Draft – Quiz: Reading & Understanding

The answer to this question can be found by reading the paragraph below

Urinating in public is unpleasant, offensive and behaviour that is incompatible with that expected of a professional driver. It may also a be criminal offence or a breach of local byelaws, which may result in prosecution or a fixed penalty notice. In the event of a complaint of such conduct being received, the fitness of any taxi or private hire driver concerned to remain licensed will be reviewed. A written warning will be the norm for a first offence in the period of the current and preceding licence, but further complaints may result in the suspension or revocation of their licence. (Source: Taxi and Private Hire Driver Policy – 4.13.4)

Question: Normally, after how many written warnings will you face suspension or license revocation for urinating in public?

The answer to this question can be found by reading the paragraph below

A serious view is taken of any drug related offence. Consideration will be given to the nature of the drugs, and whether the drug offence is related to possession or related to supplying, importing or production of drugs, however, unless significant mitigation is forthcoming, a conviction or caution for a drug related offence will normally result in revocation. (Source: Taxi and Private Hire Driver Policy – 4.5.9)

Question: What consequences will taxi and private hire drivers typically face, from TfL, for drug related offences?

The answer to this question can be found by reading the paragraph below

From 26 February 2024, we will not grant a taxi or PHV driver’s licence (including those seeking to renew an existing licence) unless an applicant has registered for the DBS Update Service. This will apply to all applicants who have applied for a taxi or PHV licence, including those who submitted an application prior to 26 February 2024 which is yet to be determined. Once licensed, you must maintain continuous subscription with the DBS Update Service. (Source: TPH notice 2/24)

Question: Who needs to register for the DBS update service?

The answer to this question can be found by reading the paragraph below

From 26 February 2024, we will not grant a taxi or PHV driver’s licence (including those seeking to renew an existing licence) unless an applicant has registered for the DBS Update Service. This will apply to all applicants who have applied for a taxi or PHV licence, including those who submitted an application prior to 26 February 2024 which is yet to be determined. Once licensed, you must maintain continuous subscription with the DBS Update Service. (Source: TPH notice 02/25)

Questions: Which of the following is true regarding the DBS update service?

The answer to this question can be found by reading the paragraph below

The 2022 Act has amended the Equality Act 2010 (“the Equality Act”). Prior to the changes, the Equality Act required drivers of designated wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) to accept the carriage of wheelchair users, provide them with reasonable mobility assistance and refrain from charging them more than other passengers. However, the Equality Act excluded wheelchair users who could fold their wheelchair and travel in a non-WAV from the protections and provision of mobility assistance. It also excluded all other disabled passengers who do not use a wheelchair, from such protections when travelling in any taxi or PHV. (Source:TPH notice 8/22)

Question: Under the new changes to the Equality Act, who is now also protected when travelling in any Taxi or PHV?

The answer to this question can be found by reading the paragraph below

From 1 July 2024, all new and renewing applicants for taxi and PHV driver licences and PHV operator licences who have lived in a country other than the UK for one or more continuous periods of three months or more in the last 10 years, must complete a Living Abroad Details form (TPH/205). Periods of extended holiday are included. New and renewing applicants will be asked to produce a Certificate of Good Conduct (CoGC) from every relevant country to cover the period declared in the form. (Source: TPH notice 02/25)

Question: In which cases do taxi and private hire drivers need to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct (CoGC)?

The answer to this question can be found by reading the paragraph below

All licensees should consider whether it would be appropriate to carry e-scooters or e-unicycles and be aware that they are not compelled to transport them. Drivers have the right to refuse carriage of anything that may pose a risk to their safety and the safety of the travelling public, and this includes e-scooters and e-unicycles. We encourage PHV operators to consider whether they wish to carry e-scooters and e-unicycles and to make passengers aware, during the booking process, that these items may be refused carriage in licensed PHVs. (Source: TPH notice 20/21)

Question: Are taxi and private hire drivers allowed to transport e-scooters?

