Private Hire Operator Licence

Anyone who accepts or invites bookings for Private Hire Vehicles must obtain a Private Hire Operators licence from the Council and only vehicles and drivers that are licensed by that same Council can be used.

The Council will not grant a Private Hire operator’s licence unless it is satisfied that the applicant is a “fit and proper” person, that the licence conditions will be adhered to and that the address where the operation is based is suitable for such an activity.

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

We will firstly require any of the above who intend to actively participate in the operational side of the business to take a specific Competency Test designed for Operators. The cost of the test will need to be paid for by the applicant(s).

If you wish to withdraw from the process and cancel your test booking, the fee paid will be non-refundable.

Book your competency test

Any applicant, joint applicant, business partner, associate, or director (if the applicant is a company) who is not also a licensed driver will be required to apply for a DBS check through TaxiPlus.

The applicant must complete the application form supplied by the Council. Any person who is not also a driver currently licensed by the Council is required to complete a DBS application via TaxiPlus.

Applications should be made at least six weeks before the licence is required (including renewals) otherwise it may not be granted by any preferred date of issue or renewal date. It is the responsibility of the applicant or the existing licence holder to ensure that applications are made in good time.

If a renewal application is not made six weeks in advance a renewed licence may not be granted by the time the old licence expires. If this happens the operator will not legally be able to operate in the interim period.

Private Hire Operator Licence Application Form (Word Document, 207.5 Kb)

Please note: where an application is withdrawn or refused the Council reserves the right to levy a reasonable and proportionate administration fee to cover the costs of processing up to the point of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.

The Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Act 2022 is now in force. You can learn more about the act here.