Private hire driver licensing

Private hire is the provision of a vehicle and driver to undertake a journey carrying passengers from one location to another for a fee. In order for a legitimate booking to be accepted the journey must be booked in advance. It must be with a licensed private hire operator and fulfilled using a licensed private hire vehicle and licensed private hire driver. All licences must be in place and issued by the same authority.

The current fees private hire driver licences can be viewed on the licence fees page

New applications

If you wish to apply for a new private hire driver's licence you can download a guidance and application pack below. The pack outlines the procedure to be followed to apply for a new private hire drivers licence. It includes all relevant application forms and fees.

Applicants must meet specific criteria in order to be considered for a licence. The council must be satisfied that an applicant is a ‘fit and proper’ person to hold a private hire drivers licence and transport members of the public.

Renewal applications

Renewal application forms are not available to download online.

Licences are granted for a period of three years. One year licences may be granted in exceptional circumstances such as relevant medical conditions or retirement. Requests for one year licences will be considered on their individual merits.