Uber and Bolt driver requirements in the UK: what you actually need

One of the biggest misunderstandings about driving for Uber or Bolt is thinking you "apply to Uber" to become a driver. You don't. In the UK, Uber and Bolt are licensed private hire operators — you sign up with them after you are already a licensed private hire driver with a licensed vehicle and the right insurance. Getting licensed comes first; choosing a platform comes last. Here is what you actually need.

1. A private hire driver licence from a council

The single most important requirement is a private hire vehicle (PHV) driver licence issued by your local licensing authority — your council, or Transport for London (TfL) if you want to drive in London. You cannot legally carry passengers for Uber or Bolt without one.

To get licensed you will generally need to:

• Hold a full UK or EU driving licence, usually for at least 12 months;
• Be over the minimum age (commonly 18 outside London, 21 in London);
• Pass an enhanced DBS criminal record check;
• Pass a medical examination to the required standard;
• Prove your right to work in the UK;
• Meet any local knowledge, safeguarding or assessment requirements set by the council.

Requirements and fees differ from council to council, so always check the rules where you intend to work. Use our directory to find your council and see exactly what your authority asks for. The full process typically takes several weeks from first application to your first fare — read how to become a private hire driver for the step-by-step.

2. A licensed, eligible vehicle

You also need a vehicle that is licensed as a private hire vehicle by the same authority that licenses you. The car itself must pass a licensing inspection and meet local standards. On top of that, Uber and Bolt set their own vehicle eligibility rules — typically around the car's age, number of doors, condition and emissions.

Age limits are stricter in London and other clean-air areas than elsewhere, and they change over time, so check current requirements before buying. If you do not own a suitable car, many drivers rent a ready-licensed "PCO" vehicle — but remember that hire cost comes straight off your earnings, as we explain in our earnings guide.

3. Hire-and-reward insurance

Ordinary car insurance does not cover carrying paying passengers. You must have private hire "hire-and-reward" insurance in place before you start earning. This is a legal requirement and a condition of both your licence and the platforms. It is more expensive than standard cover, so factor it into your budget from the start.

4. Right to work and ID

You must be able to prove your right to work in the UK as part of both the licensing process and operator sign-up. You will also need standard identity and address documents, your DBS certificate, your licence documents and proof of insurance when you register with an operator.

5. London only: the SERU assessment

If you want to drive in London, TfL requires applicants for a PHV driver licence to pass the SERU assessment (Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding) along with an English speaking and listening requirement, before the licence is granted. This applies to drivers for Uber, Bolt, Addison Lee and any other London operator.

SERU is a computer-based test covering safeguarding, equality, route knowledge and the rules of operating as a private hire driver in London. It is one of the most common stumbling blocks for new London drivers, so prepare properly with our SERU practice and general practice tests before you book. Outside London, councils set their own assessments, which vary — again, find your council to confirm.

Where Uber and Bolt actually fit in

Only once you hold your council or TfL driver licence, have a licensed and eligible vehicle, and have hire-and-reward insurance do you sign up with the platform. Uber and Bolt are operators you join, not the body that licenses you. You can register with both and run them together. The platforms will verify your documents during sign-up, but they do not replace the council's licensing — that always has to be done first.

Quick checklist before you sign up

1. Council/TfL private hire driver licence — check your council's rules
2. Licensed, eligible vehicle (own or rented PCO car)
3. Hire-and-reward insurance in place
4. Right to work and ID documents ready
5. London only: passed SERU and the English requirement — SERU practice

Get those in order and registering with Uber or Bolt is the easy final step. While you prepare, it is worth modelling your likely income with our earnings estimator and checking out recommended gear to make life on the road easier. Because rules differ by city and council, always confirm the specifics for the area where you plan to drive.