Taxi (Hackney Carriage) vehicle licensing

The Licensing Team is responsible for the licensing and regulation of hackney carriages (also known as taxis) in the borough. Typically these are the London style black cabs and converted people carrier vehicles. A hackney carriage can only be driven by a driver who holds a dual hackney carriage and private hire driver’s licence.

Hackney Carriages are the subject of strict licensing rules, regulations and conditions to ensure they remain fit for the purpose. Regular mechanical safety checks are carried out and they are also subject to tests on their appearance and cleanliness. Public safety is paramount and only cars meeting the strict standards and specification are licensed. All Hackney Carriages are wheelchair accessible vehicles. Drivers may not be able to carry all types of wheelchair and will perform a risk assessment for less standard wheelchairs. This will establish if they are able to transport them safely.

Licensing Officers must approve any advertising before any promotional material is applied to, or within a licensed hackney carriage vehicle.

New applications

You can apply for a new hackney carriage vehicle licence by downloading a guidance and application pack below. The guidance pack outlines the procedure that must be followed apply for a new hackney carriage vehicle licence.

The current fees for a range of taxi licences can be viewed on the licence fees page

Renewal applications

Renewal application forms are not available to download online.