FOI request detail

PH licence

Request ID: FOI-2024-2223
Date published: 09 December 2022

You asked

I’m writing to you today about the delay of my application. I started my application a year ago normally it should take 12-16 weeks according to your website. I emailed numerous times to ask about the process of my application and I always receive basic generic answers. I’m requesting the TFL To share with me and the public through this request, figures of private hire application which were received and processed from November 2021 by them. According to the freedom of information Act 2000. It would help me understand their criteria for successful application, time it takes and how applications are considered. I’m really disappointed with the service I received from TFL. If my application is not resolved a member of alternative dispute relations will be involved.

We answered

Our ref: FOI-2024-2223/GH
 
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 14 November 2022 asking for information about Private Hire licences.
 
Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require. You asked:
 
I’m requesting the TFL To share with me and the public through this request, figures of private hire application which were received and processed from November 2021 by them.
 
Between December 2021 and the start of October 2022 is that we approved 29,294 private hire driver licence applications. This is the closest time period to that you have requested which we have a report for.
 
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.
 
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 provided by the TPH licensing team 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 therefore not covered by the Freedom of Information Act, I understand that your application for a private hire driver’s licence has now been successfully granted.
 
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

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