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Operators Licence

🏢 PRIVATE HIRE OPERATOR’S LICENCE (PCO OPERATORS)

Anyone who wishes to take private hire bookings in London must hold a valid TfL Private Hire Operator’s Licence. This ensures that all bookings are handled through regulated and approved operators, giving passengers confidence that both drivers and vehicles are fully licensed.Private hire operators come in many forms, including:

  • High street minicab offices
  • Chauffeur and executive service providers
  • Event-based transport services (weddings, proms, corporate travel)
  • School transport or contract-based services
  • Independent or single-vehicle operators

đź“Š TYPES OF OPERATOR LICENCES

TfL offers two main types of operator licences:

🟦 Small Operator Licence

  • Allows use of up to 2 licensed PHV vehicles
  • Suitable for small or start-up operations

🟨 Standard Operator Licence

  • No limit on number of vehicles
  • Designed for larger businesses or fleet operators

⚠️ Once selected, changing licence type is not simple and usually requires a new application, so planning ahead is essential.

đź“‹ KEY REQUIREMENTS

To apply for an operator licence, applicants must meet TfL’s “fit and proper person” criteria, which includes:

  • Completing a Personal Declaration (PHV/103)
  • Providing honest disclosure of criminal, financial, and business history
  • Demonstrating legal compliance to run a transport business

đź“Ť OPERATING CENTRE REQUIREMENTS

Every operator must have at least one approved operating centre in London:

  • Can be an office, shop, or home address (if approved)
  • Must have proper planning permission or lawful use approval
  • Must provide a fixed landline telephone number for bookings
  • Must comply with local authority regulations

đź’· COST OF A LICENCE

Small Operator (5 years)

  • Licence application fee: ÂŁ838
  • Grant fee: ÂŁ650
  • Total: ÂŁ1,488

Standard Operator (5 years)

  • Licence application fee: ÂŁ838
  • Grant fee: ÂŁ1,988
  • Total: ÂŁ2,826

⚠️ Application fees are non-refundable in most cases.

🔄 LICENCE VARIATIONS

You must apply for a variation if you:

  • Move operating address
  • Add a new operating centre
  • Remove an existing centre

Variation Fees:

  • Add/move centre: ÂŁ300
  • Remove centre: ÂŁ50

Supporting documents such as planning permission and booking contact details may be required.

đź“ž IMPORTANT NOTE

Operators must only take bookings from approved centres listed on their licence. Working without a valid operator licence is illegal and may lead to prosecution.

At Eastend Training, we help drivers understand not just licensing, but the full structure of the private hire industry so you can make informed decisions about your long-term career in London’s transport sector.