Taxi licensing
Introduction
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?
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.
Complete and submit a Hackney Carriage Vehicle Application (PDF) [47KB] (opens new window) .
How do I apply for a private hire vehicle licence?
Read our Guidance Notes on Private Hire Vehicles (PDF) [21KB] (opens new window) , then complete and submit a Private Hire Vehicle Application (PDF) [40KB] (opens new window) .
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 (PDF) [122KB] (opens new window) to find out about the application process and about our policy on convictions (PDF) [63KB] (opens new window) .
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?
Complete and submit a Private Hire Application for Operator's Licence form (PDF) [38KB] (opens new window) .
An operator's licence is valid for five years and costs £300.
Do I need a vehicle operator's licence?
If you are a private hire operator you will need one. You will need to record all your bookings in a log book.
What are the current taxi licence fees and hackney carriage fares?
Licence fees
| Category | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| Driver's licence (three year licence) | 220 |
| Knowledge test | 25 |
| Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) | 48 |
| First class hackney carriage and private hire vehicle | 280 |
| First class hackney carriage and private hire vehicle test fee | 62 |
| First class hackney carriage and private hire interim test fee | 22 |
| Transfer of vehicle | 75 |
| Second class hackney carriage | 300 |
| Second class hackney carriage vehicle test fee | 50 |
Private hire operator's licence (five year licence) 1 to 10 vehicles 11 to 20 vehicles 20+ vehicles |
390 490 710 |
Hackney carriage table of fares
This hackney carriage table of fares was approved at the Licensing Committee on Tuesday 20 September 2022 and will take effect from 7 October 2022.
| Category | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| Distances up to 160 yards | 2.80 |
| Thereafter and for each subsequent 160 yards or part thereof | 0.20 |
| Waiting time for each 45 seconds or part thereof | 0.20 |
| Category | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| Distances up to 260 yards | 3.20 |
| Thereafter and for each subsequent 180 yards or part thereof | 0.30 |
| Waiting time for each 45 seconds or part thereof | 0.30 |
| Category | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| Distances up to 180 yards | 3.00 |
| Thereafter and for each subsequent 180 yards or part thereof | 0.25 |
| Waiting time for each 45 seconds or part thereof | 0.25 |
| Category | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| Distances up to 160 yards | 4.60 |
| Thereafter and for each subsequent 180 yards or part thereof | 0.40 |
| Waiting time for each 45 seconds or part thereof | 0.40 |
| Category | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| Each article of luggage carried outside the carriage | 0.30 |
Each person in excess of one (children under three years not counted) | 0.30 |
Cleaning following the soiling of the interior of the vehicle, a charge not exceeding | 80.00 |
Cleaning following the soiling of the exterior of the vehicle, a charge not exceeding | 30.00 |
What is the Council's Taxi Licensing Policy?
The current policy was adopted in June 2022. If you would like a copy of the policy, please email licensing@great-yarmouth.gov.uk.
Are there wheelchair accessible vehicles available in the borough?
Drivers of taxis and private hire vehicles designated by the local licensing authority as being wheelchair accessible must comply with the requirements of Section 165 of the Equality Act 2010, unless they have been issued with an exemption certificate. The Equality Act allows for exemptions from the above duties on medical grounds or if the driver's physical condition makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for him or her to comply with these duties. It is the responsibility of drivers who require an exemption to apply for one by contacting the Licensing Team for an application form.
A designated vehicle should be capable of carrying the passenger whilst in their wheelchair. The driver of those vehicles must provide mobility assistance to passengers as reasonably required and drivers/operators are also prohibited from making an additional charge for carrying a passenger in their wheelchair.
Read the GOV.UK statutory guidance on access for wheelchair users to taxis and private hire vehicles (opens new window) for more information.
These vehicles have been designated as wheelchair accessible. This list is subject to change at any time.
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