Sharp drop in TfL London private hire driver licences issued revealed in 2024 despite overall increase in driver numbers

Transport for London (TfL) has revealed a significant drop in new private hire driver licences processed in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

In response to a Freedom of Information request, TfL stated that from January to June 2023, a total of 20,497 private hire driver licences were issued. However, during the same months in 2024, this number fell to 14,356. This represents a noticeable decrease of 6,141 licences year-on-year.

This decline coincides with new licensing requirements introduced on 1 April 2023. New applicants for a London private hire driver’s licence must now pass the English Language Requirement and the Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding Assessments. These changes have likely impacted the number of new drivers entering the market.

Despite the decrease in new licences, the total number of private hire driver licences has increased. As of 28 July 2024, there were 107,936 licensed drivers, up from 101,535 in April 2023. A private hire driver’s licence in London is valid for three years before renewal is required, which may explain the sustained overall numbers.

The introduction of the new assessments is part of TfL’s efforts to ensure that all private hire drivers meet stringent standards of safety and competence. The English Language Requirement aims to ensure that drivers can communicate effectively with passengers, while the Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding Assessments are designed to enhance the drivers’ knowledge of essential regulatory and safety practices.

Industry observers suggest that the drop in new licences could be a temporary adjustment as prospective drivers adapt to the new requirements.