Private hire driver licensing

Any person who wishes to work as a private hire driver is required by law to hold a licence, issued by us.

How to apply for a new licence

Applicants must attend any Council One Stop Shop in person together with:

• Completed application form, or if you wish we can assist you with your application
• Both parts of your full driving licence (DVLA, EEC or Northern Irish) or your old style driving licence
• Completed Disclosure application form
• 2 forms of ID e.g. Passport, Utility Bill, Bank Statement, Birth Certificate
• Application fee

Before granting a licence we require applicants to:

• Undergo a Criminal Records Bureau referral process
• Pass the Topographical Knowledge Test
• Produce a satisfactory Medical Certificate from their own General Practitioner (we have adopted the DVLA Group II medical standard)
• Obtain a VRQ qualification

If your application is successful you will then be required to pay a licence fee

Once you have all the necessary documentation you can make an appointment with the Licensing Section. You can do this by calling the Licensing Section on 0151 691 8043 or by visiting any Council One Stop Shop.