Petition to: Addressing Inequities in the Transport for London (TfL) Private Hire License Test (SERU)

To: The Rt Hon Mayor Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, Greater London Authority

Date: 17th February 2025

We, the undersigned, bring forward this petition to urge Parliament to address critical issues related to the Transport for London (TfL) Private Hire License test (SERU), which has disproportionately impacted ethnic minority drivers, particularly those from the Bangladeshi community. The current structure of the test, coupled with a lack of appropriate support systems, presents significant challenges that undermine the livelihoods of private hire drivers and their families while also jeopardising public transportation services.

Background:

Private hire drivers in London, including many from ethnic minority communities, provide an essential service that contributes to the city’s economy and supports vulnerable populations who rely on private hire vehicles for medical appointments, daily commutes, and social services. Among these drivers are thousands from the Bangladeshi community, many of whom face distinct challenges when attempting to pass the TfL Private Hire License test (SERU).

It is important to note that an estimated [insert number] Uber drivers will be required to sit for the SERU test over the coming months and years. A significant proportion of these drivers, many of whom have served Londoners for decades, are from ethnic minority backgrounds, particularly Bangladeshi and other South Asian communities.

However, the test's design, which includes both written and verbal assessments, presents significant barriers to these drivers. Factors such as:

* Language barriers (many drivers speak English as a second language)

* Age-related challenges, where older drivers may have limited literacy or educational backgrounds

* Undiagnosed learning disabilities like dyslexia

* Socioeconomic disadvantage, limiting access to resources like tutoring, translation, or practice materials

have led to an alarmingly high failure rate for these individuals.

Impact on Drivers and Their Families:

Many affected drivers are long serving professionals with decades of experience navigating London’s streets. These drivers have consistently demonstrated exceptional knowledge of routes and customer service skills, yet the written nature of the test which requires reading comprehension and verbal communication has made it impossible for some to pass, despite their proven practical driving competence.

The consequences of failing the test are far-reaching:

1. Financial instability: These drivers rely on their livelihoods to meet essential financial obligations, including mortgages, vehicle hire agreements, and credit card debt. A failure to pass the test leads to immediate and often irreparable financial strain, with many facing the risk of losing their income and enduring severe financial hardship.

2. Mental health issues: Prolonged financial uncertainty and the stress of repeated test failures have contributed to a rise in mental health challenges among drivers, including anxiety, depression, and isolation. These issues not only affect their ability to perform their jobs but also lead to broader health and wellbeing problems, further exacerbating financial struggles.

3. Family breakdowns: As financial pressures mount, many drivers experience strain within their families, contributing to breakdowns in relationships and an overall decline in quality of life.

4. Unemployment and loss of essential services: A high failure rate could result in the loss of thousands of drivers from the workforce, leading to increased unemployment rates in specific communities and reducing the overall supply of private hire services in London. This shortage could lead to longer wait times for passengers and diminished access to services, especially for vulnerable populations who depend on private hire vehicles.

The Unfairness of the Current Test Design:

It is imperative to acknowledge that the SERU test, as currently designed, is ill suited to many drivers who have been working in the industry for years. The test's focus on written and verbal components fails to account for the wealth of practical driving knowledge these individuals possess and disregards the significant barriers posed by language difficulties, age, and undiagnosed learning challenges.

Many of these drivers, particularly from the Bangladeshi and wider ethnic minority communities, face systemic disadvantages when attempting to take and pass the test. These disadvantages include:

* Cultural and linguistic barriers: The test does not provide adequate language support or translation services, leaving non-native English speakers at a distinct disadvantage despite their driving proficiency.

* Age-related challenges: Older drivers, many of whom have driven for decades, are disproportionately affected by the test’s academic requirements, which are not reflective of their practical skills.

* Learning disabilities: The lack of accommodation for conditions like dyslexia or other undiagnosed cognitive challenges leaves some drivers unable to perform well in written or verbal assessments, despite their ability to navigate and drive safely.

This situation not only results in economic hardship for these drivers but also violates principles of equality and non-discrimination, as outlined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, Article 21, and Directive 2000/43/EC. These laws guarantee that no person should face discrimination based on age, race, ethnicity, social background, or disability.

Recommendations:

To ensure that private hire drivers from ethnic minorities are not unfairly excluded from the workforce, we call for the following changes:

1. Provision of language support: The introduction of translation services, language assistance, and tailored support for non-native English speakers to ensure they fully understand the test requirements.

2. Accommodations for learning disabilities: Drivers with undiagnosed learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, should be provided with additional time, alternative formats, and reasonable adjustments during the test process.

3. Age-friendly policies: Practical guidance and training for older drivers to help them navigate the written test would help ensure that their extensive driving experience is appropriately recognised.

4. A comprehensive review of the SERU test design is necessary to ensure its alignment with equality and anti-discrimination laws, guaranteeing it is fair, inclusive, and culturally sensitive. This review should also address any potential implicit biases in both the test design and grading process. Furthermore, the test structure should be reassessed to ensure it meets the practical needs of ethnic minority drivers, particularly those with years of experience in the industry who face systemic barriers that hinder their progress.

Why This Matters:

The current system threatens the livelihoods of countless hardworking individuals, disproportionately affecting those from marginalised communities. By addressing these issues, we can create a more equitable and inclusive transportation system that serves the best interests of both workers and the public. Reforming the SERU test will not only promote fairness and equality but also improve public health and reduce economic strain on already vulnerable communities.

5. Mental health support: Introduction of mental health support programs for drivers facing stress, anxiety, and depression due to the test process. This could include community-based counselling and peer support groups.

Conclusion:

We urge Parliament to take immediate action in reviewing and revising the current TfL Private Hire License test to ensure that it is fair, inclusive, and supportive of all drivers, regardless of their linguistic, cultural, or socio-economic background. The proposed changes are essential in safeguarding the livelihoods of thousands of ethnic minority drivers, improving their mental and financial wellbeing, and ensuring that London’s private hire industry continues to serve the public effectively. By ensuring that the voices of ethnic minority drivers are heard and represented, we can work towards a fairer, more inclusive TfL licensing system. Your support can bring about meaningful reform and make a real difference in the lives of thousands of people across London. We look forward to your support in addressing these vital concerns and creating a more equitable licensing system that reflects the diverse needs of the workforce.