TfL PCO Licence Renewal Delays: What Drivers Need to Know in 2025
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| TfL PCO Licence Renewal Delays: What Drivers Need to Know in 2025 |
Thousands of private hire drivers in London are waiting months for their PCO licences to be renewed by Transport for London (TfL). Learn about what the company policy states, what rights drivers have and how to take action if you’ve been waiting too long.
Understanding the TfL PCO Licence Renewal Process
In London, every Private Hire Driver (PHV/PCO) is required to hold a valid license from Transport for London (TfL). The licence is usually valid for three years and drivers have to renew it upon expiry to continue working.
TfL typically dispatches these renewal packs four months before your current licence’s expiration date. Drivers should apply as early as possible and ensure that all the necessary documents such as DBS checks, medical reports and updated photos are ready for submission.
But in recent months, hundreds of drivers have complained about a concerning level of service quality. Many have been waiting for more than three months and are unable to work as they wait for Transport for London (TfL) to process their renewal applications.
TfL’s Official Policy on Licence Renewals
According to the Transport for London (TfL) guidelines:
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) usually sends a driving licence renewal pack to the drivers approximately four months before their expiry date.
Once the information is submitted, the new license should be processed before the old one expires.
If this happens, TfL will issue a 3-month licence to allow drivers to continue working.
The short-term measure was confirmed in TfL’s Taxi & Private Hire Notice (April 2025), where the authority admitted that drivers would be issued temporary licences so as not to lose their income because of processing delays.
The Problem: Renewals Taking Over Three Months
Despite TfL’s assurances, several drivers have reported waiting far longer than the stipulated period to get their licenses back. Some have reportedly not received any updates or even acknowledgment emails for months.
When a license is suddenly revoked, drivers are left in limbo as they can no longer work or support their families.
The matter is so severe that a legal case has been initiated against Transport for London (TFL) due to alleged “systemic licensing failures” that render its drivers jobless.
Law firms, acting on behalf of the impacted drivers, claim that TfL’s inability to process licence renewals promptly may violate:
Its own published policies,
The Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998,
Public authorities have basic public law duties to act fairly, reasonably and promptly.
What Policy Might TfL Have Broken?
Under public law, a governmental body (TfL) has a legal duty to make licensing decisions within a reasonable time.
If a driver has submitted all the documents and nothing else is pending, a delay of more than three months could be unreasonable or even unlawful.
Additionally, there is a legitimate expectation that they would receive a three-month licence to keep them working pending the backlog.
If you did not receive your temporary licence and have been waiting for months, then you can argue TFL has:
Hypocritically because it breached its own published policy.
Failed to act in time
I ignored the duty of fairness and good administration
What Can Affected Drivers Do?
What to Do If You Have Been Waiting for More Than Three Months for a TFL PCO Licence Renewal.
To contact TfL Licensing Support, you can email them at TPHLicensingSupport@tfl.gov.uk.
I would like to request an update on my application status.
Make sure to include your application reference number and the date you made the application.
Formal Complaint
If you don’t hear back, lodge a formal complaint with TFL that they have violated their own policy and it has caused you financial hardship.
Consult an Attorney
Specialist solicitors, such as DPG Law, have already taken TfL to court over the unreasonable delays in PCO licence renewals.
You might be eligible to join the current legal action or pursue your own judicial review claim.
Keep Evidence
Retain copies of all your emails, receipts and evidence of the application submission. This documentation will be essential should you decide to seek any form of compensation or redress in the future.
Why This Matters for London’s Private Hire Industry ?
The ongoing delays are not merely a personal inconvenience but also a systemic issue affecting thousands of drivers and passengers across London.
Every week of delay means fewer new drivers, longer waits for passengers and worsening hardship for professional drivers.
As a key player in the private hire sector, TfL needs to implement a robust licensing system that works for all parties involved.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been waiting for more than three months for your TfL PCO licence renewal, know that you are not alone.
TfL has a duty to ensure that all applications are processed in a timely and fair manner.
Stay informed and vigilant about your rights and don’t hesitate to escalate your concerns through the appropriate channels.
Your livelihood depends on it and public authorities must be held accountable for their failures.