You must be a licensed Private Hire Driver (PHD), issued by Transport for London. In legal terms, there is no specific category known as a "chauffeur licence".

Chauffeurs must meet all the same requirements as private hire drivers, including safety, taxation, and character.

A driver for private hire must be employed by a TfL-licensed private hire operator. Even if you have a valid driving licence, it is illegal to accept bookings without an operator.

You Should Apply Before

A licence is not guaranteed if you submit a licence application.

Transport for London can request clarification or additional documentation at different stages of the licensing process. TfL cannot guarantee a completion date because several factors are beyond its control.

[DBS enhanced checks](https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service)
Medical evaluations
Driver Assessments
Verification of right to work
Checks for criminal records abroad (where applicable).

TfL doesn't offer a service called "fast-track". Anyone who claims to be able to speed up a process in exchange for a fee should be reported.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

The licensing of private hire drivers in London is controlled by:

DfT Statutory Standards

The DfT has introduced new statutory standards that will improve passenger safety. TfL has implemented these changes via TPH Notice 07/24, which is applicable to all private hire drivers, new or renewing.

The following are the key changes:

Subscribe to the DBS Update Service
Self-reporting obligations are now more stringent
Expanded overseas criminal records checks
New complaints signage requirements

Eligibility Criteria

You must meet the following requirements to apply for a London private hire licence:

You must be at least 21 years old.
Have held a full UK or Northern Ireland driving licence for 3 years.
You must have the right to work and live in the UK
Be a person who is fit and proper
Medical standards for [DVLA Group 2](https://www.gov.uk/dvla).

Note: If your foreign licence was exchanged for a UK/EU/EEA one, the three year requirement is only applicable to the time you held the UK/EU.

The order of all names must be the same on your documents. Mismatches are a common cause of delays in applications.

Working as a Private Hire Driver: Practical Considerations

You should be realistic about your application.

Income Expected
Working Hours
Operating costs include:

○ Purchase or Rental of a Vehicle

○ Private hire insurance

○ Assessment and licensing fees

If your vehicle is subject to:

○ Congestion Charge

○ Ultra Low Emission Zone

Once licensed, you can work for any TfL-licensed private hire operator in London.

Applying Online

Online licensing is available through Transport for London. Create an account in order to:

Submit your application
Upload documents
Book Reviews
Track your progress

TfL Processes

Order of new applications according to date received
Renewals based on expiry date

As part of the application process, you will be required to upload a passport-style photo that is compliant.

Character and criminal record requirements

DBS Enhanced Check

TfL has authorised a provider to conduct an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

DBS Update Service Mandatory

As of 1 July 2024

Subscribe to DBS Update Service
TfL will not grant a licence without an active subscription
Your licence must be renewed continuously

Overseas criminal record checks

If you lived abroad for more than three months (including holidays) in the past 10 years, you must present a Certificate of Good Conduct.

Requirements:

Each country should have a CoGC.
The TPH/205 form for Living Abroad must be submitted
All declared overseas periods must be covered by the documents

If the required CoGCs are not provided, your application will be rejected.

Medical Requirements

The DVLA Medical Standard Group 2, which is the same as the standard for lorry drivers and bus drivers, must be met.

Most cases:

The medical form must be filled out by a physician who has full access to all of your medical records
Drivers over 45 years old are subject to age-related medical review

Applicants may be exempted if:

Hold a DVLA group 2 licence
You must have recently passed a TfL Medical within an active application period

Driver Assessments

English Language Requirement (ELR)

You must be able to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to CEFR level B1 in the following:

Reading
Writing
The following are some words of wisdom:
Listening

This is done by:

1. Assessment of SERU (reading and Writing)

2. Assessment of speaking and listening (video or phone)

Both assessments must pass.

SERU Assessment

The Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding Assessment (SERU) evaluates your understanding:

Passenger safety
Equality and discrimination laws
Licensing rules
Emergency Procedures
Protecting your responsibilities

Safety Awareness Training

You must first complete the online Safeguarding Awareness course. This course focuses on:

Children
Vulnerable adults

Topographical Skill Assessment

The majority of applicants are required to complete a topographical assessment.

You may be eligible for an exemption if:

The test was passed by a previously licensed TfL PHV driver.
London taxi drivers are licensed
London tour guide: A professional London tourist guide

HMRC Tax Check Mandatory

Private hire driving is considered a taxable business.

You must:

Register with [HM Revenue & Customs](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs)
Use your [Government Gateway](https://www.gov.uk/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services) to complete a tax check
Obtain a 9-character tax check code

Important points:

This code is only valid for 120 days.
TfL will not process your application if you do not have it.

A code that is incorrect or has expired will make the application ineligible

Taxes and costs

Costs include:

DBS enhanced check
[DBS Update Service](https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service)
Application Fee (non-refundable).
Licence grant fee
Driver Assessments
Medical examination (set up by your doctor)

TfL never charges more than the published fee.

Equalities and Disabilities

All private hire licences are open to everyone.

Drivers with disabilities can use vehicle modifications such as:

Hand-operated controls
Steering Aids
Modified pedals

Requirements:

Assessment by a driver assessor and medical professional
Installed by an authorised Motability installer
Modifications require TfL approval

Exemptions

TfL can grant exemptions under certain circumstances.

Wearing of a badge as a driver (risk-based or passenger-requested)
Transporting assistance dogs only for medical reasons
Assisting wheelchair-users (medical or Physical Limitations)

Continued Obligations after Licensing

Self-Reporting (Critical)

Drivers with a licence issued after 1 July 2024 are required to report any accidents within 48 hours.

Arrest and Release
Charge
Caution
Conviction
Driver's offence or Penalty Points

If you fail to report, your licence may be suspended or revoked.

Complaints Signage

All PHVs will be required to display TfL-approved complaints signage in the vehicle from 1 July 2025.

Convictions and Refusals

If you are adamant about:

Serious violent crimes
Sexual Offences
Multiple violent or sexual offenses
Recent offences of teasing
Included on the barred list

Each case is evaluated individually.

If your application is refused

If TfL refuses your application, you may:

Additional evidence
Appealing the Decision

Legal advice is advised before making any final appeals to the Magistrates' Court.

Final Note

How to work legally as a chauffeur in London

TfL requires that all drivers, vehicles, and operators be licensed
It is illegal to work without a licence.
Normally, licences are issued for a period of three years

Our drivers are familiar with all major routes. Check out our Customer Reviews about our Professional Chauffeur Services.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Does London have a separate licence for chauffeurs?

No. There is no separate chauffeur licence. The private hire driver licence must be issued by Transport for London.

2. Do I have to work for an operator licensed in private hire?

Yes. Private hire drivers are required to work for licensed private hire operators. Legally, you cannot accept bookings and work independently.

3. How long will it take to process my application?

There is no fixed timeframe. The process may take several months, depending on the completion of all checks, assessments and document verification.

4. What type of criminal background checks are required by law?

You must first complete an enhanced DBS check. From July 1, 2024, you will also need to subscribe for the DBS Update service. TfL will not grant a licence without an active subscription.

5. What are the assessments I must pass?