Hackney carriage and private hire driver's licence
Notes to read before you apply for a hackney carriage or private hire driver's licence
First-Time Applicants
Before applying, please read the information below carefully.
Step 1: Knowledge Test (Required)
You must pass the Knowledge Test before submitting an application.
You can pay for the knowledge test using this form.
- Cost: £30 (re-sits and missed appointments may be charged
This is a Multiple-choice test covering:
- Vehicle maintenance
- Highway Code
- Road signs
- Licensing rules and law
- Revision guide for the knowledge test
The Pass mark: 7 out of 10 in each section
Step 2: Eligibility
To apply, you must:
- Have held a full UK driving licence for at least 12 months
- Give permission for DVLA driving record checks
- Have the right to work in the UK
Right to work evidence:
- British passport holders must bring their passport to their appointment
- Non-UK passport holders must provide a share code from GOV.UK
Step 3: Criminal Record & Background Checks
- An Enhanced DBS certificate is required (See DBS FAQs)
You must subscribe to the DBS Update Service within 30 daysIf you already have one from another council:
- It must be less than 1 month old, or
- You must be signed up to the DBS Update Service
- All convictions, cautions, and motoring offences must be declared (including spent)
- Applicants are checked against the National Register (NR3) for previous revocations/refusals (see our policy)
If you have lived outside the UK within the last 10 years, you must provide a Certificate of Good Conduct from each country lived in (translated into English).
Step 4: Medical Fitness
- Drivers must meet DVLA Group 2 medical standards
- A medical certificate from your GP or another qualified medical practitioner is required (Download medical form)
- Future medicals are required at ages: 30, 40, 50, 55, 60, then every year
- Licences will not be issued if medical standards are not met
Step 5: Safeguarding Training
All applicants must complete online safeguarding and child sexual exploitation awareness training.
- Must be completed before a licence is issued
- Training is valid for 3 years
- Access details are provided when you take the Knowledge Test
Step 6: Tax Responsibilities
- New applicants must read HMRC guidance and confirm they are registered for tax
- A tax code is required if you have held a taxi licence with another council in the last 12 months
- You can find more more information on the Tax Check on the GOV.UK website
Licence Information
- Licences are normally issued for 3 years
- All drivers must comply with licence conditions or bye-laws
- A penalty point scheme applies for rule breaches
After Your Licence Is Issued
You must notify the council within 48 hours of any:
- Arrest and release
- Sexual, violent, or dishonest offences
Apply for a hackney carriage or private hire driver's licence
- To apply for a new licence or renew an existing one, complete the Vehicle application form.