Are you thinking of becoming a taxi driver but don’t know where to start? Look no further, here’s an easy-to-read post about getting your taxi or private hire driving licence.
Who should read this blog post?
This post is aimed at taxi drivers OUTSIDE of the London area, if you live in London this advice may not apply to you. Please note this is a generic post, please consult your local council for specific advice to drive around your area.
Eligibility for a license
So the first thing to ask yourself is are you eligible for the correct licence? To be eligible you must satisfy the following criteria:
Be able to work legally in the UK
Have held a full GB, Northern Ireland, or EU driving licence for at least 12 months.
Fulfil the background and character check, which may involve your local council carrying out an enhanced criminal record in the form of a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
You should then contact your local council for their application form.
Requirements
On this form there will be a section to undergo a medical examination with a Doctor. This is where Green Light Medics come in, offering the cheapest medicals in the country for only £40, and guaranteeing an appointment within 24 hours. Our booking process is straightforward - call us on 07902 435 043 and speak to one of our team. We aim to answer all calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Some councils require new applicants to undertake a mandatory road knowledge test, English and Numeracy tests as well as a Safeguarding course.
Costs
The costs for a new application on average are £360 (but again specific prices can be obtained from your local council). The knowledge test is ~£65, and the DBS can cost around £55 including processing. Safeguarding training costs around £30 and the English and Numeracy tests around £15. So as you can see it amounts to about £530 for a new application, so please ensure you have the funds before starting and consider if this is definitely the right job for you.
Necessary documents
Once the application form is completed, the fee is paid and original documents to confirm identity etc have been submitted, there are certain documents that are needed in order for the council to process your application. These are:
Completed application form, including the medical part
Current diving licence
1 passport sized photograph
Passport or birth certificate, or proof of residency/ entitlement to work in the UK
One additional of ID to include residential address
Completed DBS form, DBS Update ID form and DBS policy form.
DVLA share code so the authority can check your DVLA licence
HMRC share code to check Tax
Some councils also require an MOT pass sheet to ensure your vehicle is in satisfactory condition, vehicle insurance evidence, log book and compliance sheet.
Can I Drive Any Vehicle as a Private Hire Vehicle?
No! Please be mindful if you are applying for your taxi licence, there are certain criteria for certain councils on what vehicles can be a private hire/ taxi. Some restrictions include:
Vehicle must be less than 5 years old, and cannot be licensed past 15 years from this date
Mini buses can be up to 6 years old
Hackney carriage vehicles must be brand new with delivery mileage only when first licensed
How long is my Licence valid for?
Unfortunately not. Once granted, the licence will last usually 3- 5 years, and on renewal a lot of steps are usually repeated. The medical assessment is repeated every 3 years from ages 45-65 but if you are over 65 years old you need a medical assessment every year.
So overall, although it may seem daunting, it is quite straightforward to get your taxi licence as long as you are reasonably fit and well. Please check your local council website to ensure you are following the create procedure for your local area. We hope this helped!
Thanks,
Green Light Medics
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