Taxi licensing
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Taxis and private hire vehicles and their drivers must hold licences issued by us. Wedding and funeral vehicles are exempt.
If you run a business as a private hire vehicle operator you will need another licence.
How do I apply for a hackney carriage vehicle licence?
Apply for a hackney carriage vehicle licence
You need a hackney carriage vehicle licence for any vehicle that can carry up to eight passengers and can be booked, flagged down or hired at a taxi rank.
We only grant licences for brand new, purpose-built, fully accessible vehicles that meet certain specifications. In this respect please contact the Licensing Team to confirm suitability.
How do I apply for a private hire vehicle licence?
Read our Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy and Handbook.
Apply for a private hire vehicle licence
How long will my vehicle licence last?
It will be valid for 12 months. You should reapply before your current licence runs out, as once it has lapsed it cannot be renewed.
How do I apply for a hackney carriage/private hire driver's licence?
You need a licence to drive a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle. Read our hackney carriage quick guide to find out about the application process and about our policy on convictions.
You must show us you have a reasonable knowledge of the Borough by taking a test. Once you have passed the test you are required to have an enhanced disclosure and barring check, attend safeguarding training, have a DVLA check and a medical to Group 2 standard. If you meet the criteria your licence will be issued.
How long will my driver's licence last?
Licences are valid for three years. You should reapply before your current licence runs out as once it has lapsed it cannot be renewed.
How do I apply for a vehicle operator's licence?
Apply for a Private Hire Operator's Licence
An operator's licence is valid for five years and costs:
- 1 to 10 vehicles £425
- 11 to 20 vehicles £534
- 20+ vehicles £773
Do I need a vehicle operator's licence?
If you are a private hire operator you will need one.
Any person who receives bookings or has contracts for the hire and reward for a private hire vehicle is required to hold an Operator's licence.
An Operator's Licence shall be valid for a maximum term of five years (unless a shorter period is deemed appropriate by the Borough Council).
Records required to be kept by the Operator under Section 56(2) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 shall be kept in a suitable book, folder or other means approved by the Council (this can include electronic record systems providing the information is recorded, securely stored and readily retrievable), and produced for examination or on demand by an Authorised Officer/Agent or Police Officer.
Licence fees
What is the Council's Taxi Licensing Policy?
The current policy was adopted in June 2022, and can be found in the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy and Handbook.
