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.

The DVLA has said they may look into a mandatory fitness test for drivers who are 70 years or older.

As it stands, TfL requires all private hire drivers over the age of 65 to have a yearly medical examination to continue to hold their private hire drivers’ licence.  If the DVLA introduce their new mandatory fitness test, it would mean another medical test as well as the cost and time of such a test for some of the most senior private hire drivers in London.

TfL records from December 2023 show there are around 2,300 private hire drivers over the age of 70.

The number of drivers who continue to drive after the age of 70 has been going up year on year, so the mandatory fitness test may be a good thing for the DVLA to introduce to help with road safety.

A national newspaper did a survey asking if people thought it was a good idea to bring in a fitness test for drivers over the age of 70 and the results showed that 77% of people thought it was a good idea, including people who are in that age demographic.

The number of private hire drivers who could be affected by such new rules are small compared to the number of drivers in the whole of the UK.

TfL and DVLA rules are always changing or updating, we will continue to share them as they are discussed and put into action.