If you want to drive a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle you must hold the appropriate driver licence.

All applicants must demonstrate that they are ‘fit and proper’ and meet the high standards required of someone who is responsible for transporting vulnerable members of the community.

Eligibility

To be able to apply for a licence you must meet the following criteria:

• be at least age of 21 years
• be able to speak English
• have proof of right to live and work in the UK
• hold Level 2 Certificate Introduction to the role of Taxi and Private Hire Driver
• have a valid UK driving licence (Group B entitlement for more than 12 months)
• have an Enhanced DBS certificate less than 3 months old

How to apply

Before you apply, you can read through our guidance document. This outlines exactly what you need to do and how.

Once you have read the guidance, and have gathered all the necessary supporting documents you can then complete our online form.

Once you have completed the online form you will be contacted by us to complete the stage two in the application process as detailed in the guidance.

You will then be required to sit a knowledge test. We have made a knowledge test guidance document to help drivers with the requirements of the test.

Cost

Visit our Taxi and private hire fees page for cost information.