TfL Ref: 2022-2425

 

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 23 September 2024 asking for information about private hire driver licence renewals.

 

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 hold the information you require.

 

 

1) What is the time frame of processing private hire driver's licence renewal application? 

 

2) Why there is severe delays to applications, even when all requirements/requests for further information have been fulfilled by the drivers. 

 

3) Why Tfl can not access Enhanced DBS record of the driver's as it has been issued by Tfl's partner company? 

 

4) What is the net profit from all applications received by Taxi & Private Hire Department of Tfl for the financial year 2023/24? 

 

Response:

 

1.We have a target of undertaking an initial assessment of a taxi or private hire driver (PHV) application (both new applicants and existing licensees seeking to renew) within 10 days of receiving an application. 

 

The initial assessment ensures the applicant has filled in their application correctly and has provided all the relevant information. If necessary, we will then write to the applicant requesting any missing information.   

 

We recognise that existing drivers rely on a licence to earn a livelihood and we seek to make licensing decisions as soon as is practically possible once we are in possession of all relevant information.  

 

2.We are not aware of delays in making a licensing decision when we have received all the required information.  

 

The licensing process has several stages, it can be iterative and involve several requests for further information from applicants.  

 

There are also elements of the licensing process that are outside of TfL’s control, such as the provision of immigration information required to confirm an applicant or licensee has the right to remain and work in the country, the enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and the provision of requested medical information.  

 

New, and in some cases renewing PHV drivers, are also required to undertake and pass mandatory assessments. 

 

It is essential for public safety that we ensure every applicant meets all licensing requirements in order to be licensed.  

 

3.To show that they are of good character, applicants are required to undertake an enhanced DBS check, which includes criminal records, with our authorised service provider, First Advantage.  

 

 Once the DBS check is complete, the applicant will receive a DBS certificate. In addition, our contracted service provider will be informed whether the check has disclosed any convictions or cautions. If there are none, no further action will need to be taken. 

 

Should the DBS check disclose details of unspent convictions and/or cautions, the applicant will be requested to send the DBS certificate to our contracted service provider within seven days. Our service provider will then provide us with a copy, and we will review the information disclosed and assess whether they are a fit and proper person to hold a licence. 

 

 A DBS Update Service subscription is mandatory for all new and renewing private hire drivers in London as of 26 February 2024. Drivers must also maintain a continuous subscription to the DBS Update Service during the life of the licence. 

 

 The DBS Update Service allows us to check the status of a driver's criminal record certificate every six months. A subscription to the DBS Update Service means that renewal applicants only need to provide a new criminal record check if the DBS informs TfL that something has changed. This can save time and money when renewing a license. 

 

4. Licence fees cover the costs of the licensing administration process and compliance and enforcement activities associated with regulation of the licensed taxi and private hire trades. Where a surplus to be generated, adjustments would be made the licence fees in future years.  

 

 

If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.

 

Yours sincerely