Private Hire operators

Introduction

Welcome to our Private Hire New Operators Application page. This page is for applicants that do not currently hold a Private Hire Operators Licence with Reigate & Banstead Borough Council.

You will be bound by the terms below, so please ensure you have considered and carried out all the necessary requirements before you apply. This will involve obtaining evidence of permissions and copies of documents as listed below, as well as preparing for the Safety and Suitability test before completing the application form.

If you do not provide all the necessary information and images of documents at the same time as completing the application, your application will not have been properly made and may result in your application being refused.

The application process is mapped out for you below and has been broken down into a number of Stages for ease. 

Stage 1) Read and understand our Private Hire Policy and Conditions, Conviction Policy and regulations relating to private hire licensing.

Key information is contained in our Private Hire Policy and Conditions Policy, and  Conviction Policy which can be found here

Stage 2) Check you have available the following information and images of relevant documents before commencing your application. 

Please note that there is no means to save your application part way through, so you need to ensure you have sufficient time to fully complete your application - 30 minutes should be sufficient. In order to do this, you will need to have the following to hand before starting your online application.

1. Access to a valid email address and account.
2. Means of making an online payment e.g. credit or debit card (with the permission of the cardholder to do so, if this is not your card)
3. Basic or Enhanced Disclosure Criminal Record certificate (PDFs or photographs are fine) see step 3 below.
4. Information on any offences or convictions e.g. what it was for, when it was, what was the outcome etc. Please refer to the Conviction Policy regarding their relevance or further details.
5. Evidence of your Right to Work in the United Kingdom e.g. British Passport, share code (required for individuals and partnerships only NOT directors of limited companies).
6. Your tax check code - Complete a tax check. (required for individuals or companies).
7. If you have previously made any applications to be an Operator with us or another authority you will need to provide the details.
8. Details of any Planning Permission (including reference number and date granted) that permits you to operate your proposed business from the address you will provide in your application. If you have received confirmation this is not required, the relevant information can be entered onto the application form.
9. Evidence of right to occupy any commercial premises  ie rental agreement or ‘in principle’ documentation relating to any commercial premises you will be operating from.
10. Electronic copies of any Public Liability Insurance. This is required only where there is provision of an area available to the public e.g. reception area/waiting area etc.
11. A list containing details of how many vehicles you intend to operate from the premises. You will be required to upload details of these as part of your application. Vehicles must be licensed with Reigate and Banstead Borough Council.
12. A list containing details of how many drivers you intend to operate under this licence. You will be required to upload details of these as part of your application. Drivers must be licensed with Reigate and Banstead Borough Council.
13. Be able to answer the questions and demonstrate the requirements of the Safety and Suitability test - see stage 5 below.

Stage 3) Criminal Record Check. 

A Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced, Standard or Basic Disclosure must be provided for all individuals, directors or business partners of companies named in the application. You can apply online for the basic disclosure from Disclosure Scotland. The certificate must be less than 6 months old

If you are an existing private hire or hackney carriage drivers registered on the Update Service, please confirm this by email. We are then able to check your current status, provided we have a copy of the certificate issued to you when you registered.

Stage 4) Apply for a New Operator Licence. 

Your application and payment will be made online to us via a webform hosted by a company called Idox. Please do not apply unless you have all the necessary information and required documents as your incomplete application will likely be rejected. The online submission form will allow you to upload digital copies (picture image/ PDF) of required documents ie passports,certificates, rental agreements, insurance documents, vehicle and driver lists etc

When you are satisfied that you meet the requirements to become a licensed private hire operator, familiarised yourself with the information on this page and seen our walk through step-by-step guide to making your application online with this Authority, click on the green button below to apply. You can apply for a one year or five year Operator Licence. 

Apply for a New Operator Licence

Your application will be checked by a member of the Business support team and passed for review by a Licensing Officer only when all the required information has been provided.

Stage 5) Safety and Suitability test

You must pass a Safety and Suitability Test. It is assumed that in making your application you will have prepared in advance for this and will attend the council offices at the allotted time. The examining officer will contact you to confirm the date and time, usually within the following 7 days.

The test will last approximately one hour and take place in person at the Council offices in Reigate. The person/s named on the licence must be present, but you may bring other persons who will have a role in the business to assist you. You can also bring documents, notes or any other reference material into the test to help you.

To assist in your preparation please download and study the test paper available below. You must be prepared to answer the questions and demonstrate how you will comply with Council conditions etc. For example, you will need to bring any relevant books, paperwork or laptops that will record  e.g. lost property logs, complaint records showing headings of information to be recorded. There are also questions covering disability awareness, subcontracting bookings and safeguarding.

Safety and Suitability test - click to download 

If you intend to use an electronic booking system you must be able to demonstrate how it will be used during the test, as screen shots will not be accepted. Companies will provide systems on free trial for a limited period that can be used during the test. Public wi-fi is available at the Town Hall.

You will be given the result at the end of the test. Should you fail the test, you may retake it on one more occasion. A further fee is payable to re sit the test based on an hour of officer time

Stage 6) Become a Licensed Private Hire Operator with Reigate & Banstead BC.

Once we are satisfied you are a 'fit and proper' person to hold a licence we will finalise your application. After an administration processing period we will be able to create your licence which will then be email to you. There is no need to call licensing yourself, we will contact you as the administration processing period can vary depending on applicant numbers.