How to become a Private Hire / Hackney Carriage Driver/Combined Driver

To become a licensed driver you must complete an application form (available from the licensing office) and produce:

• a medical form completed by your GP,
• your driving licence (both paper and card parts)
• your passport
• 3 documents to enable us to complete the Criminal Records Disclosure Form
• the fee (cheque of credit/debit card)

You must contact the licensing team to arrange an appointment to submit your application.

The Licensing officer will apply for a Criminal Record Disclosure on your behalf and you must also undertake and pass a driving and knowledge test.

The knowledge test consists of four parts; Part One - 10 questions on Conditions of Licence, Part Two - Receipt Exercise, Part Three - a route test to indentify landmark/premises locations and Part Four - a further route test to identify routes to and from a location, this is carried out by a Licensing Officer.

Your driving test will be carried out by a representative from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). It is to test your driving ability and Highway Code knowledge and if your application is for Hackney Carriage or Combined PH/ HC Licence you will also be required to undertake a wheelchair loading assessment.

A DSA pack will be given to you when you submit your application or alternatively you can arrange your test before submitting your application by contacting the Driving Standards Agency on 0300 200 1122.

Private Hire, Hackney Carriage and Combined Drivers Licences are issued subject to Conditions, Byelaws and the Licensing and Enforcement Internal Warning system.

How much does it cost?

Please see our licensing fees page.