Minicab drivers win High Court permission to challenge TfL over licensing renewal delays

Minicab drivers have secured permission from the High Court to bring a judicial review against Transport for London (TfL), after alleging that widespread failures in TfL’s private hire driver licensing renewal system left hundreds unable to work and facing severe financial hardship.

The case – reported by Local Government Lawyer – centres on claims from the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) that TfL’s updated licensing platform, used by drivers working for operators such as Uber, Bolt and Freenow, suffered major operational problems. According to the union, more than 500 drivers struggled to renew their licences, with some falling into debt, losing vehicles and even facing eviction as delays persisted.

The claimant argues that TfL breached its statutory duty under the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 by failing to renew licences “in good time” and, crucially, before existing licences expired. Mr Justice Sweeting granted permission for the judicial review on 7 July, with a final hearing expected later this year.

TfL has previously attributed the disruption to new software and the impact of a cyber‑attack, stating that the “vast majority of drivers have not been impacted”. In July 2025, the authority apologised to affected drivers and said it had taken steps to mitigate delays, including recruiting additional staff and issuing short‑term licences where appropriate.

The claimant is represented by Oliver Jackson of 11KBW, instructed by Ahmed Aydeed and Ralitsa Peykova of Deighton Pierce Glynn. IWGB President Alex Marshall is supporting the challenge.

A TfL spokesperson said the organisation is aware of the claim, which relates to the processing of a single driver’s licence, and is awaiting confirmation of the hearing date.