Introduced in 2019, ULEZ zones were implemented with the goal of improving London’s air quality, combating climate change and protecting the public’s safety.
With the expansion of ULEZ in August 2023, ULEZ zones can now be found in every major London Borough.
New data shows that the Mayor’s ULEZ expansion is working better than expected, bringing cleaner air to 5 million more Londoners.
According to the government website, over 96 percent of vehicles driving in London today meet the ULEZ standards— but what is ULEZ?
What is ULEZ?
ULEZ stands for Ultra Low Emission Zone: a designated London area where vehicles must meet strict emissions standards to drive without incurring a charge.
Introduced by Transport for London (TFL), ULEZ zones are designed to reduce air pollution and improve public health. Vehicles that do not meet the required standards must pay a daily fee to enter the zone.
The initiative was put in place to encourage people to use vehicles that meet the emission standards to help improve the quality of London’s air.
Where is the ULEZ?
On August 29, 2023, London’s ULEZ underwent a significant expansion, now encompassing every major London borough except the M25.
Using the map below, you can see a more in-depth look at the areas ULEZ covers:
Image Source: TFL
The expansion of London’s ULEZ zones now covers nearly the entire Greater London area, stretching from Enfield in the north to Croydon in the south.
To find out if a specific address is in the ULEZ, you can search on the TFL website.
Find out more about the London ULEZ expansion by reading our guide.
What is the ULEZ charge?
The ULEZ charge is a daily charge of £12.50, which is administered when you enter an ultra-low emission zone.
The deadline for the ULEZ charge payment must be paid by midnight on the third day following your journey.
You can pay this on the day, by the third day following your journey, or up to 90 days in advance.
How to pay ULEZ?
You can pay for the ULEZ charge online, with auto-pay, or with the ‘TFL Pay to Drive in London’ app.
What is Auto-Pay?
The Auto Pay option gives you peace of mind — after setting it up, it will bill you automatically every month for any Congestion Charges, ULEZ and LEZ charges you may owe.
Rapid PCO recommends setting up this account, as it will give you a much lower chance of receiving a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
There are no registration or renewal fees to worry about with this option.
How to Pay Online?
This is TFL’s official payment portal.
Please be aware of any unofficial websites that might try to mislead you.
Your ULEZ payments should only be made with TFLs’ secure online system.
You can read more about how to avoid payment fraud with TFL.
TFL Pay to Drive in London app
TFL have a free official app with options to pay for your Congestion Charge, ULEZ and Low Emission Zone (LEZ) charges.
The app also lets you:
- Set up Auto Pay
- Pay a penalty
- Check if a postcode is in a charging zone
- Manage your account
- Save your vehicle details for future use
- See your payment history
Already have an Auto Pay account? You can also:
- Add and remove vehicles from your account
- View payment card details
- View your outstanding Auto Pay balance
The TfL Pay to drive in London app can be downloaded for free on Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Will I receive a penalty fine if I don’t pay the ULEZ charge?
If your car is not ULEZ compliant and you fail to pay the daily ULEZ charge by midnight on the third day after going through a zone, you will receive a penalty charge notice of £180.
This can be reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.
Need to pay a ULEZ PCN?
You can pay an outstanding ULEZ PCN by following this link.
We want to reiterate that setting up an auto-pay account is your best chance of avoiding a penalty charge notice if your vehicle does meet London’s emission standards.
When does ULEZ operate?
ULEZ zones are active 24 hours a day, every day, throughout the year, except for Christmas Day (December 25).
Which cars are ULEZ compliant?
The ULEZ enforcement depends on the vehicle’s declared emissions and not the car’s age.
Petrol: Euro 4 (NOx) for cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles
Diesel: Euro 6 (NOx and PM) for cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles
Other passenger cars exempt from the ULEZ charge include:
- Hybrid cars that meet Euro 4 or Euro 6 standards (depending on the fuel type)
- Electric cars
- Vehicles for disabled people
- Classic cars
How to check if my car is ULEZ compliant?
TFL’s free checker allows you to find out if your vehicle meets the emissions and safety standards required to drive in London and whether you will need to pay a daily charge.
Check your vehicle using TFL’s free vehicle safety standards checker.
What do ULEZ cameras look like?
When entering an Ultra Low Emission Zone, there will be a sign that looks like this:
The cameras that are operating will look like the image below:
Where are the ULEZ cameras?
The ULEZ in London is monitored by a network of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras that are strategically placed throughout the city and the Greater London areas.
To find a detailed map of the exact ULEZ camera locations, you can visit the ULEZ camera locations site.
Why switch to an EV?
Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) as a PCO driver in London offers significant benefits, particularly in saving money in the long run and complying with the ULEZ and Congestion regulations.
Driving an electric vehicle removes the £15 a day congestion charge cost when in London.
