If you’re looking to start a career as a private hire driver in London, navigating the world of PCO hire can feel overwhelming at first. Whether you’re planning to drive for Uber, Bolt, Ola, or launch your own chauffeur services, understanding the process of hiring a PCO car is essential.
At Primal Cars, we specialize in providing flexible, affordable solutions—from short-term rentals to long-term rent to own cars—for drivers at every stage of their journey.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step-by-step, to get started with PCO hire quickly and confidently.
What is PCO Hire?
PCO hire means renting a vehicle that’s fully licensed by the Public Carriage Office (PCO), regulated by Transport for London (TfL). These vehicles are approved for private hire use and meet strict standards for safety, cleanliness, emissions, and insurance.
At Primal Cars, our PCO hire fleet is TfL-compliant and ready to go, whether you’re looking for a hybrid, electric, or executive model.
Step 1: Get Your PCO Licence
Before you can hire a vehicle, you need a valid PCO licence (also called a Private Hire Driver Licence). To apply, you must:
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Be at least 21 years old
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Hold a valid UK driving licence (at least 3 years)
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Pass a DBS background check
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Complete a medical exam
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Take the topographical skills test
Once you receive your PCO licence, you can legally begin driving a PCO-licensed vehicle in London.
Step 2: Choose the Right Vehicle
Not all PCO cars are the same. Your vehicle choice will depend on your budget, fuel preferences, and the type of service you want to offer.
Options to consider:
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Hybrid or Electric Cars: Cost-effective and TfL congestion-charge exempt.
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Executive Models: Ideal for chauffeur services or UberExec.
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Economy Vehicles: Best for new drivers focused on affordability.
At Primal Cars, we provide a range of vehicles to suit all budgets and service types.
Step 3: Decide Between Weekly Rental or Rent To Own Cars
You can either:
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Hire Weekly: Ideal if you're looking for flexibility, or trying out private hire driving before fully committing.
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Choose Rent To Own Cars: A great option if you're ready to invest in ownership while earning money.
With rent to own cars, you make fixed payments over time and eventually own the vehicle. It's a cost-effective way to build equity in the car while working.
Step 4: Submit Required Documents
To get started with PCO hire at Primal Cars, you’ll need:
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Valid PCO licence
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UK driving licence
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National Insurance number
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Proof of address
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Deposit (if applicable)
Once these are submitted and verified, you’ll be ready to hit the road—often within 24–48 hours.
Step 5: Sign Your Rental Agreement
Whether you opt for weekly rental or a rent to own plan, you’ll receive a clear rental agreement. It will outline your:
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Payment terms
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Vehicle maintenance responsibilities
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Insurance cover
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Return policies
Our team ensures full transparency with no hidden costs, so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.
Step 6: Collect Your Vehicle and Start Earning
After the paperwork is complete, you can pick up your PCO-ready car. All vehicles from Primal Cars are:
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TfL licensed and inspected
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Fully insured for private hire use
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Cleaned and serviced before handover
You’re now ready to start driving for apps like Uber, Bolt, and more—or even launch your own chauffeur services business.
Why Choose Primal Cars?
At Primal Cars, we’ve helped thousands of drivers get started with hassle-free PCO hire. Whether you need a short-term rental or are ready for rent to own cars, we offer flexible plans, top-notch support, and a vehicle range to suit every type of driver.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the minimum age for PCO hire?
You must be at least 21 years old and have held a UK driving licence for at least 3 years.
2. Can I use a PCO hire car for chauffeur services?
Absolutely. Many drivers use our premium vehicles for chauffeur services, especially for airport transfers and corporate clients.
3. Is insurance included with PCO hire?
Yes, all PCO hire vehicles from Primal Cars include private hire insurance.
4. What happens if I want to own the car eventually?
We offer rent to own cars, allowing you to build ownership while making regular payments.
5. How quickly can I get a car after applying?
Most drivers can be on the road within 1–2 business days once documents are verified and the agreement is signed.
Conclusion
Starting your journey in London’s private hire industry doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right support and a reliable PCO hire provider like Primal Cars, you can get behind the wheel quickly and start earning. Whether you're looking for flexibility with a weekly rental or planning for the future with rent to own cars, we’ve got you covered.
Plus, if you’re aiming to offer premium chauffeur services, our executive vehicle options are ready to help you impress clients and boost your income.
Get in touch with Primal Cars today and take the first step toward your driving career!
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