Earn on your own schedule

Language Test Deadline Extended

10 February 2017 / United Kingdom

Last night, TfL announced that they have decided to move their English Language Requirement deadlines back to Saturday 30th September because of legal challenges.



Like many of you, we believe TfL’s new written English language regulation is unfair. You’ve probably heard in the news or from us that we’ve been challenging this requirement with TfL, and will continue to do so in court at the end of the month.
As a driver, you do not need to submit any evidence of your English language ability or take an English language test until Saturday 30th September.
We’ll be keeping you informed of any further changes and will be here to support you throughout this process if you need our help. For now, we’ve created these FAQs to answer any questions you might have about this new announcement.
FAQ
I’ve booked my test – should I still take it?
The date for English language requirement submission has been postponed to Saturday 30th September 2017. We are challenging this requirement in court, so the status of the English Language Requirement may change after the court verdict is decided.
We recommend that you wait until the court verdict before you book a test. We will send you an update when we have more information.
I have taken the test already, will the booking fee be refunded?
TfL has not commented on this so far. We believe that it was unfair of TfL to impose this test on partner-drivers with a short deadline that has now changed. Several partners will have taken the test without adequate preparation as a result of the tight deadline. We therefore encourage you to contact TfL at tph@tfl.gov.uk or by calling 0343 222 1234 to request a refund if you have failed the test.
I’ve booked my test through Uber for £125, what happens now?
You can cancel the test you booked through Uber and we will not charge you or you can keep your slot and take the test; it’s completely your choice.
Why did you take TfL to court over this?
We believe that passing a written English exam has nothing to do with communicating with passengers or getting them safely from A to B. Forcing thousands of drivers who’ve spent years providing a great service to Londoners to fork out £200 and pass a writing exam, try to find an old GCSE certificate or lose their licence and their livelihood is not fair.  It won’t make the public safer, but will add stress and strain to the lives of thousands of Londoners.
What will I need to do before September 30th?
The English language requirement is under legal review currently and we expect a verdict by the end of March. The ruling may change the English language requirement. As things stand today, you are required to submit the proof of English language requirement as explained in the TfL website here. However, this may change after the court verdict arrives. We recommend that you wait till the court verdict before you book a test. We will send you an update when we have more information.