Sadiq Khan: Let us drive! Fix the unfair & discriminatory English Language Test!

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan

Are you a private hire driver, or a concerned member of the public angry at the injustice of TfL’s English Language Test? Sign and share this petition with other drivers.

Private Hire Drivers are calling on Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to immediately address the unfair and discriminatory practices within the TfL English Language Test which unfairly impacts over 90% of drivers who have English as a second language. This is an indirect attack on the non-white and immigrant communities whose labour is essential to London’s economy.

From October 1st 2021, any new drivers, and some drivers who have submitted ELR documents that do not fit TFLs ELR criteria before this date, will have to take the English Language Test (ELT). The ELR (English Language Requirement) has been a requirement that all new drivers have had to meet prior to October 1st 2021 in order to get a PCO licence - however TfL have moved the goalposts and made the test much more onerous for drivers.

This is fundamentally unfair, discriminatory and will cause serious stress and worry for many drivers who have driven for years without any issues relating to communications, safety and regulatory understanding.

Over 90% of private hire drivers are from BAME backgrounds, and over 80% are migrant workers and may have problems passing the English Language Test. Many of us have been driving for years with no issues. It is not common for other transport services such as the bus, tube and train networks to impose an ELT on their workers.

Each of these two ELR tests will cost £36 when taken for the first time or £16 for a re-sit. All drivers have two chances to take the English Language Test and if not successful on the second attempt will not be issued a PCO licence and therefore not be able to drive as a Private Hire Driver.

The only way we can achieve justice at TfL and the private hire sector is to come together as drivers. Sign this petition, leave your contact details and opt in to emails to join a growing movement of private hire drivers who have said enough is enough!

To: Mayor of London Sadiq Khan
From: [Your Name]

We are calling on you to immediately address the unfair and discriminatory practices within the TfL English Language Test which unfairly impacts over 90% of drivers who have English as a second language. This is an indirect attack on the non-white and immigrant communities whose labour is essential to London’s economy.

IWGB United Private Hire Drivers members and drivers are demanding that TfL make the following changes so that drivers are supported and not punished for being from a non-English speaking country:

- Offer subsidised English lessons to all drivers;
- Remove limit on number of times a driver can re-test;
- Allow new and renewed drivers to use their documented evidence as proof of the ELR as they could prior to October 2021.

From October 1st 2021, any new drivers, and some drivers who have submitted ELR documents that do not fit TFLs ELR criteria before this date, will have to take the English Language Test (ELT). The ELR (English Language Requirement) has been a requirement that all new drivers have had to meet prior to October 1st 2021 in order to get a PCO licence - however TfL have moved the goalposts and made the test much more onerous for drivers.

This is fundamentally unfair, discriminatory and will cause serious stress and worry for many drivers who have driven for years without any issues relating to communications, safety and regulatory understanding.

Over 90% of private hire drivers are from BAME backgrounds, and over 80% are migrant workers​ and may have problems passing the English Language Test. Many of us have been driving for years with no issues. It is not common for other transport services such as the bus, tube and train networks to impose an ELT on their workers.