London Taxi Licence: The 'Six Points' Policy Explained

For anyone earning their living behind the wheel in London, the threat of penalty points on their licence is a constant concern. However, recent changes introduced by Transport for London (TfL) have significantly heightened this anxiety, potentially turning minor infractions into career-ending events. The new 'six points and you're out' policy represents a seismic shift in how professional drivers in the capital are regulated, demanding an even greater level of vigilance and adherence to road safety.

While maintaining a clean driving record is paramount, securing appropriate specialist taxi insurance is equally vital. It acts as a critical safety net, protecting your livelihood against unforeseen circumstances and the financial repercussions of driving professionally. Understanding the evolving landscape of regulations, particularly this new stringent policy, is no longer just good practice – it's an absolute necessity for every licensed taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) driver in London.

Understanding the New 'Six Points and You're Out' Policy

The concept of penalty points is familiar to all UK drivers. Typically, accumulating 12 or more points within a three-year period results in the loss of one's driving licence. This long-standing rule provides a clear threshold for disqualification for the general public. However, for professional taxi drivers, the stakes have always been higher, with local licensing authorities often imposing stricter limits. For instance, in 2020, Portsmouth City Council would revoke a Hackney Carriage or PHV licence if 10 or more points were accrued in a single licensing year.

London, however, has now set a new, significantly lower benchmark. As a key component of the London Mayor's ambitious 'Vision Zero' plan – an initiative aimed at eliminating all deaths and serious injuries on London's roads – TfL has introduced a series of policies directly impacting licensed taxi and PHV drivers, as well as new applicants. Central to these changes is the controversial 'six points and you're out' policy.

Detailed within TfL’s latest 'Taxi and Private Hire Driver Policy', this new framework fundamentally alters how TfL assesses drivers who incur penalty points and convictions for driving offences. The underlying principle of the policy is clear: while a single, minor driving offence might be an unintentional lapse and not pose a significant issue, a pattern of serious or multiple driving convictions is viewed entirely differently. Such behaviour, according to TfL, raises serious questions about an individual's suitability to drive professionally and safely on London's busy streets.

Under these new, rigorous rules, taxi drivers who are convicted of certain driving offences face a considerably elevated risk of having their TfL taxi licence revoked. Furthermore, individuals applying for new licences may find their applications denied outright if their driving history falls foul of these stricter criteria. This policy underscores TfL's commitment to road safety, but it places immense pressure on the city's professional drivers.

Key Offences and Their Consequences Under the New Policy

The 'six points and you're out' policy delineates specific scenarios where penalty points can lead to severe consequences for a taxi driver's licence. It's crucial for every driver to be aware of these explicit triggers:

• Multiple Major Driving Convictions (for Applicants): If you are applying for a taxi licence, more than one conviction for a major driving offence within the last five years will lead to an automatic refusal. Perhaps even more daunting, no further licence application can be made until at least seven years after the most recent conviction. This effectively creates a prolonged barrier for re-entry into the profession.
• Driving Without Due Care and Consideration: Should you be convicted of driving without due care and consideration, resulting in six or more penalty points on your licence, TfL now has the power to revoke your licence entirely. Even if the offence incurs fewer than six points, TfL still reserves the right to suspend your licence for a period of three months. This highlights the seriousness with which 'careless driving' is now viewed.
• Failing to Stop/Failing to Report an Accident: For offences related to failing to stop or failing to report an accident, which typically carry six or more penalty points, TfL could revoke your licence. If the penalty for such an offence results in less than six points, a three-month suspension of your licence is still a likely outcome.
• Using a Hand-Held Mobile Phone or Device: In an era of increased awareness regarding distracted driving, being found guilty of using a hand-held mobile phone or a hand-held device while driving, and consequently receiving six penalty points, could lead to the revocation of your taxi licence. This reflects the zero-tolerance approach to a behaviour proven to significantly increase accident risk.
• Any Other Single Driving Offence Resulting in Six or More Points: Beyond these specific examples, the policy extends to any other single driving offence that results in six or more penalty points. In such cases, your taxi licence can be revoked, demonstrating a broad application of the 'six points' threshold.

These provisions mean that what might be considered a manageable number of points for a private driver can now be career-ending for a professional taxi driver in London. The margin for error has shrunk considerably.

