Apply for a Driver's licence
You must get a Driver's licence from us if you want to drive either a Hackney carriage (taxi) or a Private hire vehicle in our district. You can apply for:
- a Hackney carriage Driver's licence, if you are only going to drive a taxi
- a Private hire Driver's licence, if you are only going to drive a minicab
- a Dual (Hackney carriage and Private hire) Driver's licence if you are going to drive both types of vehicle
Applying for a licence
You can only make your application for a Driver's licence in person with a member of our Licensing team. We carry out applications in person as we need to verify original documents.
You can contact our Licencing team by phone or email to make your appointment.
To apply for a Driver's licence you must:
- be 18 or over
- have a DVLA driving licence
- have taken and passed our Knowledge test
- have had a Group 2 medical with your doctor
Download a Driver's licence application
When you come for your appointment, you need to bring:
- your completed application form
- your completed Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service application. You can get the form from our Licensing team
- a digital photograph. Our Licensing officer will take this during your appointment
- your DVLA driver's Licence, either photo card or old-style paper licence
- proof of your Right to Work status
- at least one other form of photo ID
- the correct fee
Criminal convictions
Having criminal convictions does not automatically stop you from getting a Driver's licence.
Making an application
You should read our Criminal Convictions Policy before making an application.
The policy provides guidance on how we determine whether an applicant or an existing licence holder is a fit and proper person to hold a licence.
Depending on your convictions our Licensing Committee will need to approve your application.
You can contact our Licensing team who will be able to help you with your application.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check
You must obtain an enhanced DBS Check as part of the application process. The Council can process this check on your behalf, or you can obtain the check from a DBS Umbrella body. If you obtain a check from an Umbrella body you must ensure you state the position applied for as Taxi – Other Workforce.
DBS Registered Body
The Council is a Registered Body and complies with the DBS Code of Practice regarding the correct handling, use, storage, retention and disposal of certificates and certificate information. The Council’s Handling of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate information Policy 2020 – 2025 explains how your data will be managed.
Before you complete the application form, refer to the DBS privacy policies. You will be asked to sign a declaration to say that you have read them.
DBS update service
You will need to sign up to the DBS update service within 28 days of the enhanced DBS certificate being issued.
We will need to see the original copy of the enhanced DBS certificate before your licence can be issued with proof that you have joined the DBS update service. You must make sure to maintain your annual subscription to this service, including paying any ongoing subscription fees. If you don't, you will have to undertake a full enhanced DBS check every six months at an additional cost.
Renewing your licence
We issue Driver's licenses for three years.
If you are over 65, we will issue your Driver's licence for one year. You will have to have a Group 2 medical every year to renew your licence
We can issue Driver's licences for less than three years. You can discuss this with our Licensing team.
