What you must declare
Version 6.0 of TfL's driver policy, in force from 1 September 2026, asks every applicant to declare that they owe TfL no money. That includes unpaid Congestion Charge and ULEZ charges, penalty charge notices and fines.
How TfL weighs it
- One unpaid penalty charge on its own may not stop an application.
- Failing to obey a court order to pay, or a pattern of not paying, can mean refusal.
- Court costs left unpaid after an appeal must be paid before TfL will consider any new application or renewal.
The simplest course is to clear anything you owe before you apply.
Sources
- TfL, Taxi and private hire driver policy, version 6.0, 1 September 2026, sections 3.21 and 3.22
From the guide: How to become a London taxi driver