The answer to this question can be found by reading the paragraph below

If you drive through Blackwall or Silvertown tunnel during charging times, you need to pay every time you cross unless your vehicle is exempt. Charges are per crossing and in both directions. There is no charge at any time for emergency service vehicles, TfL licensed taxis, and DVLA-registered minibuses, buses, and coaches. Zero-emission capable and wheelchair-accessible private hire vehicles licensed by TfL are also exempt from charges when carrying out a booking. (Source: TfL website)

Question: Who is exempt from paying the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel charges?

The answer to this question can be found by reading the paragraph below

First-time applicants for a taxi or private hire driver licence or private hire operator licence must give confirmation as part of their application that they are aware of the HMRC guidance about their tax obligations. For all renewal applications a 9-character tax check code will be required. If you already hold a taxi or PHV driver’s licence with TfL or any other licensing authority, or have previously held such a licence that ceased to be valid in the last 12 months, you will be required to undergo an HMRC tax check as part of your application to ensure you have registered to pay the appropriate tax/taxes on income you earn from your licensed trade. (Source: TPH notice 03/22)

Question: Are all new taxi or PHV driver applicants required to provide a tax check code?

The answer to this question can be found by reading the paragraph below

Any applicant who has lived in a country other than the UK since the age of 18 for one or more continuous periods of three months or more in the ten years preceding the date of application is required to complete a ‘Living Abroad Details’ form (TPH/205). The applicant will then be asked to produce a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ (CoGC) from every relevant country. To obtain a CoGC the applicant should approach the relevant embassy, consulate or high commission. A translation is required if it is not provided in English. Applicants who need to provide a CoGC will need to ensure that they provide proof of its authenticity from the UK embassy, consulate or high commission of the country of issue. (Source: Taxi and Private Hire Driver Policy – 3.4.13)

Questions: Where can a taxi or PHV driver applicant get a CoGC from, if required?

The answer to this question can be found by reading the paragraph below

As part of your renewal application you will be asked to provide a unique 9-character tax check code from HMRC. To obtain your unique 9-character tax check code, you will need to have a GOV.UK Government Gateway ID and password, which is the same portal that you will use to submit your online tax return. You will need to provide the tax check code on your application. Please be advised that each code will be valid for 120 days, after which time the code will expire. (Source: TPH notice 03/22)

Question: How long is a tax check code valid for?

The answer to this question can be found by reading the paragraph below

In recognition of the current situation, we will be granting (short-term) PHV driver licences for a period of three (3) months, where it is appropriate to do so and we are satisfied that the drivers meet the fit and proper criteria. This is a short-term measure and will only be valid for existing PHV drivers where all the required information has been provided in the application and where there are no medical concerns or adverse information that require further investigation. (Source: TPH notice 02/25)

Question: Which drivers, affected by delayed applications may be granted short-term licences?

The answer to this question can be found by reading the paragraph below

Taxi and PHV services play an important role in helping visitors access the Championships. As in previous years, we would encourage licensees to help meet demand from passengers travelling to and returning home from the Championships. It is vital that all licensed taxi and PHV drivers, and private hire operators, that are planning to serve the Championships, or work locally, are aware of designated drop-off and pick-up points and the planned road closures. It is important that licensees do not wait or park in areas where it is not permitted to do so. (Source: TPH notice 04/25)

Question: Who should be aware of designated drop-off and pick-up points?

The answer to this question can be found by reading the paragraph below

Licences may be granted subject to such conditions as TfL may think fit, and are granted for three years or for such shorter period as TfL may consider appropriate in the circumstances of the case. Licences granted to drivers whose leave to remain in the UK is time-limited can only be valid for the period for which they are entitled to remain in the UK. (Source: Taxi and Private Hire Driver Policy – 2.2)

Question: In which situation might TfL grant a license for less than the standard 3 years period?

The answer to this question can be found by reading the paragraph below

The use of social media is increasingly popular and plays an important role in many people’s lives. Social media is a public forum and licensed drivers must take care when mixing their personal and professional life in the social media and online world. TfL respects the right for drivers to speak freely on social media, however, when using social media (Facebook, Twitter, blogging, etc.), a taxi or PHV driver’s fitness to be licensed may be reviewed if they make comments which breach any other laws or regulatory requirements. (Source: Taxi and Private Hire Driver Policy – 4.13.3)

Question: What does TfL advise taxi and PHV drivers regarding social media?

