AVERAGE LENGTH OF TIME TO RECIEVE PCO LICENSE AFTER PASSING TOPOGRAHICAL TEST
Request ID: FOI-1034-2324 Date published: 19 July 2023
You asked
I would like to know the average length of time for a PCO license to be issued once a person receives the email to let them know they have passed their topographical test in June 2023.
I am aware all cases vary in regards to time to process however I am asking to be informed on the average length of time based on your current data, not on an individual case by case basis.
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-1034-2324
Thank you for your request received on 4 July 2023 asking for information about PCO licence processing times.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold some of the information you require.
The average processing time for initial assessment for a private hire vehicle driver licence for this financial year is currently seven days. We typically process around 440 applications a week on average. We aim to process all new applications within 10 days.
It isn’t possible to report on the “average length of time for a PCO license to be issued once a person receives the email to let them know they have passed their topographical test in June 2023”. All applications
Once we receive a private hire driver application an initial assessment takes place to ensure the required documents have been provided 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 assessment and a 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 have been 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 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. 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 UK, 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 an enhanced DBS check • The candidate successfully completing the required topographical skills and safety, equality and regulatory understanding (SERU) assessments Further information on the requirements for licensing can be found at the following location: www.tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/licensing. If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
