Apply for a hackney carriage licence

We are responsible for the licensing of all Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles and their drivers in the Borough of Swindon.

Licensing is in three parts covering the:

  • drivers licence
  • vehicle licence
  • operators licence

Licenced vehicles can only be driven by persons holding the correct Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Driver's Licence. It is recommended that the 'Driver's Licence' is obtained first before the 'Vehicle Licence'.

Drivers licence

Before making an application, all driver applicants (either for Hackney carriage or Private Hire Licences) must:

  • obtain an 'Enhanced Disclosure' from the Criminal Records Bureau. This is a document containing information held by the police and other government departments.
  • read the following documents, which provide a detailed explanation of the application requirements and process:

         - Taxi Information Pack -New Drivers (PDF)
         - Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Handbook (PDF)
         - Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Complaints Form (PDF)

All driver applicants are required:

  • to arrange, and attend, an assessment of their ability to speak, read and understand English. Assessments are carried out on behalf of Swindon Borough Council, by Swindon College staff in the Swindon College, North Star Avenue Campus, Swindon. Before the assessment, applicants will be asked to prove their identity by means of photographic evidence. An assessment fee is payable to Swindon College either in advance or on the day of assessment.
  • to undergo, with a qualified Advanced Driving Instructor, an assessment of their driving skills. The applicant will be notified of the time and date for the appointment.

If the applicant passes the Driver Assessment, they will be required to take a 'knowledge test'. This is a test of their knowledge of Swindon, its streets and public buildings. It also includes a section that tests the applicant's knowledge of licensing conditions for the licence for which they intend to apply. This test must be passed before proceeding with the Driver's Application. Please see: Sample Knowledge Test Paper (PDF)

The following downloadable documents provide information about the procedure undertaken at Knowledge Tests:

Apply for a hackney carriage or private hire drivers licence

Please use the downloadable application forms below:

When applying for a new licence or renewing an existing one, you must bring the following to the Licensing Office: 

  • A completed Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Driver's Application form, signed by the person who owns the vehicle you propose to drive.
  • Your current driving licence (the original licence is required).
  • A completed medical form (if one was sent with your renewal letter).

Apply for a hackney carriage vehicle licence

A Hackney Carriage is basically a taxi with a meter. This can be booked in advance, engaged at a taxi rank or hailed in the street. Hackney Carriage vehicles must be individually licensed. Any vehicle first presented for licensing must be less than five years old.

When applying for a new licence, or renewing an existing one, you must bring the following to the Licensing Office:

  • Your Vehicle Registration document or bill of sale
  • Evidence of insurance (which must cover public hire use)

Please note: Original documents must be produced.

Apply for a private hire vehicle licence

Private hire vehicles are similar to hackney carriages, except that they must be booked in advance by members of the public. Any vehicle first presented for licensing must be less than five years old.

Download an application form below:

When applying for a new licence, or renewing an existing one, you must bring the following to the Licensing Office:

  • Your vehicle registration document or bill of sale.
  • Evidence of insurance (which must cover public hire use)

Please note: Original documents must be produced.

Apply for an operator's licence (private hire)

People that operate private hire vehicles must apply for a Private Hire Operator's Licence.

Download an application form below:

Pay online

Pay for any of the above licences using our secure online payments system:

Pay for Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Licences

Licence fees

Licence

Fee

  

Driver (new)

 £100  
Driver (renewal) £70 3yr £210
Driver Assessment fee £40  
Hackney Carriage Vehicle £200  
Private Hire Vehicle £200  
Vehicle Change £100  
Six month MOT fee £55  
Replacement driver or vehicle licence £10  
Replacement driver’s badge £10  
Replacement insurance stickers £10  
Starter pack £10  
Bus lane Stickers (set) £10  
Refundable deposit for licence plate £20  
Knowledge Test £50  
Operator’s Licence 1-9 vehicles £350 5yr £1750
Operator’s Licence 10-19 vehicles £400 5yr £2000
Operator’s Licence 20+ vehicles £450 5yr £2250
Operator’s Licence per extra 10 vehicles over 20 £11.00  

Licence fees may be amended at any time and you should always check with the Licensing Office regarding current fees. The licensing office can be contacted from Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm.

Licensing Office
Taxi and Private Hire Licensing
Swindon Borough Council
Wat Tyler House
Beckhampton Street
Swindon
SN1 2JH

Tel: 01793 466208 or 01793 466214
E-mail: TLicence@swindon.gov.uk

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