DRA Urges TfL to Tackle Licensing Delays as Thousands of Drivers Left in Limbo

Drivers Representation & Advocacy (DRA) is calling on Transport for London (TfL) to urgently resolve the growing backlog of private hire licence renewals, warning that the crisis is pushing thousands of drivers into financial and emotional hardship.

According to TfL’s own data (as of 21 October 2025), over 5,000 licence renewal applications remain pending, with 676 drivers already holding expired licences. To keep drivers on the road, TfL has issued 1,601 temporary licences, while more than 2,200 applications are held up by incomplete forms, outstanding SERU or English tests, and medical checks. Meanwhile, TfL has collected over £630,000 from private hire English language and SERU assessments so far in 2025. (Taxi point, 2025).

Despite hiring 40 new staff to address the delays, drivers say this is too little, too late — and that lives are being damaged in the process. Earlier this year, driver Robert Dale tragically died from a heart attack while waiting for his licence renewal, a loss his family linked to stress and financial strain (The Guardian, 2025).

Meanwhile, law firm DPG Law is preparing legal action against TfL, arguing that the prolonged delays may breach its statutory duty to drivers. The Greater London Authority’s Research Unit has also confirmed that the Assembly will now demand weekly updates until the backlog is cleared.

Yaseen Aslam, Founder of DRA, said:

I have been actively organising drivers since 2014, and sadly the issues at TfL remain the same — if anything, they are getting worse. On one hand, drivers continue to face brutal exploitation, misclassification, and long working hours for very little pay. On the other, regulators such as TfL and the government have failed to ensure workers enjoy even the most basic statutory rights. Now, with licensing delays, TfL is making an already difficult situation much worse.”

A valid licence is often the difference between earning a living and falling into poverty. Many drivers have been unable to work for weeks — or even months — while waiting for TfL to process their applications, leaving families unable to meet basic financial commitments.

While recognising the operational challenges TfL faces following a cyber-attack, a new licensing system, and post-pandemic surges, DRA insists these cannot justify prolonged inaction.

Aslam added:

Drivers kept London moving in the most difficult of times. They need regulators to stand with them, not add to their hardship. We want to work constructively with TfL to find solutions — whether that’s clearer timelines, temporary relief measures, or better communication with drivers. Immediate steps would make a huge difference to those who are struggling.

DRA is urging TfL and the Mayor of London to:

• Publish transparent weekly updates on licensing performance and backlogs
• Guarantee no driver loses income due to administrative delays
• Establish a formal consultation with driver groups to design fairer relief measures

“This isn’t just admin — it’s people’s livelihoods,” DRA said. “Drivers pay their fees, pass the tests, and keep London moving. The least they deserve is a functioning, fair licensing system.”