If you are applying for a PCO private hire driver licence in London or renewing an existing one, you need to know that Transport for London (TfL) has updated its fees from June 1st, 2026. Several charges have increased, affecting new driver applications, licence grants, assessment tests, and English language checks.

This post gives you a complete, up-to-date breakdown of every TfL PCO fee change in 2026, including a side-by-side comparison of old and new fees, a full estimated cost summary for new applicants, and clear guidance on what each fee covers and when it applies.

Whether you are a first-time PCO applicant planning your budget or an existing driver renewing your licence, this guide has everything you need.

Important: All new TfL PCO fee increases apply from June 1st, 2026.
Applications submitted before this date are subject to the old fees.
Applications submitted on or after June 1st, 2026, are subject to the new fees.
Always check the TfL website directly for the most current fee schedule.

Why Has TfL Increased PCO Licence Fees in 2026?

TfL reviews its licensing fee structure periodically to ensure that the cost of processing applications and running the private hire licensing system is covered by the fees collected from applicants and licence holders. The 2026 increases reflect rising operational costs across TfL's licensing administration, including staffing, processing systems, and compliance activities.

This is not the first time TfL has raised PCO fees, and it will not be the last. The fees remain non-refundable once submitted, which makes it even more important that applicants prepare thoroughly before paying and submitting. Failing an assessment or submitting an incomplete application means additional costs on top of what you have already paid.

The increases also fund improvements to the assessment and licensing infrastructure, including the SERU test, topographical assessment, and English speaking and listening tests required for private hire driver licensing.

TfL PCO Fee Changes 2026: Old vs New Side-by-Side Comparison

The table below shows all changed fees, their old amounts, and new amounts from June 1, 2026.

Fee Type	Old Fee	New Fee (June 2026)	Change
PHV Driver Licence Application Fee	£124	£138	+£14
PHV Driver Grant of Licence Fee	£186	£205	+£19
SERU Test (First Attempt)	£36*	£40	+£4
English Speaking and Listening Test	£36*	£40	+£4
Topographical Skills Test	£36*	£40	+£4
Resit/Retake (Topographical/SERU/English)	£16 each	£30 each	£14 each

Note: The confirmed new 2026 fees are those listed in the New Fee column. Always verify legacy fee figures directly with TfL or your assessment centre, as these may vary by provider.

What Each TfL PCO Fee Covers in 2026

Understanding what each fee is for helps you know exactly when it applies and whether it relates to you. Here is a clear explanation of every fee in the 2026 schedule.

1. PHV Driver Licence Application Fee: £138

This is the initial fee you pay when you submit your application for a new TfL private hire driver licence. It covers the administrative cost of TfL processing and reviewing your application, including checking your documents, verifying your right to work, and assessing your suitability.

This fee is non-refundable. If your application is rejected or withdrawn, TfL will not return this fee. This situation makes it critical that you submit a complete, accurate application the first time. Our full PCO application support service reviews everything with you before submission, minimising the risk of rejection.

2. PHV Driver Grant of Licence Fee: £205

Transport for London (TfL) will ask you to pay the grant of licence fee once they have reviewed your application and confirmed that you meet all the requirements.

Nowadays, TfL often requests this payment at the time of application. However, you are not required to pay the fee immediately when submitting your application, and we generally recommend paying the licence fee only after successfully passing the required assessments.

TfL charges this fee to formally issue your PCO private hire driver licence and badge.

The licence issued is valid for three years. At renewal, you will need to pay both the application fee and the grant of a licence fee again, along with any other costs associated with your renewal, such as a new medical examination or DBS check.

Together, the application fee and grant of licence fee total £343 in new licensing fees alone under the 2026 schedule compared to £310 under the old schedule.

Combined TfL licensing fee (application + grant): £343 from 1st of June 2026.
This amount compares to £310 under the previous fee schedule.
Total increase on licensing fees alone: £33.

