what is a pco licence

A PCO (Public Carriage Office) licence, also known as a Private Hire Driver Licence, is required to work as a taxi driver, minicab driver, or chauffeur in the United Kingdom. It is issued by the PCO, a department of Transport for London (TfL), and is valid for 3 years. To obtain a PCO licence, applicants must meet certain criteria, including passing mandatory assessments such as topographical assessment and medical fitness. The application process involves various checks and tests, and the total cost is estimated to be around £700. Once licensed, drivers must maintain continuous subscription with the Update Service and comply with the regulatory requirements. The PCO licence is a legal requirement for individuals wishing to work as private hire drivers in London