Freedom of Information request - Significant Delay in Issuing Licence
Request ID: FOI-1449-2223 Date published: 12 October 2022
You asked
Dear Transport for London,
I made an application to become a private hire licenced driver on 6th of July. The application was fully completed with all the required documents such as the medical, DBS and licence check and the fess was than paid In full.
I passed my topographical test on the 19th of August, but TFL have failed to process my application and issue my licence in the required time frame.
They currently don’t have a number for contact, but they state on their automated telephone service number (0343 222 4444) that all new applications are being processed in 10 working days, then why has it taken so long to process my application?
To top it up they fail to provide an updated time scale on how long I am required to wait for my licence. This is very unfair and misleading to all applicants.
I would also like to know how many applicants are waiting for their licence after they have passed the topographical test?
I understand that licencing is a complex procedure, however all checks were completed in my initial assessment such as the DBS and the Medical. Therefore, please explain what other checks need to be carried out after passing topographical test that is causing such significant delays?
I have already contacted the private hire team via email, but they always provide an unsatisfactory answer.
“Your application is being processed. Please wait to be contacted for further updates….
Can you please help with the issue of my private hire licence.
We answered
Our ref: FOI-1449-2223/GH
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 14 September 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 do hold some of the information you require. You asked:
I would also like to know how many applicants are waiting for their licence after they have passed the topographical test?
I understand that licencing is a complex procedure, however all checks were completed in my initial assessment such as the DBS and the Medical. Therefore, please explain what other checks need to be carried out after passing topographical test that is causing such significant delays?
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 advise you how many applicants are waiting for their licence after they have 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 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.
You can complain to us about the services we provide by sending an email to: [email protected].
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 is therefore not covered by the Freedom of Information Act, I understand that the TfL Taxi and Private Hire driver licensing team wrote to you on 14 September confirming that your application for a licence is progressing.
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
