Taxi and private hire licensing

To operate a taxi or private hire business or to drive a taxi you must have a licence from us. You cannot drive a taxi with a private hire car driver's licence.

Taxi and private hire car drivers

Licences are issued for 3 years and you must display an identification badge whilst driving. We need to check:

  • your driving licence
  • your criminal records check (PVG)
  • your medical assessments, if applicable

You'll need to provide:

  • your DVLA driving licence
  • three passport sized photographs

Wheelchair accessible taxi and private hire vehicles

On 28 June 2022, the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022 came into effect which introduced new (and amending existing) legislation for taxi and private hire car drivers and operators in respect of disabled passengers.

Taxi and private hire operators

You must apply for a private hire operator's licence if you wish to operate a taxi private hire service. Operator's licences are issued for a period of 3 years.

Taxi booking offices

As well as an operator's licence you need a licence from us if you open or run a taxi and private hire booking office. You're exempt from a licence if you have no more than three vehicles for hire.

Related pages
Page last updated: 01/09/2023
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