Private hire driver's licences

A licence is required before any person can drive a private hire vehicle carrying passengers as a business.

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 produce a satisfactory check from the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) to ensure the safety of the public

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 the City 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
• DSA Taxi assessment pass certificate.
• fee - currently £91 (initial fee), £77 (renewal).

Applications will not be accepted without production of the above.

Upon production of the forms at the City Offices, 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.

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
	Private Hire Drivers application form	26K 56Kbps Modem: 4 Seconds Broadband: 1 Second