Private Hire Operator's Licence

A private hire operator's licence is required to enable a person to accept or invite bookings for private hire vehicles.

One person can be licensed and employ/sub-contract an unlimited number of licensed vehicles. However, a licensed private hire driver cannot accept any bookings unless he either holds or works for a licensed private hire operator. An operator may pass a booking to another licensed private hire vehicle operator provided that the operator is licensed by the same authority.

Members of the public have initial contact with the operator and make the contract with them even if the operator does not provide the vehicle and/or the driver.

Before an operator's licence is granted the applicant must satisfy the Council that the address from which they intend to operate is suitable and, where applicable, satisfy any conditions that may be attached to the licence in order not to disturb the amenity of the area.

If you are a vehicle proprietor you may work for any existing Operator. However, if you wish to apply for your own licence to operate from a premises which will be used as a booking office, you will need to ensure that any necessary Planning Permission has been obtained from the City Council allowing use of the building for this purpose.

A Certificate of Public Liability Insurance is required where the public have access to the premises i.e. waiting room etc. However, where no public access or waiting facilities are provided or if you wish to operate your own vehicle from home, this insurance is not necessary. The Public Liability must be up to £5 million.

Once the application form has been completed, you need to make an appointment to visit our Offices, bringing with you the following documentation:

• certificate of Public Liability Insurance (if applicable)
• fee of £220

Applications will not be accepted without production of the above.

Once your application has been accepted and the fee has been paid, a licence will be issued.

We look forward to receiving your application and if you have any difficulty with any of the forms or have any questions, please contact us on licensing@winchester.gov.uk and 01962 848 188 or 179.

Downloads:

File format	File title	File size / Download time
	Private Hire Operator's Licence Application	24K 56Kbps Modem: 4 Seconds Broadband: 1 Second
	Private Hire Operator's Licence Application	86K 56Kbps Modem: 13 Seconds Broadband: 1 Second
	Statement of Licensing Policy	507K 56Kbps Modem: 1 Minute Broadband: 3 Seconds
	Private Hire Operators conditions of licence	46K 56Kbps Modem: 7 Seconds Broadband: 1 Second