3. SERU Test (First Attempt): £40

The SERU test fee of £40 is paid directly to the approved assessment centre where you take the test. SERU stands for Safeguarding and Licensing Knowledge for the Private Hire and Taxi Trades. It is a mandatory computer-based multiple-choice assessment covering safeguarding, equality and diversity, licensing law, and handling difficult situations as a driver.

This fee is paid at the time of booking your test. It is non-refundable if you fail or do not attend. The best way to avoid paying again is to prepare properly before booking. Our SERU Training programme is specifically designed to help you pass on your first attempt and avoid the cost of a resit.

For a full explanation of what the SERU test involves, how it is structured, and how to prepare, read our blog on Beginner Guide to TfL SERU Assessment 2026.

4. English Speaking and Listening Test (First Attempt): £40

TfL requires all private hire driver applicants to demonstrate a basic standard of English. For some applicants, their proficiency is assessed as part of the SERU process. For others, TfL may require a separate English Speaking and Listening Test, which will be charged at £40 from June 2026.

This test checks that you can communicate clearly with passengers and understand your licensing obligations in English. It is not a high-level academic language test, but it does require a working ability to read, listen, and respond in English.

If you are not confident in your English ability and are concerned about this part of the process, our English Language Support service provides targeted preparation to help you pass this requirement and the English elements of the SERU assessment with confidence.

5. Topographical Skills Test (First Attempt): £40

The Topographical Skills Test fee is £40. This test is a mandatory part of the new PCO driver application process. It assesses your practical knowledge of London's topography, including route planning, map reading, following directions, identifying boroughs and major roads, and finding efficient routes across the city.

The test consists of approximately 24-26 questions, with a pass mark of 60%. Preparation is essential. Many applicants, particularly those who rely heavily on GPS for everyday navigation, find this test more challenging than expected without proper study.

Our Topographical Training course is structured specifically around the TfL topographical skills test format. We cover every section in detail, including timed mock assessments so you walk in ready on test day. For more details on the test format, read our blog on TfL Topographical Test Format 2026.

6. Resit fee (Topographical/SERU/English): £30 each

If you don’t pass any assessment on your first attempt, you can rebook and retake it. The resit fee is £30, which is £10 cheaper than the initial attempt. Although the cost is relatively low, the extra time needed to rebook and wait for the next available slot can significantly delay your overall PCO application process.

If you have already taken the topographical and SERU assessments and did not pass, please speak with our team for focused preparation support before you rebook.

Estimated Total Cost to Get a New PCO Licence in 2026

One of the most common questions from new applicants is, 'How much does it actually cost to get a PCO licence in London?' The answer depends on several factors, but the table below gives you a realistic complete estimate for 2026 based on the new TfL fee schedule and typical additional costs.

Cost Item	Fee (2026)	Notes
PHV Driver Licence Application Fee (TfL)	£138	Paid to TfL at application stage
PHV Driver Grant of Licence Fee (TfL)	£205	Paid to TfL on approval of application
SERU Test (First Attempt)	£40	Paid to approved assessment centre
Topographical Skills Test	£40	Paid to approved assessment centre
English Speaking and Listening Test	£40	Only if required by TfL for your application
Enhanced DBS Check	£64.92	Paid for criminal record check
DBS update service	£16	Annual subscription fee for DBS check
DVLA Group 2 Medical Examination	£55-£150	Variable by doctor and clinic
Training courses (SERU, Topo, English)	Variable	Recommended to pass first time and avoid resit fees
Estimated Total (TfL fees + tests + checks)	£600-£1000+	Based on passing all tests on the first attempt

The figures above represent the most realistic all-in estimate for a new PCO applicant in London under the June 2026 fee schedule. Drivers who need to resit any of the three tests, or who require additional medical consultations, should budget higher.

