Private hire drivers in Knowsley are being warned to plan well ahead for vehicle compliance tests — or risk being forced off the road for months.
Local driver Mike Shaw is facing exactly that. Despite contacting Knowsley Council on 1st May 2025 to book a compliance test for his vehicle (which expires on 10th May), the earliest appointment offered was 15th July 2025 — a shocking nine-week delay.
As of today, 9th May, no cancellations have come through. If that remains the case, Mike will be unable to work until mid-July, potentially losing thousands in income.
This isn’t an isolated issue. Knowsley Council has confirmed that it is facing a huge backlog of private hire applications and test requests, limiting availability and causing substantial delays.
The council has advised drivers to book tests well in advance, but for many, that’s easier said than done. Some drivers are now being forced to rent vehicles at their own expense just to keep earning, while others, like Mike, have no choice but to stop working entirely.
In a previous ruling, the Local Government Ombudsman found Knowsley Council at fault for delays and poor communication in its licensing process, highlighting that this is an ongoing problem, not a new one.
Knowsley PHV drivers are now left in limbo — caught between an overwhelmed council system and the financial reality of being unable to work.
If you’re a Knowsley-licensed driver, check your licence expiry date today — and get your test booked as early as possible.
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