Apply to drive a Private Hire or Hackney Carriage vehicle.

To apply for a licence to drive either a private hire or hackney carriage vehicle you should read our guidance document to understand the relevant process and the stages.

Application documents - new driver licence

guidance and application for those wishing to apply to drive, operate or licence private hire vehicles and hackney carriages

Pre-requisites

You must have:

  • The right to work in the UK.
  • A UK driving licence.
  • Been licensed to drive a car for at least 3 years;

There are some limited exemptions for an applicant who has not held a UK DVLA licence for 3 years. Please consult the Council's Policy or contact the Licensing team.

Application process

  • The application form

You must download, complete and submit the application form above with the relevant fee and provide the following:

  • Right to Work Code
  • Enhanced DBS (criminal record check) certificate registered on the DBS update service.
  • DVLA Shared Driving Licence Code
  • Identity documentation
  • 2 Passport photographs
  • Advanced Taxi Driving assessment
  • Safeguarding Course (online)
  • Medical Certificate (from your GP)
  • Certificate of conduct (if applicable).

We will only process complete and valid applications. Incomplete applications will be rejected. Completing the form correctly , failing to disclose relevant matters or having a record of driving endorsements or criminal offences will delay this.

We will arrange a face to face interview with an applicant during the application process.

WARNING - BEFORE YOU APPLY

1) We will not accept applications that are incomplete or do not contain all the required documentation. We will return incomplete applications.

2) We cannot control how long your DBS takes or the waiting times to obtain any of the required certificates.

3) If you have any previous convictions or driving endorsements you may not be granted a licence. You should consult our policy to ascertain if a licence will be granted. If you wish for Officer guidance you may email licensing.taxis@hertsmere.gov.uk with a full explanation of your convictions or endorsements. A fee of £30 will be payable.

4) If you intend to work as a private hire driver you should ensure that there is an operator licensed by Hertsmere Borough Council who is willing to provide you with work.

5) You should not take steps to licence your vehicle until your driver licence (badge) is granted. Licensing your vehicle too early may mean that you are unable to drive it, you lose time on your licence or you have to pay for additional MOT.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Policy is currently under consultation. You are advised to complete our survey.

Take our survey