London PHV driver FAQ

Quick answers to questions people often ask. Each one sticks to what the TfL handbook (version 1.0) says, or says plainly when it does not. Links go to longer guides.

Getting licensed

How old do I need to be?

You must be 21 or older when you apply. There is no upper age limit.

What driving licence do I need?

A full DVLA, Northern Ireland, EU or EEA state driving licence that is at least three years old.

What else is required?

The right to live and work in the UK, being a fit and proper person (with an enhanced DBS check), being physically fit (a medical to DVLA Group 2 standards), the topographical skills assessment, and proof of at least B1 English. See how to get a licence.

How much does it cost?

Use our licence cost calculator, which uses figures from TfL's fee page as checked on 1 Oct 2026. The medical fee is set by the doctor. Check TfL before paying.

Do I need to pass SERU?

Yes. The handbook says you will do the Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding Assessment as part of the application. See SERU explained and our study plan.

What is the pass mark?

The handbook does not say. We do not know and will not guess. Check TfL.

Do I need a separate English test?

You need a speaking and listening test. Reading and writing are derived from SERU. See the English requirement.

What is the topographical assessment?

A test of your ability to select and plan a route, read a map and identify locations, held under exam conditions. See our guide.

Do I need a medical?

In most cases yes, to the DVLA Group 2 standard. Some people may be exempt from the form, such as holders of a DVLA Group 2 licence or a current London taxi licence. See medical requirements.

What is the DBS Update Service?

The handbook does not mention it. TfL's fee page lists an annual fee. Whether it applies to you is a question for TfL. See DBS guide.

Once you are licensed

How long does the licence last?

Normally three years. If shorter, the letter that came with it explains why.

Where do I keep my licence?

The handbook says at home in a safe place, with a copy given to each operator you work with. Your badge you wear whenever you work.

Do I have to wear the badge while waiting for a job?

Yes. The handbook says you must wear it whenever you are working, including when waiting for a booking or travelling to pick up, unless TfL gave you an exemption.

What if my badge is lost or stolen?

Report it to TfL immediately, and to the police if stolen. See lost or stolen badge.

What must I tell TfL?

Arrests, charges, convictions and cautions, disqualification, certain orders, barred list status, action by other licensing authorities and new medical conditions: immediately. A change of home address: within 21 days. See our reporting guide.

Do I have to report parking tickets?

Not if they carry no penalty points, but frequent ones can lead to licensing action.

How do I renew?

The handbook does not describe the process. See renewing your licence and check TfL.

Working

Can I pick up someone on the street?

No. A PHV is not a taxi. You can only carry out bookings from a licensed London operator, and you must not pick up people who have not booked, including outside your operator's centre.

Can I use bus lanes?

No. You can usually pick up or drop off in them, but you should avoid it where possible. See driving and parking rules.

Can I wait on a red or yellow line?

You can stop briefly to pick up or drop off, but not wait, with a limited cashpoint exception on red routes between 22:00 and 06:00 for up to 5 minutes.

Can I refuse a passenger?

You need a very good reason, such as open alcohol, dangerous items or violent behaviour. You must not refuse because of disability or an assistance dog. See difficult passengers.

Can I charge extra for a wheelchair or assistance dog?

No. See our guide.

Who sets fares?

TfL has no power to set or control fares. The operator agrees a fare or gives an accurate estimate before the journey.

What about a passenger who cannot pay?

The handbook says to check with your operator what to do. See operator basics.

Does the Congestion Charge apply to me?

PHVs entering the zone need to pay unless exempt. Designated wheelchair accessible PHVs do not pay when carrying out a booking from a London operator. Check TfL for current times and area.

Where do I find the legal detail?

The handbook says it is not a complete statement of the law and that you may wish to take independent legal advice. We are not lawyers.

Not covered by the handbook, so check TfL: pass marks, test formats, renewal steps, replacement fees, and anything about tax or earnings.

General information, not legal advice. See the glossary for terms.