You must have a licence to drive either a hackney carriage or a private hire vehicle. Driving without an appropriate licence is an offence and liable to a maximum fine of £1000. Before a licence can be issued the council has to be satisfied that you are a fit and proper person. You must also have held a full Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) driving licence for 12 months or hold a licence which is valid in a country within the European Community. An exchangeable licence must be held for persons holding driving licences outside the European Union.
How to apply for a licence
If you wish to apply for a hackney carriage or a private hire driver's licence you should contact us. You will need to complete:
- An application form
- A CRB criminal records disclosure form
- A DVLA mandate
- A medical request form
and provide the following:
- 4 recent colour photographs
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of your national insurance number and proof of address (a utility bill or similar)
- A current DVLA driving licence
- The appropriate fee
Before we issue a licence you will need to have a medical examination. You will also be required to pass a driving assessment and a test based on your knowledge of the local area. Checks will also be made with the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and the DVLA for any past criminal or driving offences. This checking process takes a minimum of four weeks.
Issue of licence
Provided all the checks and assessments are satisfactory you will be issued with a licence and identity badge. Whilst working you must wear your identity badge at all times.
A private hire driver's licence will be issued subject to certain conditions. A hackney carriage driver's licence will be issued subject to local byelaws. If you do not comply with the licence conditions or byelaws you may have your licence taken away, be suspended or be prosecuted.
We also operate a penalty points scheme. This scheme exists for breaches of conditions by drivers, vehicle owners and operators. Any penalty points issued are recorded and remain on file for 36 months. Persons with 12 or more points may be called before the licensing committee. It will then be decided whether they are suitable to hold a licence.