Drivers

To satisfy us that you are a 'fit and proper person' to hold a licence, you must give proof of the following when applying:

1. You have held a full current UK or EU driving licence for more than one year (If you don't hold a UK. driving licence contact the licensing office for advice).
2. You must pass our knowledge/locality test - you can sit the test before or after you submit your application for the licence. All applicants will be asked questions on licensing law, safeguarding and conditions of licence.  Applicants for a Hackney Carriage or Dual Licence will also be asked questions on locations of various places in the area such as pubs, clubs, supermarkets, places of entertainment or interest and have to describe the shortest route between two locations in various parts of the borough and surrounding area. You can have three attempts at passing the test within a 3 month period.  If you fail after three attempts you must wait for a period of at least 6 months from the date of the last test you took before being permitted to sit the test again. Guidance notes to assist you are supplied with each application pack (Private Hire or Hackney Carriage/Dual).
3. You must provide evidence that you are medically fit to drive and be able to meet Group 2 standard of medical fitness to drive. We will provide you with a medical questionnaire which your own GP (or one who has had access to your full medical history) must complete. Charges for this vary (typically between £60 and £120) and you pay your GP direct.
4. You must consent to a criminal record check. This is carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). A separate charge is made for this service. You must register online with the DBS before submitting your application for a licence. When you receive your disclosure certificate, if it contains any information regarding police records (irrespective of how old these are) you must present it to the licensing office for inspection. You must also subscribe to the DBS Update Service.
5. If you have lived outside the UK and Channel Islands for three months or more you will need to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct or equivalent document from each country that you have been resident in.
6. You must provide evidence that you can live and are able to work in the U.K.
7. You must undergo Preventing Sexual Exploitation training before a licence is issued.
8. You must be aware of your tax responsibilities and confirm this on the application from.