Request ID: FOI-1303-2223 Date published: 16 September 2022
You asked
1. What are reasons for the unproportional and unreasonable delay in processing my application and what is the average time in processing a PCO driver's licence when an applicant has met their criteria.
2. How many Private Hire Driver's licence have been granted to applicants who applied as of 15th January 2022.
3. How many Private Hire Driver's licenses have been granted to persons who has successfully passed the topographical assessment as of the 5th of May 2022.
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-1303-2223
Thank you for your request received on 30 August 2022 asking for information about private hire licences.
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 hold some of the information you require. You asked:
1. What are reasons for the unproportional and unreasonable delay in processing my application and what is the average time in processing a PCO driver's licence when an applicant has met their criteria. 2. How many Private Hire Driver's licence have been granted to applicants who applied as of 15th January 2022. 3. How many Private Hire Driver's licenses have been granted to persons who has successfully passed the topographical assessment as of the 5th of May 2022.
Given the volume of applications we receive, the fact that each one differs depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant, that aspects of the licensing process are outside of TfL’s control, and that each application is considered on a case-by-case basis, there is no specific timeframe for processing an application. We also do not record information in a way which would enable us to answer your first or third question.
We have granted 18,422 private hire driver licences to applicants that applied from 15 January to 14 September 2022.
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 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 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.
I apologise that this process is taking longer than you anticipated and that you did not receive a more comprehensive response following your contact with us. Although information relating to your application is personal information, and therefore not covered by the Freedom of Information Act.
If this is not the information you are looking for please feel free 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