If you were to enter a congestion charge zone every day across 5 days, you would save £75.
Driving an EV can reduce your emissions and allows you to avoid both the daily ULEZ and Congestion Charges.
Additional reasons to switch to an EV include:
- Lower Running Costs – compared to ICE/ Petrol/Diesel equivalent
- Smooth and quiet ride
- Access to low-emission zones
Have you thought about switching to an EV?
Rapid PCO makes this switch easier by offering electric vehicle rentals with included services like maintenance, insurance, and roadside assistance, helping drivers maximise their earnings.
By stepping into the world of EVs, you can take advantage of lower-emission driving and embrace efficiency.
From cutting edge technology, sleek designs and eco-friendly innovation you can redefine your driving experience whilst boosting your PCO earnings.
Read Rapid PCO’s 10 reasons to choose EV for PCO drivers in London.
Uber clean air plan
As part of the mission to make London a greener city, Uber is aiming to make sure that every car on their app in London is fully electric by 2025.
As part of the Uber Clean Air Plan, Uber has implemented an initiative called EV Assistance.
What is EV Assistance?
As the Uber Clean Air Plan is aimed at getting you to switch to an EV, Uber has introduced EV Assistance, which could help lower the cost of upgrading to an electric vehicle.
If you are eligible for EV Assistance, you can claim up to £5,000 to put towards funding your electric vehicle.
Find out more about EV Assistance and if you could be eligible.
Has ULEZ been successful?
Since the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was first introduced in central London in 2019, it has significantly improved air quality across the city.
By 2024, ULEZ has expanded city-wide and led to major reductions in harmful pollutants. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels are now estimated to be 53% lower in central London and 24% lower in inner London compared to a scenario without ULEZ.
The recent expansion to outer London in August 2023 has also shown early success, with NO2 levels dropping by up to 4.4% and compliance rates for cleaner vehicles reaching over 96%.
This progress demonstrates that the ULEZ is highly effective in removing the most polluting vehicles, contributing to healthier air for millions of Londoners.
About Rapid PCO
Rapid PCO is a trusted vehicle rental provider, specialising in PCO car hire for London’s private hire drivers.
With over a decade of experience and having provided over 11,000 thousand rentals, our vehicle options are suited to your PCO needs.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current PCO vehicle or save money on your journeys, Rapid PCO has you covered.
Ready to get started? Call us on 01732 747190 or visit Rapid PCO to explore your options today!
PCO driving in London is becoming increasingly popular, with
over 100,000 PCO drivers having been licensed as of 2025.
When looking to become a PCO driver in London, it can be hard to navigate the internet to find exactly what you need to know to get started.
To help you begin, Rapid PCO have created this guide on how you can start the journey to getting your London PCO Licence.
Who can apply for a PCO licence in London?
Before you start the process of obtaining your PCO Licence in London, there is a set of requirements that you will need to meet. Below is a list of examples of what may be required (this is not an exhaustive list).
Basic Requirements
- You must hold a valid driving licence (Full UK driving licence or one from an EU or EEA state) that’s at least three years old.
- You must be at least 21 years old
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Register with HMRC to pay tax
- Be of good character To establish this You will be required to undertake an ‘enhanced’ criminal records check) more information on how to apply can be found here.
- No history of serious driving offences. For example excessive speeding or dangerous driving.
What is a PCO Licence?
The official name for a PCO (public carriage office) licence is Private Hire Driver Licence.
PCO stems from the old body responsible for black taxis and stands for Public Carriage Office. This was renamed by Transport for London (TfL) as the Taxi and Private Hire Unit.
When looking for a PCO Licence in London, you will have to go through the TfL application process.
Once you obtain your PCO Licence it will be valid for 3 years, which only covers you as a person and not the vehicle you drive (Your vehicle must also be licenced by TfL).
How to apply for a PCO licence in London?
- Medical Check
TfL requires you to be medically fit if you are to obtain your PCO Licence. To be deemed medically fit you must meet the DVLA Group 2 medical standards.
You will need to undergo a medical examination with someone who has access to your full medical records; so, for example, your doctor or another medical health professional will be required to conduct this.
Your medical check should be updated every 12 months.
- Complete your enhanced DBS check
To hold a PCO Licence, TfL states that you need to be of good character. As a result, you will be required to undertake an ‘enhanced’ criminal records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Much like other jobs, this check is to see if you have a criminal record and, if so, if it poses a threat to the public’s safety.
DBS checks are only valid for three months: TfL offer the DBS update service to ensure that your DBS check is always up to date and allows employers to access this online.
The DBS update service costs £16 per year, and you can pay for it using a debit or credit card. By registering with this service, you will not have to pay the £52 online fee for or the £54 fee for a paper application, for every following background check you undergo.
