Apply for a new hackney carriage or private hire licence

Apply for a new hackney carriage or private hire drivers licence

You need a licence to drive a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle.

A driver licence is valid for three years from the date of issue and upon renewal.

The application process has two stages:

  • Gather your documents and certificates before submitting your application
  • Apply for either a hackney carriage or private hire driver licence. You can upload supporting documents and pay the fee listed below.

The entire process will take up to six weeks, assuming all assessments are passed and your documents are ready.

We recommend reading the current hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy before starting your application.

New applicants should have the following prepared before submitting their application to the Licensing Authority:

  • Competency and compliance test
    • The competency and compliance test assesses your ability to understand matters of equality, disability, passenger and driver safety, and other appropriate areas as highlighted
  • Medical examination
    • Book a driver medical appointment. This can be done through a GP or Doctor with your full medical history available. You must download the medical form, print it and take it to your appointment.
  • Driving and skills assessment
    • Book a driving and skills assessment with Blue Lamp Trust. The assessment takes 45 minutes. You will need to take your driving licence and current vehicle insurance certificate.
  • Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service and DVLA licence checks
    • Register and pay for DBS and DVLA checks with TaxiPlus
    • Register for the update service within the deadline specified by the DBS. Failure to do so will require a six-monthly DBS check at an additional cost.
    • Driver FAQs are available on TaxiPlus
  • Safeguarding training
    • Complete safeguarding training hosted by Trust2Ride. This two-hour session covers:
      • Child sexual exploitation
      • Human trafficking
      • Recognising indicators and types of abuse
      • Driver and passenger safety
      • Best safeguarding practices
  • Passport style photograph
    • Applicants must provide a digital passport style photograph that:
      • is taken against a plain cream or plain background
      • is printed to a high quality standard
      • is produced by a booth or studio
      • is clear and in sharp focus
      • was taken within the last month
      • is in colour on plain white photographic paper

Once you have completed the pre-application checks, you will be asked to submit and pay for your application.

You will need to provide:

  • your DBS update service reference number
  • a copy of your DBS certificate
  • a copy of your safeguarding training certificate
  • a copy of your driving and skills assessment certificate
  • a copy of your completed medical form
  • your National Insurance number
  • a copy of your competency and compliance test pass
  • a passport style photograph

Applications are processed within the following timescales:

  • Validation of application received, 3 working days
  • Determining grant, 10 working days
  • Issuing after grant, 7 working days
  • Total time, 17 to 25 working days

If granted, you will receive a declaration to sign.

Apply online for a hackney carriage driver licence

Once you have completed the pre-application checks, you will be asked to submit and pay for your application.

You will need to provide:

  • your DBS update service reference number
  • a copy of your DBS certificate
  • a copy of your safeguarding training certificate
  • a copy of your driving and skills assessment certificate
  • a copy of your completed medical form
  • a copy of your competency and compliance test pass
  • a passport style photograph

Applications are processed within the following timescales:

  • Validation of application received, 3 working days
  • Determining grant, 10 working days
  • Issuing after grant, 7 working days
  • Total time, 17 to 25 working days

If granted, you will receive a declaration to sign.

Apply online for a private hire driver licence

  • New driver application, £264
  • Competency and compliance test, £80
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