Once you have successfully obtained your PCO licence, the next step is choosing a suitable vehicle to start working as a private hire driver in London. Depending on your situation, you have several options:
If you do not currently own a suitable car, hiring a vehicle is often the most practical option, as it allows you to try different models, understand running costs, and choose what works best for your needs.
TfL has strict rules regarding private hire vehicles:
Before your vehicle can be licensed, it must pass an official inspection. You will need to book an appointment with TfL’s approved inspection centre.
NSL – 0343 222 5555
When attending your vehicle inspection, you must bring original documents, including:
Ensuring your vehicle meets all TfL requirements is essential before you can begin working. At Eastend Training, we guide new drivers on the full process so they can move smoothly from licensing to getting on the road as quickly and correctly as possible.
Not every vehicle requires a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) licence. The need for a licence depends on how the vehicle is used and whether it is operating as a private hire service in London.Below is a simple guide to help you understand when a PHV licence is required:
1. Is the operator accepting bookings based in London?
2. Is the vehicle designed to carry fewer than 9 passengers and available with a driver?
3. Is the vehicle carrying passengers for hire or reward?
4. Is the vehicle already licensed as a Taxi or Public Service Vehicle?
5. Is the vehicle used only for weddings and funerals?
6. Is the vehicle exempt (e.g. ambulance use)?
If the answer is NO to all exemptions, then:👉 Your vehicle must be licensed as a Private Hire Vehicle in London
At Eastend Training, we help drivers understand all PHV and PCO requirements clearly so you can stay compliant and start working without confusion or delays.
🚦 RED ROUTES & PRIVATE HIRE DRIVERS IN LONDON Taxi and Private Hire (PHV) drivers in London are allowed to pick up and drop off passengers on most Red Routes, provided they display the correct official signage confirming their licence status. These routes are heavily monitored, so compliance is essential.
Red Routes make up only around 5% of London’s roads, but they carry a large percentage of the city’s traffic. These roads have strict stopping rules, clearly marked by red lines, and are actively monitored by CCTV and enforcement officers.
Licensed PHV drivers may:
Without the correct signage, stopping on a Red Route may result in fines of up to £130 or more.
The Red Route sign is applied for separately from your PCO licence. In most cases:
Private Hire Red Route Team
Palestra, 4th Floor Green Zone
197 Blackfriars Road
London SE1 8NJFax: 020 3054 5314
Email (for bulk applications): redroutesignage@tfl.gov.uk
The application typically includes:
Once issued, the Red Route signs must be clearly displayed:
The stickers are weather-resistant and designed for long-term use. If damaged, replacements can be requested through your operator.
Having valid Red Route access improves your ability to:
At Eastend Training, we help new drivers understand every stage of the licensing and working process so you can operate safely, legally, and confidently across London.
At Eastend Training, we aim to help drivers understand every part of the PHV licensing process, including vehicle inspections, regulations, and what to expect if issues arise.
If you have been given an appointment that is not suitable, you can change it:
If your vehicle needs urgent licensing:
If you receive a PCN (Penalty Charge Notice):
All PHV vehicles must be inspected by NSL (TfL’s appointed provider).
Inspectors will check:
If your vehicle fails:
NSL operates six main centres:
If your vehicle fails inspection, it is illegal to use it for private hire work until it has passed all required checks.
At Eastend Training, we help drivers not only obtain their PCO licence but also understand real-world compliance rules so they can work safely and confidently on London roads.
At Eastend Training, we usually advise new drivers to begin their journey by hiring a licensed Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) first. This helps you get used to the day-to-day work of a minicab driver while also allowing you to try different vehicle types before making a long-term investment.Hiring a vehicle also reduces your initial start-up costs, which can be helpful when you are just entering the industry.
Once you are confident and ready to build a long-term career as a minicab driver, you can then consider:
All vehicles used for private hire work must be fully licensed as a PHV before they can be used commercially.
Private hire vehicle rules include important restrictions:
If you are purchasing a used vehicle, always check:
For example, a vehicle registered in 2006 may only remain eligible until around 2016 under older rules.Buying a previously licensed PHV can often be more cost-effective, as it may already meet requirements and allow continued use until its licensing limit expires.
Most operators may have trusted contacts for PHV vehicles, but many drivers also use platforms such as:
At Eastend Training, we help drivers understand not just how to get licensed, but also how to make smart, practical decisions when starting their career on the road.
If you are using your own licensed PCO vehicle, you must have valid Private Hire Insurance (Hire & Reward cover) before you can start working legally.At Eastend Training, we always advise drivers to make sure their insurance is fully compliant before beginning any private hire work.
In most cases, standard car insurance is not valid for private hire driving.You will need:
Without this cover, you are not legally insured to carry passengers for money.
For a standard saloon vehicle, typical costs are:
⚠️ Important: Short-term policies may not always build your No Claims Bonus, so always check before purchasing.
It is worth checking if your insurer offers:
These can help you stay on the road if your vehicle is off duty or being repaired.
To reduce costs, always compare quotes from multiple providers:
One example of comparison platforms is:
If insurance costs are too high at the beginning, you may consider:
At Eastend Training, we guide drivers through every stage of becoming a fully compliant private hire driver, including understanding insurance, licensing, and getting started on the road safely.
