What to do while you’re waiting for your TfL private hire licence

Applying for or renewing your Transport for London (TfL) private hire vehicle (PHV) licence can sometimes feel like a waiting game. But that waiting period doesn’t have to slow you down.

With Otto Car, you can use this time to prepare smartly – so when your licence arrives, you’re ready to hit the road and start earning straight away. Over the years, we’ve supported over 20,000 drivers on their private hire driving journey, so you’re in good hands.

The best part? You don’t have to wait around. There are plenty of simple steps you can take right now to set yourself up for success. From visiting one of our London hubs, to meeting the Otto Car Team and exploring the cars and plans available, we’re here to support drivers just like you every step of the way.

Visit one of our London hubs

Why wait until your private hire driving licence lands to start thinking about your next steps? Drop into one of our London hubs and meet our friendly team of experts.

Here’s what you can do at our hubs:

• Learn about our all-in-one support – From insurance, breakdown cover, PHV licensing, and servicing, to driver development programmes – with Otto Car, you don’t just get a car, you get total peace of mind.
• Explore our flexible plans – Whether you’re looking to own or rent, short-term or long-term, our team will help match you with a plan that suits your lifestyle and career goals.
• Discover our cars – From comparing specs and features to learning more about electric vehicles (EVs), we’ll help you find the perfect car that works as hard as you do.
• Get tailored advice – Honest, upfront guidance with no jargon or hidden catches – just clear support to help you feel confident in your next step.

Find your perfect plan

While there are sometimes licensing delays, this waiting period is a great time to explore your options and figure out which plan* fits your goals best.

Our plans:

• Rent to Buy – Choose from a wide range of new and used vehicles and work your way to ownership. With our all-inclusive plan (covering insurance, servicing, PHV licence, and more) plus up to 8 weeks of payment breaks per year, you’ll enjoy peace of mind while building towards owning your car.
• PCO Car Hire – Maximum flexibility with shorter contracts and a wide choice of cars. You’ll still benefit from our all-in-one package, but with the freedom of a low-commitment hire option that fits around your needs.
• ​Accelerate – A flexible short-term plan designed for new Uber Partners. Get a discounted EV on our all-inclusive PCO Car Hire plan, with the option to move towards ownership over time.

Need more information?
Come down to one of our hubs and chat with our team of experts. We’ll help you find the plan that fits your goals, so when your licence arrives you won’t just be ready – you’ll be ahead of the game, confident in your choice, and set to hit the road earning from day one.

*Please note: eligibility requirements apply for each plan.

Choose your vehicle

Waiting for your licence can feel like being stuck in limbo, but you don’t have to pause your plans. Start browsing our wide range of cars available to rent or own today. While availability may change by the time your licence is approved, our prices remain consistent and competitive.

Not only will you find your own vehicle, you’ll also enjoy our all-in-one package, bringing everything together in one place. That means insurance, an HD dashcam for safety and peace of mind, PHV licensing to support your career, plus servicing and breakdown cover for hassle-free support – and much more. It’s everything you need, without the stress of juggling multiple providers.

Plus, we also believe everyone deserves a fair start – that’s why you don’t run credit checks. Want to learn more? Discover why thousands of drivers choose Otto Car.

Be ready for day one on the road

Many drivers find their application is approved, only to wait a couple of extra weeks for the physical licence to arrive. That’s valuable time you can use to:

• Understand your plan – Learn the details of your insurance cover, car handover process, or the ordering steps for your chosen vehicle.
• Plan your work schedule – Research peak demand times in your area and adjust your routine so you’re ready to maximise your earnings.
• Learn about EVs and charging – Find your nearest public charging points, and if eligible, consider installing a home charger.
• Prepare financially – Review your energy tariff for EV charging at home or discover cost-saving tips to make the most of driving an EV as a private hire driver.

And when the big day arrives, our flexible terms let you start in a way that suits you—whether that’s with a short commitment, or with the option to take up to 8 weeks of payment breaks if life changes.

​Haven’t applied for your PHV licence yet?

If you’re still at the beginning of your journey, don’t worry – we’ve got plenty of resources to help you get started:

• Getting a PCO licence in London – Everything you need to know about applying for your licence.
• How to become an Uber Driver in London – A step-by-step guide to getting on the road with Uber.
• Topographical skills test for a PCO licence – Tips and advice to help you prepare and pass with confidence.

These guides will walk you through the process so you can apply with confidence and take the first step toward your new career.

​Take the next step with Otto Car

Starting out as a private hire driver can feel overwhelming at time – but with Otto Car, you’re never on your own. We offer more than just a car; we provide the support, guidance, and community you need to succeed.

Explore our range of electric vehicles through our Rent to Buy or PCO Car Hire plan that fits your needs. With our all-inclusive plans, you know that the weekly costs are clear and there won’t be surprises.

Visit one of our London hubs or call 02039951316. The friendly Otto Team is here to help.

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