PHV licence application

Before you apply

Most applicants start by checking they meet basic eligibility: minimum age, right to work in the UK, and a driving licence held long enough for the licence type they are applying for. You will also need to understand the difference between driving for a private hire operator (pre-booked work) and other passenger services.

Gather personal details early: full name, address history, National Insurance number, and contact details. Mistakes on forms slow applications down.

Typical application stages

1. Create or sign in to your TfL licensing account
TfL licensing applications are handled online. You will complete forms, upload evidence, and track progress in one place.

2. Complete the application form
Expect questions about your identity, driving history, immigration status, and any criminal or motoring record you must declare. Answer fully and honestly — omissions can lead to refusal or later enforcement.

3. Medical fitness
You may need a medical examination by an approved doctor. Book this promptly; appointment availability can delay the whole application.

4. DBS check (criminal record)
TfL usually requires an enhanced disclosure. Follow the instructions in your application — the process is initiated through TfL, not by buying a random DBS certificate elsewhere.

5. Assessments
New applicants typically sit the topographical skills assessment and the SERU (Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding) assessment, plus any English language requirement that applies to them. These are separate bookings and fees from any third-party practice course.

6. Decision
TfL reviews your file when all checks and assessments are complete. You may be asked for more information. Allow several weeks; busy periods take longer.

After you are licensed

Your licence comes with ongoing duties: display rules, reporting material changes, staying fit to drive, and working through licensed operators for private hire bookings. Keep copies of your licence conditions and read them carefully.

Fees and official bookings

Application fees, assessment fees, and medical costs are set by TfL and change over time. Budget separately for:

• The topographical skills assessment (map and route planning)
• The SERU assessment (safety, equality, and regulatory understanding)
• Any English language evidence you must provide

Exambasics sells practice tools only. Paying us does not book an official test or guarantee a licence.

Common delays

• Incomplete uploads or blurry scans
• Waiting for a medical appointment slot
• DBS processing time
• Failing to book assessments promptly after eligibility is confirmed

Build slack into your timeline if you need the licence by a fixed date (for example starting with an operator).

How Exambasics fits in

We provide independent practice for topographical and SERU assessments. We do not submit applications on your behalf and we are not part of TfL's decision process. Booking official tests and paying official fees is always done through TfL's own channels.