Ride hailing apps have become increasingly popular in the UK. To apply for a licence, you will need to meet the following criteria: You must be at least 18 years old at the time of applying (although you cannot be licensed until you are 21 years old). Since 2016, applications for a private hire driver licence in London must meet an English language requirement. Local council authorities licence minicabs and taxis. The exact details and processes are determined by your local council outside of London, or by TfL if you intend to work in the capital. Funding is one of the biggest obstacles to new business. We licence hackney carriage vehicles, private hire vehicles, their drivers and operators. You must be at least 21 years of age and have a TfL driver's licence to become a taxi driver and operate in London. Suspends your licence, takes it away, or they refuse to renew it. You should apply to the local council to get a driver licence for driving a taxi or a private hire vehicle (PHV) outside of London. The local council will need to licence and inspect your taxi or private hire vehicle if you will be operating outside of London. There are also operating licences to take into consideration. The theory test involves answering multiple choice questions and passing a hazard perception exam, in which you watch video clips to measure how well you respond to road scene hazards. The correct method is to obtain multiple licences (i.e. This means that the costs and application process can vary between areas. If you have more than one vehicle you would need to get a licence for all of them. Anyone is eligible to apply for a hackney carriage or private hire licence, however, you need to obtain a dual driver badge if you wish to drive the vehicle yourself. The length of time it takes to become a licenced taxi driver varies depending on if you learn the All-London Knowledge or a Suburban sector. Startup loans can be a great option. Doing so gives them the power to apprehend taxis who 'trespass' outside of their licensed area. Important: Some of the processes for driving or operating taxis (e.g. Becoming a taxi driver offers you the freedom to work when and where you want to. . In fact, London taxis are purpose-built vehicles that: London minicabs must display special discs on the windscreen and on the rear window to show proof that they are licensed. For more information, visit the TfL pages on, – you’ll need to be able to talk with, and listen to, passengers in a personable way, – whether it’s dealing with challenging customers or navigating tricky traffic, a cool and collected demeanour is essential, – from knowing the quickest way to get somewhere to ensuring customers’ safety, you’ll need to be meticulous when running a taxi service, While you’ll have greater freedom running your own taxi firm, you should bear in mind that you’ll have to build a customer base and find a niche to help you beat the competition. The local council in your area will confirm what their specific requirements are, the fees, how to apply, and licence renewal procedures. The vehicle used for the test must: 1. be a four wheeled motor vehicle of no more than 3.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass (MAM) capable of at least 100km/h 2. have a minimum length of 3.96 metres (13 feet) and a maximum length of 6.0 metres (19`-8”) 3. provide a clear view of the road directly behind the vehicle from the front passenger seat It must be fitted with: 1. front and rear seats 2. fully functiona… The refusal of an application for a vehicle licence. Important: Failing to fix any problems within two (2) months of a test failure can result in the loss of a PHV licence. If you decide to become a taxi driver in London, you can drive the iconic black cabs that the capital is famous for. You must be at least 21 years of age and have a TfL driver's licence to become a taxi driver and operate in London. Note: The licence requirements vary in the different regions. There are several stages to completing The Knowledge. Outside of London, the costs can vary depending on the area in which you want to operate – contact your local council to find out more. the London-style 'black cab'). This page offers information and application forms on the various taxi / private hire licences that are available such as running an office which takes bookings for taxis / private hire cars, a driver licence for a taxi / private hire or if you want to use your own car as a taxi / private hire car. In most cases, you have to: Hold a full UK or EU driving licence, for a minimum of 12 months (or three years if you want to work in … The theory test involves answering multiple choice questions and passing a hazard perception exam, in which you watch video clips to measure how well you respond to road scene hazards. You can find your local council online to get further information and advice. Drivers need to be able to communicate with passengers to discuss a route or fare as well as read, understand and respond to important regulatory, safety and travel information sent by TfL. Taxi and Private Hire Covid-19 Updates Apply online for your taxi or private hire licence. Important: Operators who try to avoid limo licensing regulations by hiring out the vehicle and drivers (e.g. Note: There is a fee for each type of licence and it would last for up to five (5) years. There are different ways for you apply depending on whether you’ll operate: If you’re interested in joining the growing numbers of taxi drivers in the UK, you’re in the right place. Depending on your location, you can achieve this by passing practical and theory tests, as well as meeting an English language requirement. Better still, you won’t need any particular qualifications, besides the standard driving and licensing requirements. Book a vehicle inspection. Display valid licence discs (some exceptions may apply). Private hire vehicles (PHVs) must be pre-booked and it will be the private hire operator that sets the rates. Last time we checked: We use