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Private hire & hackney carriage - Driver licences

Any person wishing to drive a licensed hackney carriage or private vehicle must first obtain the relevant licence to drive such vehicle(s) from the Council. Licences are issued by virtue of the powers vested in the Council by Part 2 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

Prior to being granted a licence the applicant is required to:

CRB Check

The checks are done via the Criminal Records Bureau at a cost to the applicant.  At the time of application it is necessary to provide current passport, driving licence, if photo card type the counterpart must be produced and at least 2 other documents for proof of identity. This check must be to an "Enhanced Level".

NB   The formal application process does not commence until/unless a favourable reply has been received from the Criminal Records Bureau.  The applicant will receive a copy of his/her disclosure from the CRB at the same time as the Council.

More information is available on the Guideance Note and on the CRB Website.Icon indicating external link

Medical Examination

A full medical examination will be required.  A certificate of fitness must be completed and signed by your own GP.  In completing this certificate, medical practitioners are asked to have regard to the recommendations by the Medical Commission for Accident Prevention in their booklet Medical Aspects of Fitness to Drive and/or to the Notes for the Guidance of Doctors conducting these examinations prepared by the British Medical Association.

The Certificate needs to be completed on:-

  • First application for a licence.
  • Every 5 years after first application up to the licence holders 65th birthday and every 2 years thereafter.
  • At other times when required/requested eg after a relevant medical operation or prolonged period of ill health

Knowledge Tests

New Applicants when applying for a Driver Licence, are required to undergo and pass a knowledge test before a driver licence can be granted. This is for both Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers. The test consists of 20 route type questions, which you will need to get 15 correct to pass, and also 10 High Way Code questions, which you will need to get 8 correct. It is advisable to sit the knowledge test soon after you have given in your application.

Driving Tests

New applicants when applying for a Driver Licence, are required to undergo and pass a Driving Standards Agency driving test. Further information and fees of this test are available on request or by visiting DSA website.Icon indicating external link

Driving Licence

Applicants are required to have held a FULL UK driving licence for at least 12 months and produce the licence for inspection.

Photographs

Produce 4 passport style coloured photographs.

Application forms and guidance information is available by clicking on the titles below.