TfL Licence Suspension Rules: Main Reasons & How to Avoid Them
A PCO driver’s licence is essential to work as a private hire driver in London. It’s issued by Transport for London (TfL), which does so under strict rules. Violating TfL rules can lead to licence suspension and affect your ability to pay your weekly PCO car hire fee, ultimately leading to contract termination. You cannot work during the resolution period as well, because resolution can take weeks or months.
With that said, most suspensions are avoidable with the right knowledge. You can protect yourself by knowing TfL licence suspension rules. In this article, we explain key reasons TfL might suspend your licence and how to avoid it.
Article Highlights
This article covers:
- Overview of TfL’s authority
- Key reasons for licence suspension
- How to avoid suspension, and more.
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What Happens When Your PCO Licence Is Suspended?
You cannot drive legally when your PCO licence is suspended. Transport for London holds authority under the Private Hire Vehicles Act 1998 to grant, refuse, or suspend licences based on your “fit and proper” status.
TfL determines this status by examining your conduct and criminal history, reviewing your driving record, and assessing your behaviour on and off duty. If anything doesn’t match TfL’s standards, they can suspend your licence immediately.
When Can TfL Suspend a PCO Licence?
These are the main reasons behind TfL’s private hire licence suspension:
Criminal Convictions and DBS Issues
Criminal convictions are the biggest red flag for TfL. A serious offence makes TfL question passenger safety around you. Violence, sexual misconduct, dishonesty, and recent drug-related crimes can also get you suspended.
The DBS check monitors your criminal history. You need a valid DBS certificate to prove to TfL that you have a clean record. In case of any arrest, charges, or even a speeding ticket, you must notify TfL within 48 hours. Delaying could affect your record.
Also Read: Private Hire Vehicle Signage Rules Explained in London
Behaviour and Conduct Complaints
TfL expects drivers to exhibit professional and respectful behaviour at all times. Multiple complaints may prompt TfL to take serious action against you.
Rude or aggressive language, inappropriate comments, and unsafe driving can prompt a complaint. Your conduct outside work also matters. TfL considers public altercations and offensive social media content. It reviews all the complaints and then decides if you violated TfL licence suspension rules.
Motoring and Driving Offences
Private hire drivers often work long hours in busy and challenging conditions. Unsafe driving or rule violations can get you penalty points. Accumulating 12 penalty points in 3 years leads to automatic licence revocation.
Some common examples of driving offences that get you penalty points are mobile phone use while driving, failure to report an accident in time, and careless driving.
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Medical and Fitness to Drive
TfL requires all private hire drivers to meet DVLA Group 2 medical standards. These rules are stricter than for regular drivers, as you must prove your medical fitness for long driving hours.
You provide a medical certificate issued by your GP or a TfL-approved doctor. This certificate is valid for 3 years. An expired certificate makes your licence invalid and affects your ability to drive legally as a PCO driver.
Medical conditions like eye diseases, significant loss of visual field, and heart problems are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Epilepsy, insulin-treated diabetes, and certain mental health conditions can also get you suspended.
Right to Work and Immigration Status
Your PCO licence is tied to your right to work and immigration status. TfL will suspend your licence if you have an invalid right to work or your immigration status doesn’t meet their criteria. TfL conducts immigration status checks regularly on private hire drivers.
Non-British or Irish citizens must keep their documents current. These documents include your visa or biometric permit and settlement documentation. Renew your visa well before expiration and provide updated documents to TfL promptly.
How to Avoid Licence Suspension
Follow these tips to avoid licence suspension and drive legally:
Stay Compliant With Reporting Rules
Report any police involvement to TfL within 48 hours. It does not matter if you are arrested by mistake or if the charges drop later; failing to report the incident in time can lead to serious consequences.
Keep a record of when you reported the incident. If you emailed TfL, keep a copy. If you used their online system, take a screenshot. This provides proof that you met your obligations in case TfL claims later that they were not informed.
Follow Driving and Safety Best Practices
TfL has strict rules against drunk or drug driving. Plan ahead if you drink alcohol, and never drive the morning after heavy drinking. Alcohol stays in your system for a long time. It can affect your ability to drive even in the morning after consumption at night.
Check the effect of your medication with your GP as well. Some prescription drugs impair your reactions, while some over-the-counter medicines cause drowsiness. An accident under the influence of medication risks prosecution.
Respond Promptly to TfL Communication
Read TfL emails and messages and always respond to them within their given deadlines. They may receive a complaint and want your side of the story. Sometimes, TfL asks for information or documents. Not responding will likely make their decision go against you.
Be honest and respectful in all communication. Take responsibility where it is appropriate and ensure the same thing does not happen again. TfL views you more favourably when you admit your mistakes and prove that you are taking steps to improve.
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Conclusion
Your PCO licence is your livelihood. Protect it by driving responsibly and keeping your documents updated. The main risks are criminal convictions, failing to report incidents, complaints against your conduct, dangerous or careless driving, medical issues, and an invalid right to work or immigration status.
TfL licence suspension rules are strict, but most suspensions are avoidable. Meeting them keeps your licence safe. So stay informed about all requirements and be proactive in your approach. Your entire career depends on your licence. Protect it at all costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will TfL revoke my licence?
TfL may revoke your licence if you get 12 penalty points in three years or have a criminal record in recent years.
What is the most common reason PCO drivers lose their licence?
The most common reason is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Some other reasons include reckless driving and medical conditions that affect your vision or ability to drive.
Is licence revocation permanent?
Yes, licence suspension is temporary, but revocation is permanent. To get a revoked licence back, you must file an application in the court within 21 years and submit evidence that your licence was revoked incorrectly.
What happens if I’m caught driving with a revoked licence?
It’s a serious offence that can get you arrested and affect your criminal record. So, avoid driving until you get your licence back.
What’s included in a DBS check?
A DBS check involves looking at your criminal history. You will fail a DBS check if your criminal record shows unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands.
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