Minicab drivers secure permission from High Court for judicial review over TfL licensing renewal system

Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) claims that the launch of TfL's licensing system - which covers drivers working platforms like Uber, Bolt, and Freenow - was beset with difficulties that saw more than 500 drivers struggle to renew their licences.

Some of those drivers fell into debt, lost their cars and faced eviction as a result, the union has previously said.

IWGB is supporting the claimant, whose legal case argues, among other things, that TfL was in breach of its duty under the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 to renew licences in good time, and in any event before the expiry of a driver’s existing licence.

Mr Justice Sweeting granted permission for the legal challenge to proceed earlier this month (7 July).

A final hearing is expected to be held later this year.

In a document published in April last year, TfL blamed the delays on new software and the impact of a cyber-attack, and insisted that the “vast majority of drivers have not been impacted”.

It continued: “We recognise the importance of ensuring that existing taxi and PHV drivers are able to remain licensed and continue to work. We are working hard to reduce delays in the licencing process and resolve the situation."

In July 2025, a TfL spokesperson issued an apology to drivers who had experienced issues, stating: "We have worked with urgency to take a number of steps to mitigate the impact of these delays, including recruiting and training additional staff and granting short-term private hire vehicle driver licences where appropriate."

Oliver Jackson of 11KBW acted as sole counsel for the claimant at the permission hearing. He was instructed by Ahmed Aydeed and Ralitsa Peykova at Deighton Pierce Glynn.

The claim is being supported by Alex Marshall, President of the Independent Workers of Great Britain trade union.

A TfL spokesperson said: "We are aware of the judicial review claim, which has been brought by one driver regarding the processing of his licence. We are awaiting the date of the hearing."

Adam Carey