Your two routes
| Route | Deadline | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Ask TfL to reconsider | 28 days from the refusal | A personal hearing, in person or online. TfL tells you the outcome within 28 days of it. |
| Appeal to a magistrates' court | 28 days from the refusal, or from TfL's reconsidered decision | The court decides. |
You can ask TfL first and go to court after, as long as you meet each deadline.
Applying again
If you apply again later, you are assessed against the same guidelines. Refusals are also recorded on a national register of taxi and private hire refusals, which licensing authorities check, for 11 years.
Sources
- TfL, Taxi and private hire driver policy, version 6.0, 1 September 2026, section 3.13.1, Appendix D
From the guide: How to become a London taxi driver