You might want to take the fare, but doing so could get you in trouble with the law. TfL often sends undercover agents to catch drivers doing this. Don’t take the chance. Before letting passengers on board, confirm that they booked you through the app.
Rule 6: Keep Up with TfL’s Regulations
TfL changes its rules all the time, usually because of safety concerns, environmental goals, or new technology.
It’s your job as a driver to stay up to date. TfL posts updates on its website, and many operators also let drivers know about changes. Pay attention to these updates.
Changes in insurance rules for car body repair, vehicle emissions standards, or required training sessions, for example, may directly affect your ability to work. If you stay one step ahead, you won’t be caught off guard.
Why It’s Important to Follow the Rules
Some drivers think that TfL’s rules are too much red tape. But the truth is that these rules are there to create a safe environment for drivers and passengers. Following the rules lowers the chance of accidents, makes passengers feel secure, and gives you peace of mind that your licence is safe. So, stay compliant and keep earning.
