The new TfL online licensing portal is here, and while it’s still not perfect, it’s a welcome change from the old, outdated design, which lacked user-friendliness.
There are still some user-experience flaws to point out, like the use of small fonts and repetitive information, which can lead to confusion.
We’ve taken a deeper look, and here are some of the things you should know about the new TfL online licensing portal.
In our last article, we spoke about some of our hopes for the new PHV online portal. From what we can see, the options we wanted have not been added yet but are in the works based on the guidance manuals provided by TfL. Currently, the new portal will allow PHV drivers to renew their licence and new applicants to apply for their licence. Other features that are coming will be the ability to book your Private Hire vehicle inspection online and, the most exciting of all, the ability to book your TfL assessments online. This means that drivers will soon no longer need to wait for an invitation via email and post from TfL to book their TfL PHV driver licensing assessment. They will be able to log in to the TfL Private Hire Portal and book their SERU assessment online as well as the ability to book Topographical and English-speaking tests online.
Below we’ve added information for drivers on how to use the TfL Taxi and Private Hire Portal.
For existing PHV driver’s license holders
You won’t need to register a new account; however, you will need to go to login and on the first attempt you will be sent an email which you have to verify by clicking a link in the email, this will move your existing account onto the new portal.
For this to work without any issues, you need to make sure you have access to your email address you used to register your TfL PHV account.
You will get an email that looks like this.
Once you have pressed the link in the email, you will need to confirm the account by providing your Surname, Date of Birth and Postcode. After that you will be prompted to set up a security question and new password.
If you have any issues, especially due to address changes or not remembering your login details, you can reach out to TfL for support via email on support@tph.tfl.gov.uk
New drivers looking to apply for your Private Hire Driver Licence
New applicants will need to register an account on the new Taxi and Private Hire Portal. Here is a link to the registration page https://tph.tfl.gov.uk/auth/register
As you are applying to become a PHV licensed driver, you will be registering a personal account. So, on the application step Account Type, make sure you choose Personal from the drop-down options.
Then fill out the rest of the form, ensuring your address details match the one on you drivers’ licence. If you have changed addresses, you will need to update your address on your driver’s license via the DVLA first.
Once you’ve filled out the registration form, you will be prompted to add a security question. You will then get an email with a link to verify your new account.
After that you can login and go through the PHV driver’s license application forms.
Here is the step-by-step guidance on how to register a new account on the TfL Taxi and Private Hire Portal.
- Visit https://tph.tfl.gov.uk/home and select “Register”
- Choose Account Type
- Confirm you are a new applicant (if you are an existing driver, you can enter your details to connect to your existing account)
- Fill out personal details
- Enter your address as it is on your driver’s license
- Enter your contact details (you must use a valid email address)
- Choose preferred ways to be contacted by TfL
- Enter a password
- Choose a security question
- Agree to terms and conditions
- Activate your new account by clicking the link in your email
