Transport for London updates Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Driver Policy
Updated: Jul 16, 2023
Transport for London (TfL) has announced updates to the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) Driver Policy, outlining new licensing requirements for cabbies in the capital. The changes come as part of TfL's ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and improve the overall quality of taxi services.
These include:
Updates to reflect last year's changes to the transitional provisions for the English language and SERU requirements for PHV drivers.
Revision of policy in respect of those who fail the Topographical, ELR or SERU assessment.
Inclusion of more serious offences of harassment and stalking in convictions quidance.
Reduction in the period before re-licensing will be considered after a 'totting' disqualification (from 12 months to 6 months - after the end of the disqualification period).
Revised policy on drivers disqualified for 28 days or less. The licence will be suspended, but not returned to TfL, for the period of the disqualification.
Previously the licence had to be surrendered to TfL for the period of the disqualification.
New guidance on breaches of court orders.
Updates to reflect mandatory use of NR3S and other requirements in the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Act 2022.
Updates to reflect additional offences in the Equality Act 2010 created by the by the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022.
Clarification on re-licensing after an undeclared conviction.
Revised guidance to provide clarification on re-licensing drivers pending outcome of DBS check and when drivers can work after the expiry of their licence.
TfL has made it clear that it will be actively communicating these changes to licensees through various channels, including email updates, social media platforms, and their upcoming summer edition of On Route magazine.
