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94% of New Bristol Taxi License Applications made since Jan 2023 are still "In Progress"

94% of New Bristol Taxi License Applications made since Jan 2023 are still "In Progress"

There have been 2,830 Applications for Taxi Licences in Bristol between January 2023 and July 2025.

Of these 46% (1,290) are Renewals and 54% (1,540) are New Applications.

Of the 1,540 New Applications made in since January 2023 94% (1,445) are still "In Progress" (as at 30 Jul 2025).

New Applications

It is not clear how many of these New Applications are still "In Progress" because the applicant has not provided all of the evidence required to complete the process, or because the team who process the applications have got too much work in their in-trays.

The most likely explanation is that the new applicants have failed the "Knowledge Test", which is why their applications are still shown as being "In Progress". If this is the case then these figures will not improve until the test is made easier to pass by removing the geographical questions from the test.

The BBC Reported that:

only eight out of 133 people taking the test this year managed to pass
This could explain why we see so many South Glos Registered Taxis in Bristol. Perhaps their "test" gets a higher pass rate than Bristol.

Of the 83 New Applications that have been completed it took an average of 194 days to process.

Renewals

The statistics for Renewals are much better with only 7.67% being "In Progress".

The 1,174 (91%) Completed Renewal Applications took an average of 36 days to process.

Can this picture be correct?

This analysis is based on data provided by Bristol City Council. I have checked my analysis of the source data and believe it is correct. The data shows that Renewals are being processed in a timely manner, but the New Application process appears to be broken. It is possible that the data provided is incorrect, or that my analysis is incorrect. Interested Readers can use the same data and check for themselves.

Bristol Cable Reporting

In November 2023, The Bristol Cable reported that Bristol City Council received about 1,200 Taxi License applications a year, with a target of processing them within 10 working days. In late 2022 the average processing time was reported as being 46 working days. This processing time is consistent for my data for Renewal Applications, but not for New Applications. The Bristol Cable report includes stories from Taxi Drivers who experienced delays in getting their licenses renewed, but no stories from new applicants.

Assuming the data is correct, then my only explanation for the apparent difference between my analysis and the Bristol Cable is that the Bristol Cable processing time information was based on completed applications, or renewal applications only, rather than all applications.

I have written to Bristol City Council and asked them to verify my analysis. If I get a response I will update this article.

Information about Licensed Drivers

Currently Bristol City Council have: 1,357 licensed drivers, as part of the application process they have:
• Had their ID verified.
• Provided a valid Medical Examination Report.
• Provided documentation for their Right to Licence check.
• Completed a DBS Check
1336 licensed drivers have completed Safeguarding Training (initial or refresher).
2 licensed drivers have an exemption from carrying wheelchair passengers.
No licensed drivers have an exemption from carrying assistance dogs.

All of the data used in this article has been obtained via a Freedom of Information Request. You can view my reports on the BU Report (look for the Taxi Licence button).

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