Apply for a taxi or private hire licence
Pages in Apply for a taxi or private hire licence
- 1. You are here: Who can apply for a licence?
- 2. Private Hire Driver New Applications
- 3. Private Hire Driver Renewal Applications
- 4. Hackney Carriage Driver New Applications
- 5. Hackney Carriage Driver Renewal Applications
- 6. National Licensing Register (NR3S)
1. Who can apply for a licence?
Important note: Our application process has now changed
The Council now requires you to submit various documents with your application. This requirement will make the overall application process simpler and quicker. Please ensure you have the necessary documents available before making your application as those that are incomplete will be rejected and an administration fee will be retained by the council.
To apply for a private hire driver’s licence you must:
- Be 21 years old
- Hold a UK or equivalent driving licence for at least 12 months
- Have access to a valid email address
The Council will undertake checks to ensure you are a fit and proper person to be licensed as a private hire or hackney carriage driver.
Please refer to the relevant link above to see the full application process.
Before applying for a licence you should read the following documents which explain the Council's policy for licensing drivers:
- Private Hire Policy and Conditions (PDF)
- Hackney Carriage Policy and Conditions (PDF)
- Convictions Policy (PDF)
Licensed drivers must meet a high medical standard which is the same as the current DVLA Group 2 medical standard for vocational drivers:
Please note: In addition to supplying a completed Medical Form, all applicants with diabetes mellitus which is controlled with Insulin are required to complete and submit a declaration form regarding their diabetes mellitus. An independent consultants specialist report must accompany the declaration. Further details along with the declaration form are available on the application pages