The answer to this question can be found by reading the paragraph below

To ensure that all interactions on social media are conducted in a professional and respectful manner, it is important that you to adhere to the standards outlined in the Taxi and Private Hire Driver Policy. Live streaming or vlogging while driving is also a serious safety concern. It distracts attention from the road, endangers passengers and other road users, and may constitute a criminal offence. TfL may take regulatory action where these standards are not met. This can include issuing formal warnings, suspending or revoking a licence, or referring the matter to the police if criminal conduct is suspected. (Source: TPH notice 05/25)

Question: Which of the following may constitute a criminal offence?

The answer to this question can be found by reading the paragraph below

We also ask everyone engaging with TfL, whether by phone, in writing, visiting our vehicle licensing inspection sites or visiting our driver assessment centre to treat staff and others with consideration. Our staff and contractors deserve to be treated respectfully and courteously at all times and our driver assessment centre and vehicle inspection centres are professional environments. Disruptive or inappropriate behaviour at our driver assessment centre or vehicle inspection centres may lead to applicants or licensees being escorted from the building and, in some cases, may be taken into account when considering an applicant or licensees fitness to be licensed. (Source: TPH notice 05/25)

Question: Which of the following can impact an applicant’s or licensee’s fitness to be licensed:

The answer to this question can be found by reading the paragraph below

Social media is a public forum and licensed drivers must take care when mixing their personal and professional life in the social media and online world. As part of ensuring that social media is not used as medium to harass, intimidate or abuse TfL employees, agents and others, TfL will monitor and respond to any conduct on social media considered unacceptable. Each case will be assessed on individual facts but any conduct falling short of an acceptable standard will result in fitness review. (Source: Taxi and Private Hire Driver Policy – 4.13.3)

Question: TfL may monitor licensed drivers’ social media accounts:

The answer to this question can be found by reading the paragraph below

Due to the time elapsed since an application was submitted, it may be necessary for applicants to resubmit certain information (e.g. time sensitive check codes) to ensure it remains accurate and up to date. In particular, share codes from the DVLA or HMRC can sometimes be unsuccessful due to expiry, incorrect formatting, or technical issues. DVLA check codes are single-use and, although they may work initially after activation, they can time out and no longer work. In some cases, we need to ask drivers to generate and resubmit valid codes to proceed with the assessment of their application. In rare cases, duplicate requests may occur due to human error, and we are working to improve internal processes to minimise these occurrences. (Source: TPH notice 07/25)

Question: In which cases may TfL request share codes from applicants again?

The answer to this question can be found by reading the paragraph below

On 24 February 2025, we introduced a new taxi and private hire licence processing software. The software has a dual function: to manage and record the internal licensing processes; and it also provides an online portal for licensees and applicants. The new system will bring many positive benefits for licensees, including the ability to track their application, the ability to provide licence application materials via the online portal and the ability to book, and make amendments to, driver assessment appointments. (Source: TPH notice 07/25)

Question: Where can taxi and private hire drivers now book their assessment appointments?

The answer to this question can be found by reading the paragraph below

Introducing the new software, coupled with the recovery from the cyber incident that impacted us last year, has led to licensing delays being experienced for some existing drivers and new applicants. The vast majority of drivers have not been impacted. However, we are aware of some drivers, particularly those who had initially submitted an incomplete application (where essential information is missing), being delayed. It is also taking us longer than usual to process applications from new applicants. (Source: TPH notice 02/25)

Question: Who has been affected by licensing delays?

The answer to this question can be found by reading the paragraph below

It is vital that we can reach the drivers who need our support the most. If you are submitting information in support of an application via email, please send the information from the same email address used in your application. Please ensure you include your licence number and what information the email contains (e.g. Licence Number 123456 – DVLA Check Code and evidence of DBS Update Service subscription) in the subject line of your email. If we have written to you or called you to request additional information, please do so as soon as you can to help ensure your application is processed quickly. (Source: TPH notice 02/25)

Question: How may TfL contact you to request additional information?