Budget planning tip:
If you pass all three tests on your first attempt, your controllable test costs total £120 (SERU + Topo + English).
If you fail and resit the SERU, you will need to add £30. If you fail and resit the topographical test, add another £30.
Two resits alone add £60 to your total cost and several weeks to your timeline.
Investing in proper training upfront almost always costs less than paying for resits.

What Do the New Fees Mean for PCO Licence Renewals?

If you are renewing an existing PCO driver licence, the fee increases also affect you. At renewal, you will need to pay the PHV Driver Licence Application Fee (£138) and the PHV Driver Grant of Licence Fee (£205) again, bringing your combined TfL renewal fees to £343.

In addition to the TfL fees, renewal applicants typically also need to budget for a new Group 2 medical examination, a new enhanced DBS check, and, in some cases, additional assessment fees if they have not previously completed the SERU or topographical test. For a complete guide to the renewal process and how to avoid delays, read our blog on the 2026 PCO Renewal Checklist.

Renewal fee summary from June 2026:
PHV Driver Licence Application Fee: £138
PHV Driver Grant of Licence Fee: £205
Combined TfL renewal licensing fees: £343
Plus: new medical examination, new DBS check, and any outstanding assessments.
Start your renewal at least 3 months before your licence expiry date to avoid a lapse

What the 2026 Fee Increases Mean for London Private Hire Drivers

The fee increases announced by TfL for 2026 are a reminder that licensing costs are a real and recurring part of the cost of working as a private hire driver in London. Whether you drive for Uber, Bolt, FREENOW, or any other TfL-licensed private hire operator, these fees apply to you.

Here is what the changes mean in practical terms for different groups of drivers:

For New Applicants

Your total upfront investment to obtain a PCO licence has increased. Under the new 2026 schedule, you should budget at least £600 to £800 for the full process, including TfL fees, tests, medical, and DBS checks, assuming you pass all tests on your first attempt. Good preparation reduces the risk of resits and keeps your overall cost closer to the lower end of this range.

For Renewing Drivers

Your renewal now costs £33 more in TfL licensing fees than under the previous schedule. Combined with medical and DBS costs, a full renewal cycle is likely to cost most drivers between £450 and £600 in 2026. Planning ahead and starting the renewal process early prevents the far greater cost of an expired licence and lost earnings.

For Uber, Bolt, and FREENOW Drivers

Drivers working with Uber, Bolt, FREENOW, and other London private hire platforms must all hold a valid TfL PCO driver licence. These fee increases apply equally to all London private hire drivers regardless of which operator platform they work with. Factor these costs into your annual income planning and always manage your licence renewal well in advance.

How to Minimise Your PCO Licensing Costs in 2026

You cannot avoid the TfL fees themselves, but there are smart steps you can take to keep your overall costs as low as possible:

Pass all tests on your first attempt. This is the single most effective cost-saving step. Every resit adds fees and delays. Structured training from London PCO Licence Academy dramatically improves your first-time pass rate.
Book your medical and DBS check early. Delays with these two steps are the most common cause of application backlogs. Please book them at the start of the process, not at the end.
Submit a complete application first time. Missing documents or incorrect information leads to delays and sometimes additional processing. Our PCO application support service checks everything before you submit.
Renew your licence on time. Allowing your licence to expire means starting the process again as a new applicant, which costs more and takes longer than a standard renewal.
Compare medical examination providers. The cost of a Group 2 medical examination can vary significantly between different providers. Our team can point you to a reliable and cost-effective option.

