How to become a Taxi Driver

This is a quick guide to explain the different types of licences available and the application process.

Hackney Carriage or private Hire?

Hackney Carriage vehicles, referred to as taxis, are fitted with a taxi top light and a fare meter and may be flagged down in the street by the public.  They are permitted to ply for hire at taxi ranks.

Private Hire vehicles operate differently, they are only permitted to take pre-booked passengers.  They may have a fare meter fitted.  Private hire vehicles cannot ply for hire.

There are three types of Driver's Licenses:

1.    Hackney Carriage
2.    Private Hire
3.    Combined Licence, which allows you to drive both classes of vehicles.

The licences can be issued yearly or three yearly.  There is a reduction in the fee for the three yearly licences.


All drivers must be aged twenty-one years and must complete the following:

Driving Standards Agency Driving Test

You will be provided with an application pack for this driving examination when you have submitted your application forms.  Briefly, all applicants must pass this diving test which is set at a level suitable for an experienced driver.  The standard is higher than the learner driver test, and it is important that you are prepared to answer questions on the Highway Code and traffic signs.  You are asked to visit the Driver Standards Agency website www.dsa.gov.uk for additional information.

You must produce a pass certificate before you can be licensed.

An application to the Criminal Records Bureau

We require an enhanced disclosure, which involves the Police and several other agencies.  A licence cannot be issued until the disclosure document has been returned.  Please read the guidance leaflet before completing the application form.

A medical

Applicants are required to complete the Hart District Council's medical report under the Local Government (Miscellaneous provisions) Act 1976.

The medical report can be conducted through the applicants own Doctor or through the council approved medical advisors at Fleet Medical Centre, Church Road, Fleet (Tel. 01252 619000).

The Taxi knowledge test

Applicants are required to pass a knowledge test.  The examination concerns the local geography of the district.  Applicants will be required to have a good knowledge of the area including the main through routes and public buildings etc.  The test conducted will be a verbal one.

The knowledge test will take place at the first interview stage of the applicants application.

A fee is charged in the event that an exam has to be re-taken.

Your DVLA driving licence

You need to produce both parts of your DVLA driving licence, which you must have held for more than three years.

Previous convictions for certain offences or more than eight current penalty points on your licence may result in your application being rejected.

Please contact Keith Burbidge, Taxi Licensing Officer, on 01252 774291 for an appointment when you have completed the application forms.