New private hire driver's licence
Before we can grant a private hire driver's licence we must be satisfied that the applicant is a 'fit and proper' person, is medically fit and has held a UK driving licence for at least 12 months.
The initial stage of the application requires an enhanced DBS application form to be completed. Applicants can apply for an enhanced DBS check through Personnel Checks at the following website https://www.personnelchecks.co.uk/taxis/taxiprivate-hire-driver-dbs-checks/
If you have any questions about obtaining a DBS check then please click here to view the most frequently asked questions.
To book a knowledge test, please use the Knowledge Test Booking Form. Appointments are offered on a first come first served basis and the form will show you the available dates.
During your knowledge test, your level of spoken English will be assessed. This will take the form of an informal discussion with the Officer. If there are any concerns then you will be advised to take steps to improve your level of spoken English.
To assist us in determining the application, the following documents as well as a private hire driver’s application form (pdf, 293kb)and the appropriate fee, need to be submitted:
|
Current full UK driving licence (held for at least 12 months) |
|
Proof of right to work in the UK |
|
An enhanced DBS disclosure certificate registered online with the DBS Online Checking Service |
|
One piece of identification in addition to the right to work identification and driving licence |
|
Certificate of good conduct (if lived outside of the UK for more than 6 continuous months since the age of 18 years) |
|
A medical certificate (no older than 3 months) |
|
An eye examination certificate (no older than 3 months) |
|
A passport style colour photo which must reflect current image |
|
A driving assessment certificate |
|
A local knowledge test pass, arranged through the Council |
|
Disability awareness training certificate |
|
A Blue Lamp Trust safeguarding certificate - virtual classroom course |
| Tax Check Code (if currently hold or have held in the last 12 months the same type of licence with this or another Licensing Authority) |
Further details of how to apply can be found in the Guidance Notes for the Grant of a Private Hire Driver's Licence (pdf, 225kb)
Once the DBS certificate has been returned to the applicant and the knowledge test has been passed, the application form with all the remaining documentation and fee can be submitted to the Licensing Department. The Licensing Department will not accept part applications therefore please ensure you are submitting all required documentation with the application form.
The application form, supporting documents and fee can be submitted via post, by emailing the above address or by posting at the Council Offices.
As we will not receive a copy of your DBS certificate, you must provide the original certificate with your application along with the supporting documentation.
Any applicant who has lived overseas for more than a period of six continuous months since the age of 18 will be required to submit a certificate of good conduct or similar document from the relevant embassy before an application will be considered valid. This certificate must be in English and the applicant will be responsible for any fees incurred in obtaining the certificate.
Online criminal record check
We carry out a 6 monthly criminal record check and require that all licensed drivers are signed up to the DBS online checking service. You must sign up within 19 days of the date of your DBS certificate.
You must retain your DBS certificate as this will be required to carry out the annual online check of your criminal record.
You must ensure that you are signed up for the DBS online checking service at all times whilst licensed. Please note that the annual fee for the DBS online checking service is taken via a continuous payment authority from your debit card rather than a direct debit so you must inform the DBS direct if your card details change. Failure to be signed up to the online checking service will result in the suspension of the private hire driver’s licence.
Right to work
Your right to work in the UK will be checked as part of your licence application. This could include us checking your immigration status with the Home Office and we may otherwise share information with them. You must therefore provide a document or document combination that is suitable for this check.
You must provide the original document(s) indicated in the published guidance such as your passport or biometric residence permit so that the check can take place. The document(s) will be copied with the original returned to you and the copy retained by us. Your application will not be considered valid until all the necessary information and original document(s) have been produced and the relevant fee has been paid.
If there are any restrictions on the length of time you may work in the UK your licence will not be issued for longer than this period. In such circumstances the check will be repeated each time you apply to renew or extend your licence. If during this period you are disqualified from holding a licence because you have not complied with the UK’s immigration laws your licence will lapse and you must return it to us. Failure to do so is a criminal offence.
Practical Driving Test
All new drivers are required to undertake a practical driving test as part of the application process to ensure that you are aware of the hazards of driving.
This assessment is provided on behalf of the Council by any of the following providers (listed in alphabetical order):
|
Practical Driving Test Provider |
Contact Details |
Fee |
How to Book |
|
Blue Lamp Trust |
0300 777 0157 |
£87 inclusive of VAT |
By clicking the link below:
TaxiAssesments | THE BLUE LAMP TRUST
|
|
Diamond Advanced Motorists |
|
£87 inclusive of VAT |
By clicking the link below:
Taxi Tests and Assessments - Diamond Advanced Motorists (advancedmotoring.co.uk)
|
|
Drivetech |
Taxi Test: Private Hire Driver’s Licence - Book Taxi Test (drivetech.co.uk)
|
£75 exclusive of VAT |
By calling 01256 495731 and selecting option 1 |
|
Green Penny |
0330 111 7230 |
£90 inclusive of VAT |
By clicking the link below:
Taxi Driver Assessments - Green Penny
|
The vehicle used for the test can be any vehicle, it doesn’t have to be the vehicle you would licence if your application is successful. The vehicle must be taxed, insured and suitable for assessment. It should have a current MOT and a mirror for the assessor to use.
You can make sure you are prepared for the assessment by reading the latest edition of the Highway Code and Know Your Traffic Signs. There are also sections on private hire driving in The Official DVSA Guide to Driving and The Official DVSA Guide to Learning to Drive.
If you pass the assessment you will be issued with a certificate which must be provided to the Licensing Department as part of your application.
Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Training
The Council requires all drivers to undertake child sexual exploitation awareness training before a private hire driver’s licence is granted. In addition, refresher training will be required every 3 years.
The training is provided via an online learning course offered by the Blue Lamp Trust. The fee is £25 payable direct. Training can be booked at safeguarding-classroom | THE BLUE LAMP TRUST The certificate must be submitted with the complete application.
Disability Awareness Training
The Council requires all private hire drivers to complete disability awareness training.
The training is provided via an online learning package by Equo. The course must be completed direct with Equo via their website www.equo.co.uk. The fee is payable by the applicant.
If a driver has undertaken an equivalent training course, they will not need to complete the training as long as a certificate has been provided to the Council.
The training must be completed before a private hire driver’s licence is granted.