A standard operator's licence (no limit on the number of vehicles you run). © 2021 | Only display advertising that complies with TfL guidelines. The applicant does not accept any conditions given to them. Important: Taxis are licenced to be at a rank or to be hailed in the street. blue hackney carriages in Bristol, and white with aquamarine in Bristol). Transport for London (TfL) licenses taxis and minicab firms that operate inside London. Get the latest Startup news and information, Want to drive a cab for a living, but not sure how to navigate the process? By browsing our site you agree to our use of cookies. 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. The type of driver licence you need will depend on whether you will be operating inside or outside London. Certain other types of violations and offences can result in a prosecution and a fine. Of course, there is a legal way for taxi drivers to operate their driving businesses outside of their particular area. Apply or renew a vehicle licence. The local council in your area will confirm what their specific requirements are, the fees, how to apply, and licence renewal procedures. Not be the same in appearance to a licensed taxi (e.g. Each licence issued is subject to standard conditions. There are several stages to completing The Knowledge. You can register online for either type of licence. Your local licensing authority will give you details of the exact requirements that apply in your area. Note: The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) have developed further guidance for operators of stretch limousines (e.g. Information for fleet owners. Be considered as a 'fit and proper person' (you may have your background and character checked). These are: For more detailed information, visit the TfL page on learning the Knowledge of London. This includes all taxi licensing surgery appointments, drop-in sessions, … Book a vehicle inspection. The method you use to apply for a taxi vehicle licence will depend on whether you will be operating in London or outside. So whether you see yourself in one of London’s famous black cabs or working for a ride-sharing app like Uber, read on for all the information you need! So, you can expect to pay in the region of £1,132.09 at a minimum to become a taxi driver in London. TfL provide a special form to report touting and illegal cabs inside the capital city. You’ll need to complete a test which shows your understanding of the local area and geography. The refusal of an application for a vehicle licence. 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 … Updated: Mar 20, 2020 Published: Mar 20, 2020, How to start a takeaway business from home, Scarlett writes for the automotive, energy, hosting and website sections of the site. Apply for a taxi driver licence. failing to meet the criteria of a 'fit and proper person'). You cannot operate your vehicle as a taxi or as a private hire vehicle (PHV) until you get it licensed. Alternatively, if you’re a licenced taxi driver, Gett may be the organisation for you. 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. 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. Please note that PHVs which are fully electric or have a hydrogen fuel cell will meet the new licensing requirements. 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. So how do you become a taxi driver? For more detailed information, read our article on, for a licence to drive a taxi or a private hire vehicle (PHV). If a Hackney Vehicle (Taxi) licence is not renewed before expiry then the licence cannot usually be renewed without the express permission of a Chairperson’s Hearing process. The total number of licenced taxi and PHVs increased by 2.5% (7,200 vehicles) from 2018 to 2019 in England. Apply or renew a drivers licence. Before you apply for a taxi driver’s licence you must have held a full Category B (car) driving licence continuously for at least three years. But, a minicab (often called a 'private hire vehicle') must be pre-booked. You would need to apply for a private hire vehicle licence with Transport for London to use it for private hire work. Here, we highlight the key tests you need to pass. Visit our Complaints Policy page if you experience issues. Information in this section explains the driver and vehicle licence rules and regulations for taxis and PHVs (also called hackney carriages, black cabs, or London taxis). To drive a taxi, private hire car or bus, or to work as a school bus attendant, you must have a vocational licence. 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: A Certificate of Fitness (COIF) is usually accepted for limos built before the 29th of July 2011. 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. The local authority decides to control the number of taxis operating in the area. With the number of taxi and private hire vehicles increasing in the UK, there’s clearly opportunity in this industry. Application documents/requirements; Book and attend Knowledge and Competency test - bring current valid driving licence: A completed HDC application form [PDF, 0.8MB] signed and dated by the applicant: A completed HDC medical form [PDF, 0.3MB] signed and dated by the examining doctor, that is less than six months old: Your Blue Lamp Trust certificate Sign up for a. 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. 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. Taxi and Private Hire Covid-19 Updates Apply online for your taxi or private hire licence. Taxi or Taxi Driver Licences container Taxi or Taxi Driver Licences content You can now book your vehicle inspection online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These include: Once you’ve got your licence, it’s time to start working. Note: You would also need to hold a vehicle licence for private hire or for taxis and the correct driver's licence (details above). Licensing: Taxi driver licence application form (PDF 0.21MB) Licensing: D796 Driver 3 year mandate consent form (PDF 0.19MB) Licensing: Hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy (PDF 0.97MB) Other benefits include receiving tips in addition to fares, potentially building rapport with regular customers, and the camaraderie from meeting other taxi drivers. Important: Operators who try to avoid limo licensing regulations by hiring out the vehicle and drivers (e.g. Ride hailing apps have become increasingly popular in the UK. You can find your local council online to get further information and advice. You can apply directly to become a taxi driver if you've got a taxi driver's licence. You’ll need to pass the necessary tests in order to receive your taxi driver licence. Private