New TfL licensing requirements began for all Private Hire Vehicle driver applicants on 1 April 2023

Anyone thinking of becoming a private hire driver in London should be aware of new licensing requirements that now apply since 1 April 2023.

These requirements are designed to ensure that all licensed private hire drivers are able to communicate in English at an appropriate level and have an understanding of safety, equality and regulatory matters.

The licensing requirements for new applicants for a private hire driver licence from 1 April 2023 are:

• You must be at least 21 years of age at the time of applying

• You must hold a full DVLA driving licence and photo card (if applicable) for more than one year

• You must have a passport or birth certificate to prove your identity and eligibility to work in the UK

• You must provide evidence of your National Insurance Number

• You must provide one additional document showing proof of your current address

• You must pass a medical examination to confirm that you are fit to drive

• You must pass a criminal record check to confirm that you are of good character

• You must pass a topographical assessment to demonstrate your knowledge of London's geography and routes

• You must pass an English language speaking and listening test to demonstrate your ability to communicate orally in English at B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

• You must pass a Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding (SERU) assessment to demonstrate your ability to read and write in English at B1 level on the CEFR and your understanding of relevant topics such as safeguarding, equality and diversity, customer service, complaints handling, road safety and licensing regulations.

The English language speaking and listening test and the SERU assessment are administered by Transport for London (TfL) and can be booked online through your TfL account. The cost of each test is £25 and you can take them at any TfL-approved test centre. You can find more information about these tests and how to prepare for them on the TfL website.

The licensing requirements for new applicants for a private hire driver licence from 1 April 2023 are different from the transitional arrangements that apply to existing licensees and applicants who submitted their application before 1 April 2023.