How London PCO Licence Academy Helps You Get Licensed Without Wasting Money

At London PCO Licence Academy, we understand that getting a PCO licence is a real financial investment. We are here to make sure you get through the process as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. Here is how we support applicants and renewing drivers:

SERU Assessment Training: Expert preparation for the SERU test to help you pass on your first attempt and avoid the £30 resit fee and the weeks of delay that come with it
Topographical Training: Structured London geography training aligned to the exact TfL Topographical Skills Test format, including timed mock assessments
English Language Support: Dedicated preparation for the English Speaking and Listening Test and the English elements of the SERU, helping drivers whose first language is not English pass confidently
Medical Examination Guidance: Our partnered GMC-registered doctors are more affordable and faster than GPs and other private clinics, offering your medical examination for just £54 to £70.
DBS Check Assistance: Step-by-step support through the enhanced DBS application to avoid errors and unnecessary delays
Full PCO Application Support: End-to-end help with your TfL application so you submit everything correctly the first time and avoid wasting your non-refundable fees

Final Thoughts: Know the Costs, Plan Ahead, Apply with Confidence

The TfL PCO fees for 2026 have now increased, effective June 1st. Knowing exactly what the fees are and when they apply is the first step to planning your application without any surprises, whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your badge.

The most important thing to take away from this guide is that your non-refundable fees are at risk every time you sit an unprepared test or submit an incomplete application. Proper preparation is not just about passing. It is about protecting the money you have already invested in the process.

If you want to get licensed as quickly and cost-effectively as possible, contact London PCO Licence Academy today. Our team of experts has helped hundreds of drivers in London navigate the PCO licensing process and start their careers on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions: TfL PCO Licence Fees 2026

1. When do the new TfL PCO fees come into effect?

The new TfL PCO fee increases come into effect on June 1st, 2026. Any application submitted before this date will be processed under the old fee schedule. Any application submitted on or after June 1st, 2026, will be subject to the new fees. This rule applies to new driver licence applications, grant of licence fees, SERU test bookings, topographical skills test bookings, and the English speaking and listening test. If you are planning to apply and want to pay the lower fees, you would need to have submitted your application before the June 1st deadline. If you have missed that window, the new fees now apply.

2. How much does it now cost to apply for a TfL PCO driver licence in 2026?

From June 1st, 2026, the TfL fees for a new PCO driver licence application are £138 for the application fee and £205 for the grant of the licence fee, totalling £343 in TfL licensing fees alone. On top of these fees, applicants must also budget for a SERU test (£40), an English Speaking and Listening Test (£40), a Topographical Skills Test (£40), an enhanced DBS check (approximately £64.92), and a DVLA Group 2 medical examination (approximately £55 to £150). Total estimated costs for a new applicant in 2026 are between £600 and £800 or more.

3. Are TfL PCO application fees refundable if my application is rejected?

No. TfL PCO licence application fees are non-refundable in all circumstances. If your application is rejected for not meeting eligibility requirements, if TfL denies your licence based on your DBS history or medical fitness, or if you withdraw your application, the fees you paid will not be returned. This makes it especially important to make sure you meet all the minimum requirements before submitting and that your application is complete and accurate from the start. Our full PCO application support service at London PCO Licence Academy helps you prepare everything correctly before you commit to paying.

4. Do renewing PCO drivers need to pay the same fees as new applicants?

Yes, renewing drivers pay the same application fee of £138 and grant of licence fee of £205 as new applicants, totalling £343 in TfL licensing fees. If you have passed the SERU and topographical assessments and they are recorded on your TfL account, you will not normally need to retake or repay them. However, you will still need to budget for a new enhanced DBS check and a new DVLA Group 2 medical examination as part of your renewal. The full estimated cost of a PCO licence renewal in 2026 is typically between £343 and £500, depending on your medical provider and DBS route.

5. How can I keep my PCO licensing costs as low as possible in 2026?

The most effective way to keep your overall PCO licensing costs low is to pass all three assessments on your first attempt. Each resit adds to your total cost and delays your application. Investing in structured preparation from a professional provider like London PCO Licence Academy significantly increases your first-time pass rate for the SERU, topographical skills test, and English assessment. You should also book your medical and DBS check early to avoid bottlenecks, submit a complete and accurate application to avoid rejection, and renew your licence well in advance of expiry to avoid lapsing into a more expensive new application process.

TfL PCO Licence Fees 2026: Full Breakdown of New Charges