Transport for London (TfL) have proposed an increase to the fees charged for licensing Private Hire drivers and vehicles. The increase not only includes the application and license grant fee, but the TfL SERU assessment and other assessment fees. TfL finance...
The new TfL online licensing portal is here, and while it’s still not perfect, it’s a welcome change from the old, outdated design, which lacked user-friendliness.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...
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has approved parking fines in London to be increased up to £160 from the current £130, which is around a 23% increase. This is yet another potential cost increase of being a Private Hire Driver in London. Often drivers can end up...
Update 06/03/2025: Well, the new TfL PHV Driver online licensing portal is here. Is it everything we hoped it would be? Not really, but it is better than the previous one, and we’ve seen hints of more improvements to come. Read about what we think on our first look...
It’s official the new Silvertown Tunnel is set to open on 7 April 2025 and with it comes the new toll charge for both the new Silvertown Tunnel and existing Blackwall Tunnel. The new route options for drivers travelling from south to north will be either to take the...
As a Private Hire Vehicle driver in London, you will already be aware of the many types of speed cameras you have to be aware of on a daily basis. On top of speed cameras, you also have to be aware of other types of cameras that will send you a PCN if you don’t...
PHV Driver Winter Driving Checklist It’s time to wrap up, hit the road and make the most of the December rush! But before you do, make sure you and your vehicle are ready to face the winter weather. We’ve put together a short checklist to help you on your way. Warm...
Every coming year we see new changes for driving laws. We’ve put together the ones that specifically could apply to Private Hire Drivers. Electric Cars to pay Vehicle Tax (also known as Road Tax)Many existing Private Hire Drivers made the move to electric vehicles in...
Will Tesla’s Cybercabs replace PHV? As a professional driver, you will have most likely heard or seen something about the Tesla Cybercab that was announced last week (October 10, 2024). Now, the team at tflseru.co.uk don’t care so much about Elon Musk’s shenanigans,...
On 23 September, the Mayor of London’s London Assembly responded to the question regarding “Disability equality training for taxi drivers”, saying.."Yes. As part of the refresh of the Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan, I know Transport for London (TfL) is looking at...
Introduction The introduction of user charges for the upcoming Silvertown Tunnel and the existing Blackwall Tunnel is set to transform travel in East London. While aimed at reducing congestion and enhancing transport reliability, this policy has specific implications...
Transport for London (TfL) has introduced new signage requirements for all licensed Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs) as part of their effort to implement the Department for Transport’s Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards. This new regulation aims to enhance...
New Rules for Private Hire Vehicle Drivers from 1 July 2024 After consultation, TfL announced changes that will affect throughout this year and next year, Private Hire Vehicle Drivers and Taxi Drivers. Some of the rules came into place from February 2024, like the...
Consultation: VAT Treatment of Private Hire Vehicles What the Latest Consultation Means for PHV Drivers. The recent consultation on VAT treatment for Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs) marks a significant turning point for drivers across the UK. This consultation, stemming...
On top of the existing rules and new rules faced by London Private Hire Drivers, who already have to pass a medical test, a topographical skills assessment, an English-speaking test as well as their SERU assessment. As well as new rules such as the DBS update scheme....
Starting from 26 February 2024, all existing Private Hire Drivers and new applicants will need to register for the DBS update service. If you are an existing driver, you will need to do this when you renew your PHV drivers’ licence. The requirement starts from 26...
With the start of another year comes the usual roll out of new rules for drivers in the UK. Here is a list of new driver rules that DVLA is to implement from 2024. More Electric Cars As PHV driver’s we are already aware that TfL implemented their ZEC vehicle...
From 1 July 2024 all Private Hire vehicles will need to display new signage on and inside their vehicles.Where do I get the new Private Hire Vehicle Signage?Don’t worry, you do not have to buy any new signs yourself. TfL will fix the signage on to your vehicle on the...
After the recent consultation by TfL on changes to taxi and private hire licensing requirements focussed on passenger safety. TfL have decided to make the following changes that will affect taxi and private hire drivers. 1.Licensee self-reporting From 1 July 2024, if...
If you are about to apply for your TfL Private Hire driver’s licence or you are already a driver and you need to renew your PHV driver’s licence, then you will need to complete your DBS. Which is a background check that all private hire drivers must complete before...
If you’ve received an accompanying letter with your TfL Private Hire Drivers Licence and it mentioned the following conditions TA1, TA2, TA3 or TA4, you may be wondering what they mean. Well, the TA stands for Transitional Arrangements and you may have more than one...
In January this year, the Department for Transport launched a consultation on “proposed changes to make MOTs fit for the future”. This was to take into consideration the safety advances in motor vehicles and the requirement for first MOTs and the annual MOT of...
If you’re applying for your Private Hire Driver’s licence for the first time and you’re wondering, when do you need to complete the assessments required by TfL? Previously, new applicants would need to wait for TfL to send a letter and email inviting you to the...
As a private hire driver, we often get too busy to stay up to date with changes, announcements and new by TfL or due to the big gaps in changes (although the last few years have seen a lot of changes) we become complacent on not checking for updates. Did you know, as...
It’s started, the push for all private hire vehicles to become fully electric. From the beginning of 2023, TfL has started to only license new private hire vehicles that are zero emission capable (ZEC). Uber is working on making all their vehicles electric by 2025 and...
On the latest news update by TfL released on 3rd March 2023 for Private Hire Drivers (which also includes PHV Operators and Black Taxi’s). They share information on a Consultation on improving safety for taxi and private hire passengers. We’ve had a read through the...
Transport for London along with the Metropolitan Police Service have worked in partnership to produce a leaflet for Private Hire & Taxi drivers in London, which contains practical information on how to stay safe while working as a driver. Download the leaflet here...
Update 06/03/2025: TfL has now added the ability to book your Private Hire Vehicle inspection online using the TfL PHV drivers online licensing portal. They've also made this handy guide on how to book your TfL Private Hire Vehicle Inspection online.The number of TfL...
Update 01/06/2023: Sadiq Khan has announced an expansion to the current scrappage scheme. It will soon include the option for people who receive Child Benefits and Small Businesses in London. Anyone who falls in to the new categories will be able to apply for the...
As a private hire driver in London, you are self-employed and driving as a career is like running your own business. When you run your own business, it is often good to check statistics of the industry you are operating in. We’ve found some interesting statistics for...
