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Uber driver brings High Court challenge against Transport for London over licence renewal delays

A judicial review will examine claims that TfL's processing delays breached its legal duties and caused drivers severe financial hardship.

Updated Aug 31, 2026 · 09:21 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • Uber driver Julius Mugabo has launched a landmark High Court challenge against Transport for London (TfL) after delays in renewing his private hire licence left him unable to work.
  • Mugabo alleges the delays pushed him into thousands of pounds of debt and led to eviction threats before he received his renewed licence after initiating legal action.
  • A High Court judge has granted a full judicial review, noting that the licensing delays caused serious consequences for Mugabo and his family.
  • The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) is backing the lawsuit, stating that thousands of other private hire drivers have suffered similar delays.

Key facts

  • Julius Mugabo, an Uber driver licensed by TfL since 2016, is bringing a High Court legal challenge against TfL over private hire licence renewal delays.[The Guardian]
  • Under the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998, minicab drivers cannot legally work without an active licence, which must be renewed every three years.[The Guardian]
  • Mugabo's licence expired at the end of March 2026, and he only received his renewed licence after starting legal action.[The Guardian]
  • Mr Justice Sweeting granted a full judicial review hearing, writing that TfL accepted its processing of Mugabo's application did not meet its usual standards.[The Guardian]
  • Freedom of information data obtained by the Conservatives shows that nearly 18,000 of London's approximately 100,000 private hire drivers have received goodwill payments of £300 to £500 due to renewal delays.[The Guardian]
  • A spokesperson for TfL confirmed they are aware of the judicial review claim and are currently awaiting a hearing date.[The Guardian]

What remains uncertain

  • The date for the High Court judicial review hearing has not yet been scheduled.[The Guardian]

Sources