Best PCO Centres in London: Wait Times & Success Rates (2024 Guide)
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Introduction
If you’re looking to become an Uber, Bolt, or FreeNow driver in London, your journey begins with getting a PCO (Private Hire Vehicle) license from Transport for London (TfL). One of the most overlooked—but important—steps is choosing the right PCO licensing centre.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best TfL PCO centres in London, comparing them by wait times, pass rates, and driver experience—to help you choose the one that gets you licensed fastest and easiest.
What Are PCO Licensing Centres?
PCO centres are official TfL hubs where you’ll:
- Submit your application (if not online)
- Complete your topographical skills assessment
- Take your English language test (if required)
- Provide biometrics (photo, fingerprints) and verify documents
Most drivers choose their centre based on location—but not all centres are equal in terms of efficiency or pass rates.
Top PCO Centres in London (2024)
1. Enfield PCO Centre
- Location: North London
- Wait Time: 1–2 weeks
- Pass Rate: High
- Known for: Organised process, helpful staff
Why drivers recommend it: Less busy than central locations, with flexible morning appointments.
2. Sidcup PCO Centre
- Location: South-East London
- Wait Time: 2–3 weeks
- Pass Rate: High (especially for the topo test)
- Known for: Friendly staff and fast-track slots
Pro Tip: Often recommended by Uber onboarding teams due to ease of access and lower failure rates.
3. West Kensington (Earls Court) PCO Centre
- Location: Central/West London
- Wait Time: 3–4 weeks
- Pass Rate: Moderate
- Known for: More walk-ins = more pressure during assessments
Note: Convenient for central residents but topo tests here are considered harder, with stricter invigilators.
4. Stratford PCO Centre
- Location: East London
- Wait Time: 2–3 weeks
- Pass Rate: Above average
- Known for: Evening appointment availability
Great for part-time applicants and those working other jobs.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Valid UK Driving Licence (with 3+ years held)
- Enhanced DBS certificate
- Medical check (TfL-approved GP)
- Proof of address (utility bill, bank letter, etc.)
- National Insurance number
- Passport or identity proof
- Completed TfL PHV driver application form
Always bring original documents—photocopies will not be accepted.
Which Centre Should You Choose?
| Centre | Speed | Ease of Test | Staff Rating | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enfield | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | North London drivers |
| Sidcup | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | New drivers, Uber onboard |
| West Ken. | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Central London only |
| Stratford | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Flexible schedules |
What Happens After the Centre Visit?
After you complete your assessments, TfL will:
- Review your application and documents
- Contact you for any missing items
- Issue your PCO badge and license (usually within 6–8 weeks)
You’ll be notified by post and online when your licence is approved.
🔗 Next in this series: 👉 PCO License Application: Common Rejection Reasons & How to Fix Them