Accumulation of Points: Warnings and Suspensions

The policy also outlines escalating consequences for the accumulation of points, serving as clear warnings to drivers:

• Nine or More Penalty Points: Any licensed driver who accumulates nine or more penalty points on their DVLA driving licence will receive a formal warning. This warning explicitly states that incurring any additional points is highly likely to result in the loss of both their standard DVLA driving licence and, crucially, their taxi or PHV licence. This serves as a final alert before reaching the critical 12-point threshold.
• Twelve Penalty Points: Licensed drivers who accumulate 12 penalty points on their DVLA licence will have their taxi or PHV licence suspended for a mandatory six months. This suspension is imposed regardless of whether the courts decide to disqualify them from driving or revoke their DVLA driving licence. This particular clause ensures that even if a court allows a driver to retain their general driving licence (perhaps due to exceptional hardship), their professional taxi licence will still be put on hold for half a year, causing significant disruption to their livelihood.

The implications of these rules are profound, creating an environment where professional drivers must exercise extreme caution at all times.

Implications for Existing Drivers and New Applicants

The 'six points and you're out' policy has sent ripples through London's taxi community, sparking considerable debate and concern. Taxi driver representatives have been vocal in their calls for TfL to review the policy, citing a number of significant issues.

A primary complaint is that the policy is overly strict, potentially deterring new applicants from pursuing a career as a taxi driver in the capital. London's taxi industry relies on a steady stream of new talent to maintain its numbers, and a policy perceived as excessively punitive could undermine efforts to replenish the ranks of cabbies in the city. The strict application criteria for new applicants, particularly the refusal for multiple major convictions within five years, means that even past mistakes can have long-lasting consequences on one's professional aspirations.

Another point of contention raised by representatives is the perceived disparity in treatment between taxi drivers and other professional drivers, such as London bus drivers. They question why a taxi driver with six points faces the immediate risk of licence revocation, while new London bus driver applicants in a similar position may still be eligible to apply for a job. This perceived inconsistency raises questions about fairness and equitable treatment across different sectors of professional transport.

For existing drivers, the policy means a constant awareness of their driving record. Even minor infractions can quickly add up, bringing them perilously close to the six-point threshold. The threat of suspension or revocation looms larger than ever, making every journey a test of adherence to traffic laws and impeccable driving standards. The financial and personal toll of a licence suspension or revocation can be devastating, impacting not just the driver but their families and dependents.

The Impact on Taxi Insurance Premiums

Beyond the immediate threat to your licence, accumulating penalty points also has significant financial repercussions, particularly concerning your taxi insurance premiums. There are numerous driving offences that carry penalty points, and any one of them can have a substantial impact on your driving career and, crucially, the cost of your vehicle insurance.

Insurers assess risk. By consistently adhering to traffic laws and maintaining a clean driving record, you demonstrate to your insurer that you are a responsible and trustworthy driver, thereby reducing their perceived risk. This positive behaviour is often rewarded with lower insurance premiums.

However, if you deviate from the rules of the road and receive points on your licence, this signals to your insurer that you may be a higher-risk driver. This elevated risk perception almost invariably leads to an increase in your taxi insurance premiums. In some extreme cases, if your driving record becomes too problematic, you might even find it difficult to obtain cover at all, or only at prohibitive costs.

Driving safely at all times is therefore a multi-faceted benefit. It not only ensures the safety and reassurance of your passengers and keeps you on the right side of the authorities and TfL's strict new policy, but it also directly contributes to keeping your insurance costs down. While a clean driving record is paramount, it's also important to remember that a range of other factors can influence your insurance premiums:

• Type of Vehicle You Drive: More powerful, expensive, or specialist vehicles often incur higher premiums.
• Level of Insurance Cover You Choose: Comprehensive cover will naturally cost more than third-party only.
• Annual Mileage: The more miles you drive, the higher the perceived risk, leading to potentially higher premiums.
• No Claims Bonus (NCB): A strong NCB is one of the most effective ways to reduce your premiums.
• Driver Age and Experience: Younger or less experienced drivers typically face higher costs.
• When You Drive: Driving predominantly during peak hours or late at night might affect premiums.
• If You Transport Vulnerable Groups: This can sometimes influence the risk assessment.
• How Secure Your Vehicle Is: Enhanced security features can lead to discounts.
• Where Your Vehicle Is Stored: Parking in a secure garage versus on the street can impact costs.

