You must read the taxi and private hire driver licence requirements.
New legislation affecting your application
The government changed the law in respect of taxi driver, private hire driver and private hire operator licences from 1 December 2016. These changes affect you if:
- You apply for a taxi driver, private hire driver or private hire operator licence on or after 1 December 2016; or
- You already hold a taxi driver, private hire driver or private hire operator licence and you apply to renew that licence on or after 1 December 2016.
These changes do not affect applications for taxi or private hire vehicle licences.
It is important that you read the document “Right to work checks leaflet” (at the bottom of this page) before submitting your Grant or Renewal application.
Step 1 - Book a New Driver appointment
Before you submit an application to become a taxi driver you must book a New Driver appointment. A link to payment will be supplied in your confirmation email.
Your appointment will include a verbal test, right to work and DBS check. You will must bring all the required documentation to your appointment. Read the provided information leaflets below to to see the list of acceptable documents.
DBS check
At your appointment you will need to provide original documentation for your DBS check. Please refer to the 'DBS Required Documents' leaflet below for the list of acceptable documentation.
Right to Work check
At your appointment you will be required to prove your right to work in the UK. Please refer to the 'Right to work checks leaflet' for further information, including a list of acceptable documentation and how to conduct an online check with the Home Office (where applicable).
Verbal test
All drivers are required to pass a verbal test at the appointment. You will need to bring photographic identification with you. You can find information about the verbal test in the 'Verbal Test Information Sheet' leaflet below.
Once you have booked an appointment you will be sent an email containing a link to make payment. Payment must be made within 24 hours of booking or it will be cancelled, this is to ensure availability for other applicants to book and pay for appointments.
Rebooking
If you are required to resit a test or conduct a new DBS check you will need to book and pay for a single appointment for the required service.
Once you have successfully completed and passed the above, move on to step 2.
Step 2 - Application process
When you are ready to apply, you will need to complete and submit the following to us.
- Driver Application Form
- Medical Form
- Application fee - If you are unsure of the correct fee please email the licensing department for guidance
- 2x recent passport sized photographs (these must be posted, please see the address below)
- DBS code of conduct Declaration
- safeguarding awareness course
Send the photographs to:
The Licensing Team
North Hertfordshire District Council
PO Box 10613
Nottingham
NG6 6DW
Safeguarding awareness course
You will need to pay for and complete a safeguarding awareness course. Once payment has been made you will be sent a presentation and questionnaire. Complete the questionnaire and return it to Licensing@north-herts.gov.uk.
Step 3 - The Licence
If everything is satisfactory a Licence will be granted for a period of three years.
If you have any criminal convictions or driving endorsements your application may be referred to the Licensing Manager for his/her determination. This may involve attending an interview at the Council Offices. If your application is refused, you have a right of appeal to the local Magistrates Court; further details can be obtained from the Court Clerk’s Office.
Information about renewing your licence can be found on the renewing your licence web page.
If you require a replacement licence as your badge or plate has been damaged, information can be found on the replacing your licence web page.
Step 4 - Receiving your Taxi Driver Badge
Once you have completed these stages you will be issued with:
- a photographic ID badge, this must be worn at all times whilst driving a licensed vehicle.
- A paper licence which must be retained for its duration.
Please do not chase up your application, you will be contacted once your application has been granted and provided with collection details.
If you have any questions, please contact the Licensing team via e-mail at licensing@north-herts.gov.uk