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 ply for hire, i.e. be flagged down in the street by the public.  They are permitted to stand 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 or stand at taxi ranks.

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.

Licences can be issued for either one or three years providing the medical and CRB are valid for 36 months.  There is a reduction in the fee for the three year licence.


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

Driving Standards Agency Driving Test

All applicants must pass this 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 must produce a pass certificate before you can be licensed The link below will take you the DSA pages on Business Link where you can download a printable version of their guide. This now replaces the old taxi assessment booklets. To access the guide follow this link and select "Driving assessment for taxi and PHV and select the print options at the bottom of the page. www.businesslink.gov.uk/taxi

An application to the Criminal Records Bureau

We require an enhanced disclosure, which involves the Police and several other agencies.  A licence cannot be granted until the disclosure document is received. The fee is £44, please read the guidance leaflet before completing the application form.

A medical

Applicants are required to be medically examined, either by their own GP, or at Fleet Medical Centre, Church Road, Fleet (Tel: 01252 619000) or Park Road Surgery, 143 Park Road, Camberley, GU15 2NN (Tel: 0844 477 3353). The Doctor's report must be completed on the Hart District Council Medical Form. Fees are paybale directly to the Surgery.

The Taxi knowledge test

Private Hire applicants are required to sit a verbal test on the "Golden Rules"; an examination on taxi law and Council Policy.

Applicants for Hackney Carriage and Combined Licences also sit the "Golden Rules" legal examination together with a verbal examination on the local geography of the district. Study guides are enclosed in the driver application packs.

A fee is charged in the event that the exam has to be retaken.

Your DVLA driving licence

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

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

DVLA Licence Checks

You are also required to sign a mandate for the release of your driving licence history from the DVLA. This is to verify the information shown on your current licence and to provide details of all previous convictions; you are responsible for the fee incurred. This request complies with the provisions of the Data Proctection Act 1998.

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