Hire Car Driver’s Licences are issued by your local authority. Important: Failing to renew your licence before it expires means you will be unable to work as a taxi or a PHV driver. Since 2016, applications for a private hire driver licence in London must meet an English language requirement. Limousines do not require a licence when used for weddings and funerals providing they have no more than eight (8) passenger seats. Last time we checked: But, minicabs licensed outside of London cannot have the same design or appearance as the local taxis (see above). Previously, The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) used to provide tests for taxi driving for local councils: however, this stopped on 1 January 2017. In order to operate an Uber service, you need to get a PHV licence. Local council authorities licence minicabs and taxis. Read our how to become an Uber driver guide for more detailed information. It must meet the eligibility criteria set out by TfL for your particular type of vehicle. Submitting a driver's history report. Large limousines (seating 9 passengers or more): You will need the public sector vehicle (PSV) operator licence. taking the practical test. A licence may also contain special conditions. . Here is a rough guide to costs for getting a taxi driver and private hire licence in London. Alternatively, you could opt for a Suburban licence. The driver, the vehicle, and the operator are all licensed within the same borough. 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. Startups.co.uk are trading styles of Marketing VF Ltd, an Appointed Representative of Resolution Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 574048). Your local council will confirm how often they test PHVs. 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. 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 … 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. Authorities can destroy or confiscate a limousine if it does not have the correct license or is not adequately insured. The maximum length of time a private hire vehicle operator licence can last is five (5) years. So, they may carry out an enhanced criminal records check as part of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). In fact, the regulation of taxicabs and private hire vehicles is especially meticulous in London. Before applying you should read the licensing guidance notes which set out the requirements of applicants. For more in-depth insight, check out our guide on how to start a taxi or private hire firm. Being allowed to work 'legally' in the United Kingdom. You must be at least 21 years of age at the time of applying. 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. Contrast this with a private hire vehicle (PHV), which can only take passengers who have pre-booked. 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. Theory testing varies depending on your location – your local council should be able to provide you with more information. You’ll also need to meet certain other requirements, such as driving ability and background checks. Technicalities like tax and insurance will be taken care of for you, allowing you to focus on growing your confidence and developing your skills as a taxi driver. 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. For example, the, In Northern Ireland, you must also complete the theory test. Even so, there are different types of taxi and PHV licensing rules and regulations (inside London and outside): Licensed hackney carriages (taxis) can only pick up fare paying passengers off the street in the area where they obtained a taxi license. If you wish to become a taxi or private hire driver, or to turn your own vehicle into a taxi, there are certain requirements you must meet before a licence can be issued. As the Department for Transport data shows, PHVs accounted for the majority (76%) of all licenced vehicles in England in 2019. The Knowledge involves learning the quickest routes within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross, and on average takes three to four years to learn. This means that the costs and application process can vary between areas. There are several reasons why a PHV licence application may be refused (e.g. One way to achieve this is by taking a test with a provider appointed by TfL. In London, TfL has created a temporary arrangement where licences are issued to those that pass the final exam, one the condition that they complete an assessment when a new solution is confirmed. Note: The driver, the vehicle, and the operator must be licensed by the same licensing authority. They also enforce the rules on taxi colouring (e.g. You can contact TfL licensing department to check the eligibility criteria for becoming a taxi or PHV driver in London. As well as Uber, you could consider Bolt or Kapten, if you’re a licenced private hire driver. chauffeurs) separately are breaking the law. The main reason is so that passengers can tell them apart. However, you may have less control over the routes and times you work, and may have to drive a certain type of car. Doing so gives them the power to apprehend taxis who 'trespass' outside of their licensed area. Find out about eligibility requirements for a taxi (T) or charter (bus) (F) driver's licence extension in Western Australia and how to apply. Transport for London (TfL) will need to inspect your vehicle. This brings the total to 291,800 licenced vehicles – a record high, according to the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Statistics, England: 2019 statistical release published by the Department for Transport. In addition, she promotes the newest small businesses by managing the Just Started profiles, and has also contributed to. Type of driving licence You need a licence to drive a taxi or private hire vehicle. 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. We'll guide you through the ins and outs of becoming a taxi driver, and get you from A to B. Applications for vehicle and driver licences are now carried out online. Funding is one of the biggest obstacles to new business. But, it cannot be more than three (3) times per year. In Northern Ireland, you must also complete the theory test before taking the practical test. If you do not hold a dual driver badge you can allow other people to drive the vehicle provided they are a badge holder. None of the vehicles can have more than eight (8) passenger seats. Some of the neighbouring local authorities have set up agreements with each other. If you’re interested in joining the growing numbers of taxi drivers in the UK, you’re in the right place. 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