Hackney carriage driver's licences

A licence is required before any person can drive a hackney carriage (taxi).

Before a licence is granted the applicant must satisfy the Council that:

• he/she is a fit and proper person to hold a licence;
• he/she is medically fit;
• he/she has attained the age of 21 years;
• he/she has held a full driver's licence (not a provisional licence) granted to the applicant under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1972 authorising him/her to drive a motor car for at least twelve months prior to the date of the application;
• he/she can produce a satisfactory check from the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) to ensure the safety of the public;
• they can demonstrate adequate knowledge of the local area.

New applicants will also have to pass the Driving Standards Agency taxi driving assessment and pass a written knowledge test.

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

• the completed application form
• your DVLA Driving Licence (original - not a photocopy) showing your current address
• your passport or birth certificate
• fee - currently £104 (initial) and £77(renewal)

Applications will not be accepted without production of the above.

Upon production of the forms at the licensing office, you will be asked to complete a form to enable us to check with the Criminal Records Bureau for any records held against you. Please be aware that we normally allow approximately up to 8 weeks from receipt of your application for return of these checks as this is the average time that they take.

Applicants who were born outside the UK will also be required to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct from their embassy or home country.

All identification documents will be scanned and sent to the Home Office for verification.

Once your application has been accepted and the fee has been paid, an appointment will be made for you to sit a test of local knowledge of the area.

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 the above contact details.

Downloads:

File format	File title	File size / Download time
	Hackney Carriage Driver application form	26K 56Kbps Modem: 4 Seconds Broadband: 1 Second