We are currently experiencing a high volume of applications. The processing time is at least 12 weeks (3 months) for a driver application. Depending on circumstances, this may be longer. Please do not apply if you are unable to wait for this amount of time.
This page provides information for those currently working in the private hire and taxi industry or those who wish to start work as a driver or operator.
Licence holders and potential applicants should ensure that they are familiar with the Council's Policy. Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Licensing Policy
The below is provided as a general guide. Current fees for licence applications can be found on this page: Licensing Fees - Private hire and Taxis.
Applying for a new licence
New applicants should read our guidance document.
Guidance for new applicants
This document provides advice for those wishing to apply for a licence.
- Guidance document for applicants (opens in new tab)pdf file[296KB]
You need two licences to work as a private hire or hackney carriage driver - one for you to be the driver and one for the vehicle you use. If you wish to work as a private hire driver you will also need to work for a licensed operator, or hold your own private hire operator licence.
The process can be time sensitive and new applicants are recommended to wait until they are licensed as a driver before seeking to licence a vehicle.
Details of the process for each of these applications are on the following links:
- New Driver Licence
- New Private Hire Vehicle Licence
- New Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence
- New Private Hire Operator Licence
Existing licence holders
- Renew Driver Licence
- Renew Vehicle licence
- Renew Operator Licence
Licence conditions
The following conditions will be imposed on all licences granted by the council.
Private Hire driver conditions
- Private hire driver licence conditions (opens in new tab)pdf file[286KB]
Vehicle Conditions
Operator licence conditions
- Operator licence conditions (opens in new tab)pdf file[225KB]
Hackney Carriage byelaws
- Hackney carriage byelaws (opens in new tab)pdf file[372KB]
Knowledge Assessment
The knowledge assessment that will be undertaken detailed on the following document.
Driver assessment (knowledge test)
Details for the Councils knowledge test
- About the driver assessment (opens in new tab)pdf file[208KB]
What you must tell us
- You are required by your licence conditions to notify us when certain matters occur such as:
- You are arrested, bailed, cautioned or convicted
- You receive a driving endorsement
- You change your name or address
- There is a change in your medical health or fitness
- Your vehicle is involved in an accident or is damaged
- You have changed the colour of your vehicle or registration number
- You have a new/updated document such as your driving licence or passport.