- Get your right to work check
Applying for your PCO licence means you must confirm that you are allowed to work in the UK.
To prove this you will need to go through an online check completed by TfL on the Government website after you have submitted your PCO licence application.
In some cases, additional documentation may be required.
Introduced in July 2021, EU, EEA and Swiss nationals are now required to have a valid immigration status in the UK. EU, EEA and Swiss nationals are now not able to solely rely on a passport or ID card to prove their right to work.
You can find out more on the EU/EEA nationals guidance here.
- TfL speaking and listening test
For this part of your PCO Licence application, you will need to prove that you have a good standard of English, this is designed specifically to evaluate your ability to communicate effectively in a professional context.
The test will take around 15 minutes and is conducted inside the TfL premises, either at Baker Street or West Kensington via a video or telephone link with a company called PeopleCert.
Please see PeopleCerts’s website for more information about the test
- Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding (SERU)
This written test is to ensure that drivers are able to read and write English to the TfL’s required standard and can understand safety issues and passengers’ rights.
Road safety, protection of children or vulnerable adults, and UK equality law is also covered within the SERU test.
You can find information regarding the SERU test here.
- Topographical skills test
This part of your PCO licence application tests your understanding of London geography and route planning will be put into practice.
You will be expected to understand the basic map symbols and be able to use a map index correctly.
The topographical skills test will be conducted at TFL-approved test centres, such as:
- Pier Walk, North Greenwich
- West Kensington
The test is computer-based and lasts about 1 hour. Please note, you must bring a valid ID. All materials (e.g. London A-Z map) are provided.
The topographical skills test features a mix of multiple-choice questions and route planning exercises, some of which may reflect real-world conditions such as traffic disruptions or road closures.
The cost of this assessment is £36 for the first time and £16 for a re-sit.
How much does a PCO Licence cost?
The cost of your PCO licence application will be around £450-£700, depending on where you get your medical and language tests done.
This price is an estimate, as the cost can change depending on if you pay for courses to prepare for your exams or if you are required to retake any exams that you may not pass first time round.
Please find a breakdown of the potential cost of your PCO licence application below:
- PCO Licence application fee (non-refundable) – £124
- Grant of licence fee – £186
- Medical Exam – Set up by your GP (Around £80)
- DBS check – £52 (online) / £54 (paper)
- Topographical assessment – £36/£16 each retake
- SERU assessment – £36
- Speaking and listening assessment – £36
The SERU assessment is designed to test reading and writing abilities, with a focus on a driver’s knowledge of safety, equality, and relevant regulations. In contrast, the Speaking and Listening component measures how well a driver can communicate verbally.
Estimated total cost range:
£450 – £700, depending on where you get your medical and language tests done.
How long will your PCO licence be valid?
Your PCO licence will be valid for 3 years. 4 months before your PCO licence expires, you should receive a PCO licence renewal pack through the post. As the PCO licence renewal process can take around 8 weeks, it is still a good idea to set a reminder to contact TfL.
Helpful Tips for Passing your PCO Licence Test
If you’re preparing for the PCO licence assessment for the first time, or renewing your licence here are some practical strategies to boost your chances of success:
- Start Studying Early
Effective preparation takes time, so it’s important to build a consistent study routine well in advance. Choose a time of day when you’re most alert—whether that’s in the morning or evening—and stick to it.
- Familiarise Yourself with the Exam Format
Understanding how the test is structured and the types of questions you’ll face can help reduce anxiety and improve your confidence on the day of the exam.
- Use Practice Resources
Make use of mock tests and sample questions. These tools can help you get used to the timing and format of the real test, while also highlighting areas where you may need more revision.
- Organise Your Study Time
Break your revision into smaller, focused sessions. Prioritise the most important topics and spread your study time evenly to avoid last-minute cramming or burnout.
Ready to apply for your PCO licence?
You can register your TfL account here. Provide your personal details as shown above and present an approved photo.
How Rapid PCO Can Help Drive Your Career Further
At Rapid PCO, we’re more than just a car hire company — We are a reliable partner to thousands of private hire drivers who entrust us with their PCO car rental needs.
Whether you’re just starting out or you are an experienced PCO driver, we offer a wide range of PCO-licensed vehicles tailored to your needs, including electric, hybrid, and executive models.
With fully comprehensive insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, servicing and maintenance included, no credit checks, and collection within 24 hours we make it easy to get behind the wheel*.
Rent to Buy Scheme
Our Rent to Buy scheme gives you the opportunity to own your vehicle within 5 years whilst earning money with ride sharing apps such as Uber and Bolt.
You can secure a brand-new vehicle with just a £499 deposit with Rapid PCO*.
Ready to upgrade your PCO ride?
Explore our PCO car hire options or learn more about Rent to Buy today.
*Terms & Conditions apply.
