Request ID: FOI-0696-2223 Date published: 13 July 2022
You asked
Dear TFL
I applied for a PHV license in November 2021. I passed my topographical test in Feb 2022. I have been waiting for a decision on my application since then and yet I have submitted all documents as requested.
The purpose of this request is for you to provide me with:
1) How many applications have been decided within 6 months of an applicant submitting the application for PHV license
2) How many applications have NOT been decided after 6 months of an application submitting the application for PHV license and why the delay?
3) TFL complaints contact related to the department responsible for processing PHV license
4) The average time it takes to process a PHV application AFTER passing topographical test
5) Service Level Agreement (SLA) for the department responsible for processing PHV license applications.
We answered
Our ref: FOI-0696-2223/GH
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 22 June 2022 asking for information about private hire driver licensing.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we do hold some of the information you require. You asked:
1) How many applications have been decided within 6 months of an applicant submitting the application for PHV license
2) How many applications have NOT been decided after 6 months of an application submitting the application for PHV license and why the delay?
3) TFL complaints contact related to the department responsible for processing PHV license
4) The average time it takes to process a PHV application AFTER passing topographical test
5) Service Level Agreement (SLA) for the department responsible for processing PHV license applications.
Given the number of applicants that apply and that each one may differ depending on their own individual circumstances, and the fact that each application is therefore considered on a case-by-case basis, there is no specific timeframe for processing an application. We therefore do not hold information on the number of licences that have been decided within six months, nor the time it takes to grant a licence after an applicant has passed the topographical test.
Once we receive a private hire driver application an initial assessment takes place to ensure the required documents have been provided in support of an application and that the mandatory requirements for licensing are met. This stage also includes ensuring an enhanced DBS check has been undertaken by the applicant, which is undertaken by a third party and is outside of the applicant’s or TfL’s control. At this stage there may also be a process of requesting and receiving any missing materials until the application is deemed to be fully complete.
An applicant is then invited to apply for a topographical skills and safety, equality and regulatory understanding (SERU) assessment (for applications submitted from 1 October 2021). The time taken to complete the assessments depends on a number of factors, including how quickly an applicant books an assessment, the availability of assessments (which was impacted by nationwide COVID lockdowns) and the applicants ability to meet the required standard, or whether any retest of an assessment is required.
The licence application process is complex, multi-staged and often iterative, which can involve requests for further information or clarity from applicants. There are also a number of elements in the licensing process that are outside of TfL’s control, such as the completion of a DBS check and submission of any required medical information. Therefore, there is no target for when licensing decisions are taken and this depends on individual applications. In each case we need to ensure that an applicant is ‘fit and proper’ to ensure the continued safety of the travelling public.
For example, the time required to process an application may increase as a consequence of:
Applications being submitted but found to be incomplete or inaccurate
Checking that an applicant meets the mandatory requirements for licensing, such as the right to work in the U.K, and that they hold the relevant driving licence and driving experience
Consideration of the applicant’s medical fitness and whether they meet the DVLA’s Group 2 standard of medical fitness to drive. This may include a full review of the applicant’s medical history by our medical advisors
Ensuring that the applicant’s character meets the required standard, including a review of the results of a DBS check
The candidate successfully completing the required assessments of their topographical skills and safety, equality and regulatory understanding (SERU)
You can complain to us about the services we provide by sending an email to: [email protected].
I apologise that this process took longer than anticipated and that you did not receive a more comprehensive response following your contact with us. I understand that since making your Freedom of Information Act request your licence has been granted.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for some reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Graham Hurt FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
