ACTION PLAN: Mayor signals push for mandatory disability training for London taxi and private hire drivers could arrive

London's taxi and private hire sector could soon see mandatory disability and equality training for drivers as part of the Mayor of London’s new Action Plan.

Caroline Russell, London Assembly Member, pressed Mayor Sadiq Khan to include this requirement as a licensing condition in the updated Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles (PHV) Action Plan.

In response, the Mayor confirmed his support for such measures. Khan indicated that Transport for London (TfL) is considering ways to expand the current training offerings for licensed drivers, including new online modules as part of the action plan refresh.

Currently, all licensed drivers are informed of their responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022. For PHV drivers, this guidance is covered in the PHV Driver Handbook and assessed as part of the Safety, Equality, and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) examination.

Taxi drivers receive similar information during the 'final talk'—the last stage of their journey to becoming fully licensed, once they have completed The Knowledge. However, TfL is working towards introducing a dedicated Taxi Driver Handbook and incorporating a SERU assessment for taxi drivers as well. Licensees also receive updates with each new licence issue.

If introduced, mandatory disability and equality training could ensure greater consistency across the industry, enhancing services for passengers with additional needs and reinforcing TfL’s commitment to inclusive travel across London.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, responded to the question put forward to him: “Yes. As part of the refresh of the Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan, I know Transport for London (TfL) is looking at opportunities to provide additional online training to licensees. 

“Taxi and private hire licensees are already provided with information about their responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022.

“For Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) drivers this information is contained in the PHV Driver Handbook and is assessed as part of the Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) assessment. For taxi drivers this information is currently provided in their ‘final talk’ – when they are ‘badged’ as a taxi driver upon completion of The Knowledge. However, TfL is in the process of introducing a Taxi Driver Handbook and SERU assessment. 

“Information is also sent to both taxi and PHV drivers when they are issued with a licence.”