cookies. Essentially, you must apply to your local council for a licence to drive a taxi or a private hire vehicle (PHV) outside of London. one for each licence authority area). You can choose to operate as an All London taxi driver, with a green badge that allows you access across the Greater London Authority area. Read our how to become an Uber driver guide for more detailed information. Hire who you want, drive the routes you want to, and manage your own time: these are just some of the benefits of starting your own company. Alternatively, you could opt for a Suburban licence. With the number of taxi and private hire vehicles increasing in the UK, there’s clearly opportunity in this industry. Small limousines (seating up to 8 passengers): You will need to get a private hire vehicle (PHV) operator licence (differs inside and outside London). Apply for a taxi driver licence. You’ll need to complete a test which shows your understanding of the local area and geography. The eligibility criteria to apply for a driver's licence for taxi and PHV includes: The council can check the criminal record of someone applying for a taxi licence. Here are the options available to you: When you’re just beginning your taxi driving career, it can be wise to join an existing firm. Large limousines (seating 9 passengers or more): You will need the public sector vehicle (PSV) operator licence. Note: The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) have developed further guidance for operators of stretch limousines (e.g. For example, Thurrock Council in England requires both hackney carriage and private hire drivers to pass a multiple choice theory test, examining the highway code, road signs, routes, and more. But, taxis and private hire vehicles (PHV) can pick up anywhere in the United Kingdom, providing (both): That is one reason why your taxi could be from another city. Some of the neighbouring local authorities have set up agreements with each other. The applicant does not accept any conditions given to them. Apply for a driver's licence. Some basic requirements you might expect can include: Meeting the minimum age requirement. Apply for a taxi vehicle licence. For more detailed information, read our article on, for a licence to drive a taxi or a private hire vehicle (PHV). Certain other types of violations and offences can result in a prosecution and a fine. You can report an operator or a driver that is operating without a licence by contacting the council in the area where the offence took place. Hold a full UK or EU driving licence, for a minimum of 12 months (or three years if you want to work in London), Be aged 18 or above (or aged 21 and above in certain areas, including London), There are differences between getting a taxi driver licence in London and outside of the capital, as well as differences between taxi and private hire vehicles. Note: You would also need to hold a vehicle licence for private hire or for taxis and the correct driver's licence (details above). vehicle registration and standards). We’ll steer you through how to get started, and what the requirements and differences are when working for yourself or working for a taxi firm. The length of time it takes to become a licenced taxi driver varies depending on if you learn the All-London Knowledge or a Suburban sector. Different vocational licences have different requirements The application process will take about 30 working days, if all the documents are in order. You can apply directly to become a taxi driver if you've got a taxi driver's licence. An applicant must have held an appropriate DVLA driver's licence for a minimum of 12 months. You must apply for a private hire operator licence from TfL to run a business as a private hire operator inside London. Visit the TfL page on the English language requirement for private hire driver licences for more detailed guidance. A UKPollingReport election guide declared Luton as having the highest number of taxicabs in United Kingdom (per head of population). Note: The Department for Transport announced new licensing guidelines in February 2019 to increase the safety of passengers in taxis and minicabs. Note: A Certificate of Fitness (COIF) is usually accepted for limos built before the 29th of July 2011. The maximum length of time a private hire vehicle operator licence can last is five (5) years. Alternatively, you can provide documentary evidence of your English language ability, such as with a GCSE, NVQ, A Level, or degree certificate in any subject taught in English. For private hire vehicle licences in London, this is referred to as a topographic skills assessment, in which you could be asked how to plot a route, for example. © 2021 | The authority may also refuse to issue an operator licence if the applicant does not accept any attached conditions. Authorities can destroy or confiscate a limousine if it does not have the correct license or is not adequately insured. chauffeurs) separately are breaking the law. (EU driver's licence needs to be converted to UK driver's licence before onboarding) Be at least 21 years of age; Private Hire Insurance allowing you to transport passengers for hire and reward. This means that the costs and application process can vary between areas. In some cases, the council will attach certain conditions to private hire vehicle licences, such as: There are several reasons why a local council will refuse an application for a taxi and PHV vehicle licence, such as if: Having made a decision, the applicant would get an explanation from the council about the right to appeal, for situations that include: You can make an appeal to a crown court about a taxi licence decision. How much do taxi driver tests cost outside of London? The same rules apply for transport and driving businesses that involve minicabs or stretch limousines. Your local licensing authority will give you details of the exact requirements that apply in your area. Any such licence that is not then renewed is liable to be withdrawn from use until the