Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Licence

If you are unable to reach a member of the Licensing Team, please contact our Customer Services team on 0116 288 8961

Policy

Oadby & Wigston Borough Council is the statutory Licensing Authority for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles, drivers and operators within its Borough

The legislation creates three types of licence:

1. Vehicles (Hackney Carriage and Private Hire).

2. Drivers (Hackney Carriage and Private Hire).

3. Operators (Private Hire only).

It is a criminal offence for anyone to act as the driver or proprietor of a vehicle used as Hackney Carriage or Private Hire vehicle or to operate a private hire vehicle within the Borough of Oadby and Wigston without first obtaining a licence from the Council.

Further information on how to apply for the respective licences can be found by clicking the links on the right-hand side.

The Council has adopted a policy which can be read here:

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2023 (PDF Document, 543.52 Kb)

This policy outlines how the Council will licence drivers, vehicles and operators.

Anyone wishing to enter the trade as a driver, owner of a vehicle or operator is advised to read the Council's Policy in the first instance as the Council is unable to give applicants bespoke legal advice on how to make their applications.

Please also read: Statutory Guidance - Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards (PDF Document, 277.37 Kb)

Renewal of combined drivers badge

If you currently have a valid DBS update service subscription, you will need to provide a screen shot of your DBS account clearly showing your subscription and provide a copy of the DBS certificate to which the subscription relates to. You will need to provide your ‘E’ reference number on the renewal driver application.

If you do not currently have a valid DBS update service subscription, prior to completing a renewal drivers application form you will need to have submitted an enhanced DBS application through TaxiPlus via the link: https://www.taxiplus.co.uk/councils/oadby-and-wigston

If you have any questions about obtaining a DBS check then please click here to view the most frequently asked questions.

Once your online DBS application has been submitted via TaxiPlus, you will receive a unique form reference number which you will need to enable you to complete the driver’s application form. You should receive the ‘E’ reference number from TaxiPlus within 2 working days after submission of you DBS application. If you do not receive your ‘E’ reference number within this time period, please contact TaxiPlus directly.

As part of the process of renewing your combined driver’s licence there is a requirement for you to attend the following virtual classroom training:

• Blue Lamp Trust - Safeguarding (refresher) training
• Blue Lamp Trust - Disability awareness training

A renewed licence will not be issued until this training has been completed and the relevant proof of attendance as been submitted to the licensing team.

APPLY FOR A RENEWAL DRIVER’S BADGE LICENCE HERE

Applications are to be submitted at least six weeks prior to the licence expiry date and will be processed within 10 working days of all aspects of the application being complete

Oadby and Wigston Borough Council issue combined Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver Licences allowing licensed drivers to drive either a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Vehicle. Licences last for three years after which time the licence holder must renew or cease to act as a licensed driver.

The Council will not grant a licence unless they are satisfied that an applicant is a fit and proper person. The application process is designed to enable the Council to make that decision and these procedures are explained in the Council’s Policy.

We are now accepting new applications for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver licences.

The Process

Stage 1: Competency Test

All new applicants will need to undertake the competency test before submitting a full application.

The test carries a fee of £55.00.

If you wish to withdraw from the process and cancel your test booking, please note that the fee paid is non-refundable.

Requests to change your test date will only be accepted if received at least 72 hours before the scheduled date – for example, by the Saturday prior to a midweek test. Any requests made after this time will result in the loss of your booking fee. This will allow other candidates the opportunity to attend an earlier date.

Once you become a licensed driver with Oadby & Wigston Borough Council, you will not need to take the test again.

To take the test, you must bring a mobile phone or other device with data access and have a valid email address for registration.

It is advisable to read the council's Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy 2023.

The test may include questions on the following subjects:

• Legislation
• Conditions
• Locations
• Highway Code
• Numeracy
• Road Signage

Failure to attend the test without cancellation, and late arrivals, will result in a failure. You will forfeit the fee paid and will have to pay again if you wish to rebook.

Requests for a different date must be made by email to our Licensing Team via licensing@oadby-wigston.gov.uk who will confirm the next available date.

You must bring a photocard driving licence for ID. Do not forget to bring a mobile phone or other device with you, and you must have a valid email address.

Book your competency test

Tests can take up to one hour, and applicants must arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the test. Late arrivals will not be admitted and will count as a test failure.

When going through the competency test booking form, we will confirm further details of the test.

Results of the test can take up to two weeks.

By carrying out the test first, this will prevent an applicant from submitting documents or making additional payments that are not required if the competency test was to be failed.

Stage 2: Full Application

On successfully passing your competency test, you will then be able to complete a full application. The documentation you will need to provide and criteria are:

• Driving Licence
• DVLA Driving Licence Check
• Proof of ID
• Proof of Address
• Proof of English proficiency, if English is not first language
• Medical Practitioner signed Group 2 Medical Certificate
• Online Safeguarding and Disability Awareness classroom courses
• Application fee

Please note that the Home Office has updated its immigration status checking guidance.

Applicants will have to provide evidence of their competency of verbal and written English, where English is not their first language.

A Functioning Level 2 English test is designed to demonstrate your ability to read, write, speak, listen and communicate in English and is the equivalent of a GCSE English Level 4 or 5 (Grade C).

There are a number of providers that provide this training (including but not limited to):

• Leicester College (Various sites)
• North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College (South Wigston Campus)
• Think Online Training
• Learn Direct
• AQA
• QualHub

Applicants are required to pass a driving assessment conducted by The Blue Lamp Trust and provide a Group 2 medical certificate signed by a Medical Practitioner who has access to their medical records stating that they are physically and mentally fit to drive.

Your medical can be undertaken by your own GP, or an outside company such as D4Drivers or Motor-Medicals. If your medical appointment is not with your own GP, you will need to take a ‘summary of your medical records’ with you to your appointment. This can be obtained from your GP Surgery.

Additionally, new and renewal applicants will be required to undergo a DVLA driving licence check and will need to complete a Safeguarding and a Disability Awareness classroom course. Both are online classroom courses and run by the Blue Lamp Trust

Prior to completing a drivers application form you will need to have passed a taxi competency test (for new applicants only) and submitted an enhanced DBS application through TaxiPlus via the below link:

https://www.taxiplus.co.uk/councils/oadby-and-wigston

If you have any questions about obtaining a DBS check then please click here to view the most frequently asked questions.

Once your online DBS application has been submitted via TaxiPlus, you will receive a unique form reference number which you will need to enable you to complete the driver’s application form.

APPLY FOR A NEW DRIVER’S BADGE LICENCE HERE

Please note: where an application is withdrawn or refused the Council reserves the right to levy a reasonable and proportionate administration fee to cover the costs of processing up to the point of withdrawal or refusal. Where a licence is suspended or revoked, there will be no reimbursement of the application fee.