Category: Uncategorized

Yes, you may be able to get a TfL PHV/Taxi license, depending on the types of convictions and how long ago. A thorough background check will be done when you apply for TFL Taxi or PHV license.

Click on the dropdowns below to see how different convictions affect your eligibility, how long you have to wait, or if your application will be automatically refused.

Refusal of the application

The following convictions would result in the refusal of your application by TfL:

Violent & Grave Offenses

• Murder, manslaughter, or culpable homicide
• Terrorism offenses
• Any offense that involved loss of life
• More than one conviction for any violent offense

Sexual & Indecency Offenses

• Rape or attempted rape, assault by penetration, or sexual assault and indecent assault
• Any offenses involving children or vulnerable adults
• Possession of indecent photographs or child pornography
• Exploitation of prostitution
• Any sex/indecency offense committed while working as a taxi/PHV driver
• More than one conviction for any sex or indecency offense
• Currently being on the Violent and Sex Offender Register, or subject to a sexual harm prevention/risk order

Human Trafficking & Exploitation

• Trafficking for prostitution, sexual exploitation, or general exploitation
• Or any similar offences

Serious Driving Offenses

• Causing death or serious injury by dangerous or careless driving
• Causing death while driving unlicensed, disqualified, uninsured, or under the influence drugs and drink
• More than two convictions for drink/drug driving
• Having 12 or more penalty points on your current DVLA license
• Or any similar offences

Repeat Offenses

• More than one conviction for an offense of dishonesty in the last 10 years
• More than one conviction or caution for illegally plying for hire (touting) in the last 5 years

Other Circumstances

Application for PHV driver’s license that is disqualified from driving under the totting up procedure after the receipt of their application will have their application refused.

⏳10 years wait before license is granted

10 years wait from the time of your sentence or disqualification completion is required for the following, before your license is granted:

Serious Violence & Hate Crimes

• Aggravated burglary or Robbery
• Grievous bodily harm (GBH) or wounding (with or without intent)
• Kidnapping
• Harassment or stalking involving fear of violence
• Threats to kill
• Riot, violent disorder, and affray
• Racially or religiously aggravated assault, harassment, stalking, or disorderly behavior
• Any other hate crime
• Or any similar offences

Arson & Criminal Damage

• Arson (criminal damage by fire or with intent to endanger life)
• Criminal damage exceeding £5,000 in value
• Racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage
• Or any similar offences

Drugs

• Any offense related to the supply, importing, or production of drugs

Driving Offenses

• A second conviction for drink or drug driving (10 years must pass after the driving disqualification ends)

Court Orders

• Breach of court orders (e.g., Criminal behavior orders, protective orders, foreign banning orders)

⏳7 years wait before license is granted

7 years should have elapsed from the time of your sentence or disqualification completion for the following, before your license is granted:

Dishonesty & Fraud

• Burglary, theft, handling/receiving stolen goods, or taking a vehicle without consent
• Forgery, counterfeiting, fraud, or deception
• Making off without payment
• Any similar offence

Public Justice Offenses

• Perverting the course of justice or perjury
• Offenses concerning witnesses, jurors, or police (e.g., obstructing police, wasting police time)
• Offenses concerning prisoners, offenders or the Coroner

Weapons & Violence

• Possession of a firearm with intent, or carrying a firearm in a public place
• Possession of an offensive weapon or bladed article
• Or any similar offence

Sex Offenses & Immigration

• Indecent exposure, outraging public decency, or soliciting (including kerb crawling)
• Assisting illegal immigration
• Or any similar offence

Drugs, Drink & Discrimination

• More than one conviction for possession of drugs
• Any conviction involving or connected with discrimination
• A first conviction for drink or drug driving (7 years must pass after the disqualification ends)

Driving Offenses

• More than one conviction for a major driving offense in the last 5 years

⏳5 Years wait before license is granted

5 years (at least) at least should have elapsed from the time of your sentence or disqualification completion for the following, before your license is granted:

Drugs

• A single conviction related to the possession of drugs

⏳3 Years wait before license is granted

3 years (at least) at least should have elapsed from the time of your sentence or disqualification completion for the following, before your license is granted:

Assault & Harassment

• Assault by beating, common assault, or assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
• Assault on police or assault with intent to resist arrest
• Harassment, stalking, or threatening/disorderly behavior
• Any similar offences

Property Damage

• Criminal damage not exceeding £5,000
• Threats to destroy or damage property
• Any similar offences

⏳1 Year Wait before license is granted

1 year (at least) should have elapsed from the time of your sentence or disqualification completion for the following (or from the end of your disqualification), before your license is granted:

Major Driving Offenses (Single Offense)

• Careless driving, failing to stop/report an accident, or any other single offense resulting in 6 or more penalty points
• Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving
• Aggravated vehicle taking or driving while disqualified
• Dangerous driving or driving with no insurance
• Drink and drugs offences
• Failing to give identify of driver
• Any other single offence that results in six or more penalty points

Licensing Offenses

• An isolated conviction or caution for illegally plying for hire (touting)

⏳6-12 months wait due to Totting up disqualification

Totting Up Disqualifications (6 to 12 Months)

• If you received a 6-month “totting up” ban (accumulating points), you must wait 6 months after the ban ends.
• If your “totting up” ban was longer than 6 months due to previous disqualifications, you must wait 12 months after the ban ends.

????️How TfL Handles Different Cases

Depending on the case, TfL will deal with the following differently as automatic ban or a strict waiting period is not applied to every situation.

Minor Driving Offenses (Endorsable)

• A single, minor driving offense won’t usually stop your application, but you will likely receive a warning from TfL about future conduct.

