Taxi and PHV drivers face growing scrutiny over English language standards as 81% of councils now require proficiency checks
- Perry Richardson
- May 1
- 2 min read
A growing majority of local authorities in England now require taxi and private hire vehicle drivers to demonstrate English language proficiency, according to figures released by the Department for Transport following a parliamentary question on licensing standards.
The update came in response to a written question from Rupert Lowe, who asked what guidance had been issued to licensing authorities on minimum English language standards and whether the department had reviewed evidence relating to non-native English-speaking drivers communicating effectively with passengers.
Responding on behalf of the Government, minister Lilian Greenwood said the department recognised “the importance of proficiency in English language” for taxi and private hire drivers.
Greenwood said existing statutory guidance recommends that all licensing authorities should require drivers to demonstrate both written and oral English language proficiency. However, she confirmed that councils remain responsible for determining how those standards are assessed and enforced locally.
Department for Transport says most licensing authorities in England now require taxi and private hire drivers to demonstrate written and spoken English ability
According to the figures provided by the department, as of 1 April 2024, 81% of licensing authorities in England required taxi drivers to demonstrate English language proficiency. A slightly higher proportion, 82%, required private hire vehicle drivers to meet similar standards.
The response did not include details of any national audits, reviews or evidence gathered by the department over the last five years regarding the communication abilities of non-native English-speaking drivers. Greenwood’s answer focused instead on the statutory guidance framework and the proportion of councils applying English language requirements.
English language standards for licensed drivers have become an increasingly debated issue within the taxi and private hire sector, particularly around passenger safety, safeguarding, and communication during emergencies. Licensing authorities across England apply varying approaches, with some requiring formal language testing while others rely on interviews, written assessments or qualification checks.
The Government’s statutory taxi and private hire vehicle standards guidance, first introduced in 2020, recommends licensing authorities should be confident drivers can communicate effectively with passengers, regulatory bodies and emergency services. The guidance is advisory rather than mandatory, meaning implementation differs between councils.
Minister Greenwood said: “The department recognises the importance of proficiency in English language. That’s why its existing statutory guidance recommends that all licensing authorities should require taxi and private hire vehicle drivers to demonstrate written and oral English language proficiency.
“Licensing authorities are responsible for deciding how English language proficiency is demonstrated. As of 1 April 2024, 81% of licensing authorities in England reported that they required the taxi drivers they license to demonstrate English language proficiency and 82% of licensing authorities in England reported that they required the private hire vehicle drivers they license to demonstrate English language proficiency.”
