‘DRIVERS DESERVE BETTER’: London taxi rep questions efficiency of TfL’s DVLA licence check code system
The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) has raised concerns over the inefficiency of Transport for London’s (TfL) licence renewal process, particularly issues surrounding the DVLA Licence Check code system.
Sam Houston, a senior representative at the LTDA, has revealed the growing frustration among drivers over a process that should, in theory, be straightforward. The DVLA code allows TfL to verify penalty points on a driver’s licence before issuing or renewing a Bill. However, technical problems and procedural delays are leaving drivers in limbo.
One of the main flaws lies in the code’s limited validity. Each code is only active for 21 days. Given current delays in processing applications, many codes expire before they can be used. Drivers are then required to provide a new code, often resulting in TfL labelling applications as incomplete.
Houston explained that while a second code often resolves the issue, a significant number of cases require a third or even fourth attempt. This back-and-forth leaves drivers frustrated and uncertain, further compounded by delays in licence issuance.
The recent cyberattack affecting TfL’s systems has only exacerbated the problem. However, Houston stressed that the DVLA code process was already problematic, calling it “not fit for purpose”.
Houston said in TAXI Newspaper : “I have lost count of the amount of DVLA Licence Check codes I’ve helped LTDA members with over the last few months.
“This is a part of the licensing / renewal process that should be simple. It’s an ‘arm’s length’ method of TfL checking how many points a driver has on their licence before issuing a new Bill.
“But there appears to be a problem with the technology. First of all, any code generated is only useable for 21 days, so with all the delays at the moment, the code you put onto your application form is unlikely to be the one that gets used.
“This means TfL has to contact you and ask for another code – often they will say that your application was incomplete. So you/we at the LTDA, generate and send another code, and then it either works or it doesn’t.
“To be fair, often the second code does work and then some days later the licence is issued. But in a significant number of cases a third or sometimes fourth code is required, all while the driver faces mounting anxiety and frustration.
“This is unacceptable. Notwithstanding the recent cyberattack, the current licence renewal process is overcomplicated and fraught with delay and uncertainty. The DVLA check code element in particular is not fit for purpose.
“Drivers deserve better, and hopefully this can be reviewed and improved at the earliest opportunity.”
