TfL says taxi and PHV licensing service stabilising as focus turns to new applicant backlog
- Perry Richardson
- 8 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Transport for London (TfL) has said its taxi and private hire driver licensing service has reached a “consistently steady operating position”, as it shifts focus towards reducing delays affecting new driver applications.
In a Notice issued to the taxi and private hire trade, TfL confirmed it has increased staffing levels and introduced faster escalation routes to improve processing times, particularly for licence renewals. The authority said renewal applications are now typically reviewed within around 10 working days of receipt.
Ensuring existing drivers can continue working without interruption has remained a central priority. TfL said it continues to prioritise applications from drivers whose licences are due to expire within six weeks and, where appropriate, is issuing short-term private hire licences to support continuity.
The update follows earlier communications outlining operational challenges within the licensing system. TfL said sustained efforts to stabilise the service have led to improved response times to correspondence and a more reliable renewal process. However, it reiterated that drivers should submit renewal applications as early as possible to avoid disruption, particularly where external factors may slow processing.
Transport authority targets 10-day renewal turnaround while allocating more staff to clear delays for first-time drivers
Attention is now turning to a backlog of new driver applications, which TfL acknowledged have taken longer to progress in recent months. While initial application reviews are being completed within 10 working days, delays have persisted at later stages, particularly after applicants have completed mandatory driver assessments.
To address this, TfL said it is allocating additional staff to support new applicants and assigning experienced officers to cases closest to completion. Applications at the final review stage will be processed in date order based on when assessment results were issued, a move TfL said is intended to ensure fairness and consistency.
The authority also confirmed that assessment capacity remains sufficient, with applicants able to book test appointments at convenient times. TfL said it is proactively contacting those yet to complete assessments to encourage earlier progression through the system.
At the final stage of the process, TfL conducts detailed checks to ensure all required documentation and information has been submitted before making a licensing decision. Where gaps or inconsistencies are identified, applicants are contacted directly, including by phone, to resolve issues quickly.
TfL highlighted that incomplete applications and slow responses to information requests remain key causes of delay. It urged applicants to provide clear and accurate documentation, respond promptly to communications and ensure all assessments are completed as early as possible.
Some elements of the licensing process remain outside TfL’s direct control, including medical assessments, Disclosure and Barring Service checks and other third-party requirements. These factors can continue to impact overall timelines.
The Notice also referenced a previously announced Goodwill Payment Scheme, introduced for drivers affected by earlier processing delays. TfL said eligible drivers will be contacted directly and do not need to apply.
Further updates are expected to be issued through TfL’s Taxi and Private Hire Notices channel as the authority continues efforts to improve processing times and reduce the backlog of new driver applications.