Minor Traffic Offenses (Non-Endorsable)

• Offenses that do not result in penalty points on your license (like waiting in a restricted street or simple obstruction) will generally not prevent your application from proceeding.

Unlisted Offenses & Overall Character

• If your conviction is not explicitly listed in the policy, TfL will review your DBS check and consider the broader picture. They will look at whether you have more than one offense, your history of rehabilitation, your age when the offense was committed, and the specific circumstances of the crime.

⚠️Important Note:

The start of your waiting time is marked from the end of your sentence (it includes your probation), not from the time you were convicted. For offences related to driving, the waiting time usually starts when the ban on your driving ends.

The safety of the public which includes vulnerability of passengers and unaccompanied passengers, is crucial for TfL, that is why TfL gives careful attention to any convictions, driving offenses and to other similar matters related to applicant.

Public safety is top priority for TfL. Your background history and record will be checked even if you have completed the required waiting time for your conviction. TfL’s final decision regarding your application will be influenced by factors as rehabilitation, the elapsed time and your behavior since the offense.

For more information visit:
https://content.tfl.gov.uk/taxi-and-private-hire-driver-policy.pdf

Engaging in distractions while driving poses a danger equivalent to driving under the influence, leading to a significant number of preventable accidents each year.

Fun fact: Did you realize that the likelihood of causing an accident increases fourfold when using a handheld mobile device?

This is precisely why UK legislation strictly forbids the use of handheld devices while driving, with the exception of making a 999 emergency call. Let’s delve into the regulations and repercussions related to manipulating your phone while driving, allowing us to gain a comprehensive understanding of permissible and prohibited actions.

Table of Contents:

• What’s the Ruling on Mobile Phone Usage in Vehicles?
• Is Phone Usage Permissible When the Vehicle is Stationary?
• Can I Utilize My Phone for Payment at Gas Stations or Drive-Throughs?
• Hands-Free Phone Usage: Is it Allowed While Driving?
• Is Interacting with a Phone in a Cradle While Driving Acceptable?
• Mobile Phone Use for Uber Drivers: What’s the Verdict?
• How is Phone Usage while Driving Detected?
• What are the repercussions for using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle?
• Can You Face Driving Bans Due to Mobile Phone Usage?

What’s the Ruling on Mobile Phone Usage in Vehicles?

Starting from 2022, it is unlawful to hold or manipulate a mobile phone or any electronic device capable of transmitting or receiving data while driving. This prohibition encompasses all forms of device engagement using your hands, regardless of whether you’re online, offline, or in flight mode.

VITAL: You are permitted to employ your phone to dial 999 or 112 in cases of emergency when halting is unsafe or unfeasible.

The inaugural legislation that prohibited mobile phone use during driving was implemented in 2003, targeting exclusively the use of handheld devices for interactive communication such as calling, texting, or accessing the internet.

This legislation underwent a modification in 2022 to keep pace with the advancements in mobile phone technology, rendering the use of handheld devices while driving illegal under any circumstances.

Is Phone Usage Permissible When the Vehicle is Stationary?

The permissibility hinges on the situation. Even if your car is stationary due to traffic congestion, a red traffic signal, or being in a queue, using your phone remains prohibited. However, you are allowed to use your phone if you are safely parked or using your device to park your car remotely.

Can I Utilize My Phone for Payment at Gas Stations or Drive-Throughs?

Indeed, you can. When you are at a gas station or navigating through a fast-food drive-through, your vehicle is stationary, substantially minimizing the risk of accidents or harm. Consequently, using your phone for payment in these scenarios is permissible.

Hands-Free Phone Usage: Is it Allowed While Driving?

Certainly, provided your phone is affixed to a car phone holder. Additionally, you have the option to employ a Bluetooth headset or utilize the integrated technology within your car, such as satellite navigation, voice commands, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.

Is Interacting with a Phone in a Cradle While Driving Acceptable?

Absolutely, you can. If your phone is securely fixed to your windshield, dashboard, or air vent through a cradle, using it in this manner is permissible. However, it’s crucial to note that you must refrain from physically holding the phone while driving. CRUCIAL: Keep in mind that if your hands-free setup obstructs your view of the road and the traffic ahead, you might incur penalty points.

Mobile Phone Use for Uber Drivers: What’s the Verdict?

Uber drivers do not have any special legal exemptions regarding phone usage. Similar to other drivers, they can operate their phones with hands-free methods. A majority of Uber drivers make use of car phone holders, Bluetooth headsets, or the vehicle’s voice command system to manage the Uber app, initiate phone calls, or utilize satellite navigation. It’s important to note that standard regulations apply to Uber drivers when it comes to mobile phone use while driving.

How is Phone Usage while Driving Detected?

Cutting-edge camera technology placed on the road can detect instances where drivers are holding mobile phones, even when viewed through the windshield from an overhead angle. Human operators subsequently verify these instances. During a six-month trial initiative in 2021, these cameras documented approximately 15,000 drivers engaging with their mobile phones while driving. It’s highly probable that this technology will soon be implemented nationwide.

What are the repercussions for using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle?

Utilizing a device while driving results in a penalty of six points on your driving record and a fine of £200. If you obtained your driver’s license within the past two years, it could also lead to license revocation. Furthermore, if your device usage impedes your clear view of the road and traffic or hinders proper vehicle control, you can incur three penalty points on your record.

Can You Face Driving Bans Due to Mobile Phone Usage?

Yes, it is. If you are caught using a device while driving on two separate occasions, you will accumulate a total of 12 penalty points on your driving record. This accumulation of points results in a minimum disqualification from driving for six months.
In more serious cases where your mobile device usage leads to a significant collision, you can face legal action. This might involve being taken to court, potentially resulting in a driving ban and a fine of up to £1,000.