Private Hire operators

This page is intended for customers that do not currently hold a operators licence with us.

Six stage application process

You will be bound by the terms below, so please ensure you read and understand all the stages below before you apply.

Stage 1) Read and understand our policy, conditions and regulations concerning private hire licensing.  

We have put extensive information regarding the licensing process, our fees, our policies and conditions on our webpages to help our customers. We strongly advise all customers to read and understand our licensing application advice webpages relevant to your application before you apply for a licence. Key information is contained within our Private Hire Policy and Conditions Policy (PDF).

At the same time as making your application you must supply the relevant documents and images as listed below in stage 3.  Any failure to do so will lead to a delay in the application process, and may even result in your application being refused.

Please note that as part of the application process you will be required to attend an interview (stage 5) to answer questions and demonstrate compliance with Council conditions etc. It is assumed that in making your application you will have prepared in advance for this and will be willing to attend the council offices at the alloted time.

For further information prior to making a formal application to become a Private Hire Operator, you can email any questions you may have to licensing@reigate-banstead.gov.uk  and an officer will contact you. 

Stage 2) Criminal record checks. 

As part of your online application you will be required to upload a copy of a Basic or Enhanced Disclosure Criminal Records check for individuals, directors or business partners named in the application. If you are not an existing driver with a current enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, you can apply online for the basic disclosure from Disclosure Scotland. 

Stage 3) Check you have the required information, documents and means of making payment before commencing your application.  

We recommend you ensure you have the following to hand before starting to make your application.

1. Means of making an online payment e.g. credit or debit card and you have the permission of the cardholder to do so.
2. Evidence of your Right to Work in the United Kingdom e.g. Passport. (individuals and partnerships only) 
3. Your tax check code - Complete a tax check. (individual or company)
4. If applicable, information on any offences or convictions e.g. what it was for, when it was, what was the outcome etc.
5. If you have previously made any applications to be an Operator with us or another authority you will need to provide the details.
6. If applicable, you will need to provide details of any Planning Permission obtained (including reference number and date granted) that permits you to operate your proposed business from the address you will provide in your application.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. If applicable, electronic copies of any required Basic or Enhanced Disclosure Criminal Records checks in digital form to upload (PDFs or photographs are fine)
10. If applicable, electronic copies of any Public Liability Insurance only where there is provision of an area available to the public e.g. reception area/waiting area etc
11. Access to your online booking records system with screen shots, or your hardbacked dated logbook with required headings. Please refer to our policy document for further information
12. Image of your lost property log
13. Image of your complaints log and procedure
14. Our guide to making an application guidance document.

To assist you in making your application we have developed a guidance document with handy hints and a walkthrough screen by screen of the online application process. We strongly recommend you familiarise yourself with this document prior to making our application in Stage 4. 

Private Hire New Operators Application Advice Document (PDF)

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. 

You can apply for a one year or five year Operator Licence via the green button below. Please remember to upload the additional information required or attach it to a separate email at the same time as making your application.

Operator's application form

 Stage 5) Attend an interview with a Licensing Officer.

After your application has been reviewed by a Licensing Officer, this can take up to 20 working days from your application submission, you will be sent an appointment to attend an interview with a Licensing Officer. 

Interview discussion points

You will be asked to demonstrate how you will be running your business to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and Council Policy and Conditions.

• Record booking system. You will need to ensure records are suitably recorded, retained and not be able to be altered or deleted. You will need to bring examples to demonstrate how your booking system meets the conditions attached to a licence. This could be by bringing in any relevant books or paperwork, print outs of screen shots or if the system can be accessed on your laptop you can screen share to give us a live demonstration of the booking system 
• Deregulation Act 2015 in regard to sub-contracting and an operator's responsibilities
• Disability awareness
• Child sexual exploitation and safeguarding measures

The interview will last approximately one hour and take place at the Council offices in Reigate. The Council reserve the right to terminate the interview at any time during the hour if an applicant is unable to respond to routine questions or demonstrate they are ready to commence operations - at which point the application may be refused. If, in the officers opinion the applicant needs more time to prepare, a further appointment may be offered and undertaken once the additional interview fee of £79 has been paid.  

Stage 6) Become Licensed.

Once all enquiries have been completed and 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. We will then email you  your Licence. There is no need to call licensing yourself, we will contact you as the administration processing period can vary depending on applicant numbers.