Freenow is the app that started life in London’s black-cab world, and it still works with taxi drivers today. It also takes on private hire drivers, which is the route most new drivers take. If that’s you, you’ll sign up as a PHV driver, and you’ll need a TfL licence first.
Here’s what Freenow asks for and what happens after you apply.
Before you sign up
You can’t drive for Freenow as a private hire driver without a TfL private hire driver licence (your PCO licence) and a car with its own TfL PHV licence. Getting the PCO licence means passing an enhanced DBS check, a Group 2 medical and three TfL tests: English speaking and listening, the Topographical assessment and SERU. You must be at least 21 and have held a full driving licence for three years.
All the steps and fees are in our guide to getting a PCO licence in London.
Signing up with Freenow
Freenow’s sign-up takes five steps:
- Go to Freenow’s driver sign-up page.
- Choose PHV as your licence type.
- Create your account and fill in the form.
- Add your bank details.
- Upload your documents: identity, licence and vehicle papers.
Have clear photos of everything ready before you start. It’s much quicker than stopping halfway to find your V5C.
After you apply
Freenow then sends you an email. From there:
- Download the Freenow driver app.
- Do the short online training while Freenow sets up your account.
- Book a 30-minute chat with the Freenow team.
- Take your first passenger.
How Freenow pays
Freenow pays drivers weekly. If you’re used to daily cash-outs on other apps, plan your first couple of weeks around that.
Getting help
Freenow has a Help Centre for drivers, with answers on changing your car, uploading documents and payment dates. It also has a driver office in London, at Harling House on Great Suffolk Street near Southwark, if you’d rather sort something out face to face.
Should you use Freenow on its own?
Most London private hire drivers don’t stick to one app. With a TfL licence you can work for any licensed operator, so Freenow can sit alongside Uber or Bolt on your phone. Check that your hire and reward insurance covers each operator you sign up with.
Still preparing for your TfL tests?
The Freenow sign-up takes days. The TfL licence takes much longer, and the tests are where most people get held up. Try our free practice questions first:
Sign-up steps checked against Freenow’s private hire page and TfL’s licensing pages in November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a PCO licence to drive for Freenow?
Yes, if you’re driving private hire. You need a TfL private hire driver licence, and your car needs a TfL PHV licence. Black-cab drivers sign up with their taxi licence instead.
How long does it take to start driving for Freenow?
Once you have your TfL licences, the Freenow side is quick: sign up, upload documents, do the online training and a 30-minute chat. Getting the TfL licence itself takes much longer.
How often does Freenow pay drivers?
Weekly.
Can I drive for Freenow and Uber at the same time?
Yes. A TfL licence lets you work for any licensed London operator. Make sure your insurance covers each one.