What you need to know about becoming a London Uber driver in 2026
Working as a London Uber driver remains as attractive as ever in 2026. You gain access to reliable, flexible employment, and thanks to a number of legal changes that have come into place over the past year, you now also benefit from a number of important employment protections.
Getting started can be a little confusing, but it isn’t that complicated at all. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about becoming a London Uber driver in 2026.
Basic requirements
What do you need in order to consider Uber driving as a possibility? Not so much. You need to be over 21 years old, have held a drivers license for at least 3 years, have a clean criminal record, and be able to pass English language and medical tests.
You will also need to be able to prove that you have the right to work in the UK. So long as you have these basic things in place, the rest can all be arranged.
Steps to becoming a London Uber driver
These are the basic steps you’ll need to follow to become an Uber driver in London.
Get your private hire driver licence
The first step is to get your private hire driving (or PHV) license. Formerly known as the PCO drivers license, in London, you have to apply for this via Transport for London (TfL).
You’ll need to provide them with your driving license, pass an enhanced DBS check, undergo a medical exam to meet the DVLA Group 2 standards, and undertake a topographical skills assessment to prove your ability to navigate using various maps.
You will also need to pass two further assessments. One of these is a speaking and listening English language assessment, the other a Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) assessment.
Once you have submitted all of these documents, your application can be processed, and if everything is in order, you will receive your PHV license.
Considered your preferred niche
Next, you’ll have to think about where you’ll want to work, what kind of customer you’ll choose to work with, and what kind of vehicle this will require.
London is a huge city, and you can choose your area and work hours to target anything from airport runs in the early morning to transporting club goers home at the end of their nights.
Find an appropriate vehicle
Once you’re licensed, all you need to do is get your hands on an appropriate vehicle. Most Uber drivers nowadays choose a PCO car hire service like Westgate Car Hire, at least to get them going at first.
These companies provide you with a licensed vehicle that’s ready to work with from day one, and take care of the maintenance and paperwork side of things for you, making it a lot simpler and more affordable to get started.
Becoming an Uber driver in London in 2026 really isn’t so difficult, so long as you know what services to access. If you meet the basic criteria, and can afford the first week's rental fees and a small deposit on the vehicle, there’s nothing to stop you from starting work.
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