Understanding these factors and actively managing them, in conjunction with maintaining an impeccable driving record, is key to controlling your taxi insurance costs and protecting your professional livelihood.

Protecting Your Livelihood: The Role of Specialist Insurance

Given the heightened risks associated with professional driving in London under the new 'six points and you're out' policy, the importance of robust, specialist taxi insurance cannot be overstated. Standard car insurance simply won't suffice for the unique demands and liabilities faced by taxi and PHV drivers.

Specialist taxi insurers possess the expertise to navigate the complex landscape of commercial vehicle insurance, offering tailored policies that address the specific needs of a wide range of vehicles and businesses within the taxi sector. By working with an industry panel of leading UK insurers, they can provide access to comprehensive coverage options that are specifically designed for the professional driver.

Benefits of securing cover through a specialist provider can include:

• Protected No Claims Bonus: This vital feature allows you to maintain your accumulated no claims discount even if you have to make a claim, safeguarding your future premiums.
• Cover for Minibus, MPVs and Car: Specialist policies often cater to a diverse fleet, ensuring all your vehicles are appropriately covered.
• Cover for Private and Public Hire: Whether you operate exclusively for private bookings or on public ranks, the insurance will be structured to meet the specific licensing requirements.
• 24-Hour Claims Management Service: In the event of an incident, prompt and efficient claims handling is crucial to minimise downtime and get you back on the road swiftly.
• Mirror NCB from Other Insurance Policies: Some specialist insurers can recognise and apply your no claims bonus earned on other vehicle policies, helping to reduce your initial premiums.

In a regulatory environment as stringent as London's, where a few penalty points can jeopardise your entire career, safeguarding your livelihood with the right insurance is not merely an option, but a fundamental pillar of your professional stability. It provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on providing safe and efficient transport services to the millions who rely on London's taxi network.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The introduction of TfL's 'six points and you're out' policy has raised many questions among London's taxi and PHV drivers. Here are some of the most common queries:

What is the 'Vision Zero' plan?

The 'Vision Zero' plan is an ambitious initiative led by the Mayor of London and TfL, aiming to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London's transport network by 2041. It encompasses a wide range of measures, from road design improvements to stricter enforcement of traffic laws, with the 'six points and you're out' policy being a key component specifically targeting professional drivers.

How does this policy differ from general UK driving rules for penalty points?

For the average UK driver, accumulating 12 or more penalty points within a three-year period typically leads to disqualification from driving. However, for London taxi and PHV drivers, the new policy dramatically lowers this threshold for professional licence action. As few as six points for certain offences can lead to licence revocation or suspension, and accumulating 12 points results in a mandatory six-month professional licence suspension, regardless of court decisions on your general DVLA licence.

Can I still get a taxi licence in London if I have penalty points?

It is significantly more challenging. If you are applying for a new licence and have more than one conviction for a major driving offence within the last five years, your application will be refused. You would then be unable to reapply for at least seven years after the most recent conviction. For existing drivers, accumulating points beyond the 'six points' threshold for specific offences, or reaching 9 or 12 points, will put your licence at severe risk of suspension or revocation.

What happens if I accumulate 9 penalty points on my DVLA licence?

If you reach 9 or more penalty points, TfL will issue a formal warning. This warning will explicitly state that any further accumulation of points is highly likely to result in the loss of both your DVLA driving licence and, crucially, your professional taxi or PHV licence. It serves as a final caution before more severe action is taken.

Does this policy apply to all types of taxis and private hire vehicles in London?

Yes, the policy applies to all licensed taxi drivers (Hackney Carriages) and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) drivers operating under TfL's licensing authority in London.

Why are taxi drivers treated more strictly than, for example, London bus drivers?

This is a point of significant contention raised by taxi driver representatives. They argue that the policy is overly stringent and creates an unfair disparity. While the policy aims to enhance road safety for all, the specific reasons for the differing treatment of various professional driving categories by TfL are subject to ongoing debate within the industry.

How can I keep my taxi insurance premiums low under these new rules?

The most effective way to keep your premiums down is to maintain an impeccable driving record, avoiding any penalty points. Safe driving demonstrates lower risk to insurers. Additionally, maintaining a strong no claims bonus, ensuring your vehicle has good security, and providing accurate information about your driving habits and vehicle storage can all contribute to lower insurance costs. Always compare quotes from specialist taxi insurers to find the most competitive rates for your specific circumstances.

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