current target of a maximum demand level of 220 hackney carriages has been reached unless good cause for the failure to renew is shown. Private Hire Car Driver’s Licences are issued by your local authority. To apply for a Taxi drivers licence, please complete the application form once you have read all the guidance Data Matching This authority is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and to this end may use the information you have provided on … Anyone who runs a private hire business would also need to have the correct driver's licence (either). Learn how to apply for a vocational licence While there are some general criteria to meet (such as the age and driving requirements), the amount you’ll pay and the length of time for obtaining it depend on where in the UK you’re based. A licence may also contain special conditions. In Northern Ireland, you must also complete the theory test before taking the practical test. The total number of licenced taxi and PHVs increased by 2.5% (7,200 vehicles) from 2018 to 2019 in England. None of the vehicles can have more than eight (8) passenger seats. Of course, there is a legal way for taxi drivers to operate their driving businesses outside of their particular area. You must be at least 21 years of age at the time of applying. Not be the same in appearance to a licensed taxi (e.g. In addition, she promotes the newest small businesses by managing the Just Started profiles, and has also contributed to. The local authority decides to control the number of taxis operating in the area. Each licence issued is subject to standard conditions. Some of the rules and regulations for taxi operator licensing differ in for Northern Ireland. For example, the taxi driver practical test in Northern Ireland examines your actual driving ability, as well as your understanding of road safety and transporting passengers, amongst other criteria. Here, we provide some examples of costs across the UK. So how do you become a taxi driver? Read the latest coronavirus advice on taxi and private hire vehicles for drivers passengers. First time applicants and those renewing their licence more than two years after expiry of last licence must have passed a taxi driver practical test. They also enforce the rules on taxi colouring (e.g. But, minicabs licensed outside of London cannot have the same design or appearance as the local taxis (see above). TfL manages licencing for taxis and PHVs in London. Also, you’ll need to ensure that the local council has granted Uber permission to operate in its district. Any driver who submits a renewal application after the expiry of their licence will no longer be licensed and cannot work until a new licence is issued. Whether you decide to work for a company or start your own business, now’s the time to accelerate your taxi driving ambitions! These are: For more detailed information, visit the TfL page on learning the Knowledge of London. Find out about eligibility requirements for a taxi (T) or charter (bus) (F) driver's licence extension in Western Australia and how to apply. To drive a taxi in London, you’ll need to pass The Knowledge. Contain no more than eight (8) passenger seats. But the capital isn’t the only place that you can cash in on the need for taxis: with services operating across the UK, there are a variety of places where you can base up. You will be able to pay for your licence fee during the online application process. Not only that, but you’ll have passed The Knowledge, in which you have to memorise all of the streets and landmarks within a six mile radius of Charing Cross – there are thousands of them, so it’s no mean feat! Theory testing varies depending on your location – your local council should be able to provide you with more information. You can now apply online for all driver/vehicle licences in the licensing portal. There are several licences required to run a business as a private hire vehicle (PHV) operator in the United Kingdom. One way to achieve this is by taking a test with a provider appointed by TfL. In addition, use our pages on card payment systems for taxi drivers and taxi insurance to help you with the practicalities of setting up your own business. CONTACT | The vehicle fails to meet the eligibility criteria. You’ll need to pass the necessary tests in order to receive your taxi driver licence. New taxi licensing processes due to coronavirus In line with guidance from the government and Public Health England we've taken the difficult decision to close our public reception facilities. As a self-employed taxi driver, you can set your own working hours. taxi theory test) differ in Northern Ireland. If you like being behind the wheel, enjoy talking with people, and want a living that offers variety and flexibility, then taxi driving could be the ideal job for you! A small operator's licence (for running up to 2 vehicles for private hire bookings). Anyone who works as a one-person operator would also need to get driver and vehicle licences as well. The local authority sets the meter charges (even though the driver might choose to negotiate a lower fare with the customer). But, a minicab (often called a 'private hire vehicle') must be pre-booked. Receiving payment for taking bookings or for supplying drivers for hire without holding a valid operator's licence can result in a prosecution. So, you can expect to pay in the region of £1,132.09 at a minimum to become a taxi driver in London. While you’ll have greater freedom running your own taxi firm, you should bear in mind that you’ll have to build a customer base and find a niche to help you beat the competition. You’ll need to give some personal information about yourself to create the account, and provide a photo for the licence. These include: Once you’ve got your licence, it’s time to start working. Once licensed, all drivers are required to complete an awareness course on child sexual exploitation within three months of their licence being granted. 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