Licence - Hackney carriage driver's
How we provide this service
Hackney carriage driver's licence is supported by Community & Neighbourhood Services, Food Safety & Licensing.
A licence is required before any person can drive a hackney carriage (taxi).
Before a licence is granted the applicant must satisfy the council that:
- He/she is a fit and proper person to hold a licence;
- He/she is medically fit;
- He/she has held a full driver's licence (not a provisional licence) granted to the applicant under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1972 authorising him/her to drive a motor car for at least 12 months prior to the date of the application;
- He/she must pass a police criminality check carried out by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) to ensure safety to the public.
The Council also has a policy which states that the applicant should have at least 2 years experience. If you have held a full licence for more than 12 months but less than 24 months you will need to submit additional evidence of driving experience.
A copy of standard conditions attached to licences is available here to download.
What to do to get this service
You can download an application form here to complete.
The following documents can be brought into the Council Offices, Customer Services will check off the documents, seal them into a secure bag and give you a receipt.
- The completed application form and correct fee
- Your DVLA Driving Licence (original - not a photocopy) showing your current address. For new style licences you will need to bring in both parts.
- 2 colour passport type photographs taken within the last month.
- Medical examination certificate (see below)
- Completed Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure form (do not complete sections X, Y or Z.) You will also need to bring some form of identification for this form such as a passport, birth certificate or utility bill.
Applications will not be accepted without production of the above.
Further Information on this service
If you are concerned that you may have any 'unspent' criminal convictions, you may wish to have your Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure application form completed and processed first, however this application must be submitted with an application for a hackney carriage/private hire driver's licence and a full fee.
You may submit the Medical Examination Certificate at any stage of the application process particularly if you find that you may have to wait for a doctors appointment, but a completed Certificate must be submitted indicating that your doctor has declared you 'medically fit' before a licence will be issued.
It is worth noting that the fee paid to your GP is non-refundable.
How much will it cost?
- Hackney Carriage Vehicles Licence (New) - £156.00 (plus plate deposit)
- Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence (Renewal) - £145.00
- Private Hire Vehicle Licence (New) - £138.00 (plus plate deposit)
- Private Hire Vehicle Licence (Renewal) - £128.00
- Private Hire Operators Licence - £58.00
- Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Drivers Licence:
1st year of application for licence - £58.00
2nd and 3rd year of licence - £58.00
- Criminal Records Bureau Fee where applicable - £36.00 (This fee is set by the CRB)
- Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Plate Deposit - £50.00
- Replacement Badges and change of name/address - £12.00
- Hackney Carriage Vehicle Transfer - £60.00
- Private Hire Vehicle Transfer - £53.00
How long will the whole process take?
We usually allow up to 4 weeks for a reply from the CRB. On receipt of all documentation and a satisfactory reply from the CRB, we aim to process your licence within 3 working days.
We look forward to receiving your application and if you have any difficulty with any of the forms or have any questions, please contact us.
Common Questions
Q. When should I get a Medical Check done?
A. You may submit the Medical Examination Certificate at any stage of the application process. You may wish to have your CRB Disclosure application form completed and processed first, in case you may have any 'unspent' convictions, as these will need to be taken into account, before issuing a licence.
It is worth noting that the fee paid to your GP is non-refundable. It is however entirely up to you to decide at which stage of the application you wish to complete a medical.
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Contact Details
If you have any queries about the information provided above, or require further information, please contact Customer Services on 01775 761161 or email info@sholland.gov.uk.
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