English Language Requirement
The English Language Requirement is a new step that TfL have introduced to the Private Hire Licence application. Previously, the deadline for the English Language Requirement was 30 April 2019. This deadline has now been extended to 30 September 2021.
What do you need to know about the new Requirement?
TfL’s English Language Requirement is effective from 30 September 2021. This means that you will need to submit proof of your English Language Qualification as of September 2021 - this includes if you have an active PHDL in September 2021, or are applying for a licence after this date.
What qualifications do TfL accept?
TfL has confirmed that any of the below will meet the English Language Requirement:
- UK GCSE grades A to G
- UK O level grades A to E
- UK CSE grades 1 to 5
- UK AS level/A level
- UK NVQ/BTEC/City and Guilds qualification level 1 or above
- UK HNC/HND
- UK degree or higher (e.g. master’s, PhD)
- ESOL Skills for Life (Entry Level 3, Level 1, Level 2)
- Functional Skills qualifications in English (Entry Level 3, Level 1, Level 2)
- SELT certificate at B1 level or higher, issued by Trinity College London or IELTS
TfL will also consider accepting applications with a non-UK English qualification that is the equivalent of GCSE level or above. If you have a non-UK English qualification, you will have to provide TfL with the original certificate of the qualification, as well as evidence that the qualification was both taught and examined in English (i.e., a letter from the school).
If you have any further questions around the requirement we recommend that you email TfL directly at tph.enquiries@tfl.gov.uk.
How do I submit my qualification to TfL?
TfL have advised that no further action is needed by anyone who has submitted evidence that they comply with the English Language Requirement, unless TfL contacts them to request anything further. If a licensee or applicant has not yet provided evidence of their English Language Qualification, they now have until 30 September 2021 to do so.
To submit evidence by email, you can scan your qualification certificate and email it to TfL. The email address to send to is tphlicensing@tfl.gov.uk. TfL has asked that you include your Private Hire Driver Licence Number in the subject of the email.
Post
To submit evidence by post, you can send a copy of your qualification certificate to TfL. TfL has requested that you include a piece of paper with your Private Hire Driver Licence Number in the letter. The postal address for TfL is:
London Taxi and Private Hire
PO Box 177
Sheffield
S98 1JY
Questions
If you have any questions about submitting your English Language evidence, you can email TfL at tph.enquiries@tfl.gov.uk
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