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How to Pay the London Congestion Charge: A Comprehensive Guide

Jun 12, 2025 | Guides

When driving in and around London there are a few charges you need to look out for.

These include the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), Low Emission Zone (LEZ), Dart Charge (Dartford Crossing) and this blog’s topic, the London Congestion Charge.

If you are working as a PCO (Public Carriage Office) driver and making frequent trips into central London, the Congestion Charge is one of the most important charges to look out for.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Congestion Charge in London for 2025.

What is the London Congestion Charge?

The London Congestion Charge is a daily fee imposed on vehicles driving within a designated zone in Central London.

Introduced to reduce traffic and pollution, it applies to most vehicles during peak hours.

For PCO drivers, staying informed about this charge is crucial to avoid unnecessary PCNs and maintain profitability.

How Much is the Congestion Charge?

As of 2025, the Congestion Charge is:

  • £15 if paid in advance or on the day of entering the zone.
  • £17.50 if paid by midnight on the third day after entering the congestion charge zones.

Rapid PCO Top Tip: Setting up Auto Pay can help you avoid late fees and streamline your payments.

What is Auto pay?
Auto pay automatically charges your account for the days you drive in the zone.

What Are the Congestion Times?

The Congestion Charge applies during the following hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 07:00 – 18:00
  • Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays: 12:00 – 18:00
  • No charge between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day bank holiday (inclusive)

How Do I Pay the London Congestion Charge?

Paying the Congestion Charge is simple and can be done in several ways:

  1. Online via the TfL website: Pay the Congestion Charge
  2. TfL’s “Pay to Drive in London” app: Available on iOS and Android.
  3. Auto Pay: Automatically charges your account for the days you drive in the zone.
  4. By phone: Call 0343 222 2222 (UK) or +44 343 222 2222 (international).

Alternatively, if you have impaired hearing you can use Textphone: 020 7649 9123

Auto Pay is especially useful for PCO drivers who regularly enter the zone.

What if I Forget to Pay the Congestion Charge?

If you drive within the congestion charge zone and fail to pay by midnight on the third day after entering the congestion zone, you’ll receive a Penalty charge notice (PCN).

The PCN for the London Congestion Charge is £180. However, if you pay within 14 days, you can get a discounted rate of £90.

If the PCN is not paid or challenged within 28 days, the fee increases to £270.

Avoid this by setting reminders or using Auto Pay.

How do I pay the Congestion Charge PCN?

If you have received a PCN for failing to pay the London Congestion Charge you can either use the TfL Pay to drive in London app, pay online via the TfL website, or pay by post.

A 50% discount is available if you pay within 14 or 21 days (check your notice).

Where is the Congestion Charge Zone?

The Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ) covers most of Central London, including areas like:

  • Westminster
  • Holborn
  • Soho
  • South Bank
  • Barbican
London Congestion Charge area map

Reference: London Congestion Zone TFL Map

You can check if a postcode is within the zone using the TfL postcode checker on their website or app.

When did the congestion charge start?

The Congestion Charge Scheme came into effect in central London on February 17, 2003 and was introduced by the London Mayor at the time, Ken Livingstone.

The charge was brought into place to address traffic congestion, aid air quality, and increase efficiency within the city.

Do Hybrid Cars Pay the Congestion Charge?

Yes, most hybrid vehicles are no longer exempt from the Congestion Charge.

The Cleaner Vehicle Discount (CVD) was phased out for hybrids, meaning they must now pay unless they meet strict emission standards.

Emission Standards that meet the Congestion Charge Requirements:

Petrol Hybrid Cars: Petrol Hybrids generally need t meet Euro 4 standards. These were introduced in 2006.

Plug-in Hybrids: Plug-in hybrid’s first registered in the UK as new should be ULEZ compliant.

For further information on discounts and exemptions from the Congestion Charge you can find more through clicking this link.

Do Electric Cars Pay the Congestion Charge?

Fully electric vehicles are currently eligible for a 100% discount, but you must register with TfL to benefit.

This exemption is part of the Cleaner Vehicle Discount, which is set to end on will end on December 25, 2025. As a result, from this date you will need to pay the standard Congestion Charge when entering the zone during charging hours.

Rapid PCO post weekly updates on the latest PCO news and industry insights on our Facebook page. You can follow us by clicking this link.

How to Navigate the Congestion Charge While Driving in London

Here are some tips for PCO drivers:

  • Plan routes to avoid the zone during charging hours if possible.
  • Use navigation apps that highlight Congestion Charge zones.
  • Register for Auto Pay to avoid missed payments.
  • Drive electric to benefit from discounts and exemptions.

Please note: The Cleaner Vehicle Discount (CVD) will end on December 25, 2025.

  • Stay informed about changes to the scheme, especially upcoming 2026 proposals.

The Round Up

Understanding how to pay the London Congestion Charge is essential for every PCO driver in London.

By staying informed and using the right tools, you can avoid penalties and keep your business running smoothly.

For more tips and updates tailored to PCO drivers, check out the rest of our blogs on our website.

How Rapid PCO Can Help Drive Your Career Further

At Rapid PCO, we’re more than just a car hire company — we’re your partner on the road to success.

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.

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?

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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

  1. 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.

  1. 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:

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

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