New TfL Regulations for Private Hire Drivers – are you compliant?

From July 1, 2024, Transport for London (TfL) rolled out new regulations to boost safety, compliance, and service quality for taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs). 

Luckily we’ve got the lowdown on what’s changing and how you can stay on the right side of the law.

New TfL Regulations – Key Changes 

1. DBS Checks and Self-Reporting 

•  All new taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers must undertake a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) when applying for their PHV license. You must use TfL’s authorised provider, click here for more guidance. The DBS check costs £33*, and is an annual requirement when you renew your PHV license.  

• If you have received a release, charge, caution or conviction within the last 48 hours, you’re now required to tell TfL. This includes any points given on your DVLA license. Additionally, you must also tell TfL about any Fixed Penalty Notices, such as fines. This does not include parking tickets, but if TfL learn of repeated fines, they may take action against you. 

Use this form to report any incidents to TfL. 

2. Updated Licensing Policies

•   Re-licensing guidelines are now stricter for drivers with previous disqualifications. The waiting period for those with ‘totting’ disqualifications has been reduced from 12 to 6 months.

•   There are new policies for handling harassment and stalking offences, and breaches of court orders.

•   Clearer re-licensing procedures for drivers with expired licenses pending DBS checks.

3. Improved Safeguarding and Equality Measures

• Mandatory compliance with the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Act 2022.

• Inclusion of additional offences from the Equality Act 2010, as updated by the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022.

4. Signage and Communication

•   All licensed taxis and PHVs must display complaint information to passengers.

•   Advertisements on or in a private hire vehicle must be approved by TfL and meet their requirements. 

What’s the impact of the new rules on Private Hire Drivers?

TfL says that any private hire and taxi drivers who can’t or won’t meet the new requirements risk having their license revoked, or their application denied. After all, these changes are to keep you and your passengers safe.

TfL expects all drivers to drive responsibly, but if you keep to the rules, there should be minimal impact to your everyday driving life. 

For more detailed information, you can visit the TfL official page

Taxi Point article.

*DBS check costs £33 at the time of publishing (July 2024)