TfL PRIVATE HIRE DRIVERS: GOT PENALTY POINTS?

Penalty points can potentially end your Private Hire career. That is why it is important to know what to do when you receive them, to prevent Transport for London (TfL) from revoking your licence or refusing your application.

Know your obligations:

The required self-notification period for any convictions including the endorsement of penalty points will depend on when you were granted the licence. Licences issued after July 2024 mean drivers must inform TfL of convictions within 48 hours of the conviction date. You have until 21 days after the date of the conviction to inform TfL for licences issued before July 2024.

You will normally be penalised for failing to notify within the required time therefore it is important to know when you must notify by.

Notify: 

Notify TfL within the required period to maximise your chances to keeping your licence. If you are not able to notify TfL on time for a legitimate reason, inform TfL as soon as you can providing the reasoning.

Keeping a written record of the notification can save your licence.

Type of conviction:

Minor driving offences like low level speeding offences are not harmful on their own. But accumulation of minor driving offences can trigger investigations.

Single offences carrying 6 or more penalty points are likely to result in fitness reviews and investigation that result in revocation.  Some common driving convictions that result in revocations are, driving without insurance, using a handheld mobile device whilst driving and careless driving (6 penalty points).

Seek Advice Early:

If you are worried about the effect of a driving conviction on your Private Hire Licence, are undergoing an investigation or have had your Private Hire Licence revoked, get legal advice early.

At Smith Bowyer Clarke Road Transport Lawyers, our expert team help defend Private Hire Drivers. Contact us for free advice today.

One mistake does not have to end you career or livelihood – but doing nothing might.