I want to apply for or renew a taxi (hackney carriage) or private hire driver's licence

Application

A licence is required to become a private hire or taxi (hackney carriage) driver. Hastings Borough Council issue a combined licence. This means if you apply and are successful you will be entitled to drive private hire and taxi vehicles. We will only issue you with a licence if a set of conditions are met.

To apply for a private hire/taxi driver's licence you will need to complete the online form below:

• Private hire and taxi driver's licence application form

You will also need to complete a medical report form with the help of your doctor (GP). As part of this you will need to undergo a medical assessment.

We have put together a guidance pack to help you with your application.

You may also need to provide:

• your passport
• 2 passport sized colour photos
• a satisfactory medical certificate from your doctor
• your valid driver's licence and paper copy
• payment for the licence.

As part of your application you will need to complete an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) form. You will be asked to fill this out when you come in to hand in your application forms and other documents. We will then submit the form on your behalf and you will receive a certificate in the post if there are no issues with your application. As soon you receive the certificate you will need to bring it in for us to take a copy of. Until you do this we will not be able to issue your licence to you. 

Normally the licences are valid for 3 years, but in exceptional circumstances a 1 year licence can be issued.

Applications will only be accepted if they are complete with all supporting documents and the fee, some of the requirements involve getting information and documentation from outside bodies and this can extend the timescale before a licence is issued. 

Conditions

You can only apply for a private hire/taxi driver's licence if you:

• are over 21 years old
• have a UK driver's licence that has been valid for 12 months and shows your current address
• have a Blue Lamp Trust assessment certificate.  You can find out more about how to get one here.

As part of your application you will need to undertake a local knowledge test. You will not be granted a licence until you pass this test. Once you have handed in all of your completed application forms we will arrange an appointment with you to undertake the test. We have put together a local knowledge test pack to help you study for the assessment.

Fees

The cost of a 3 year private hire/taxi licence is £342. The renewal fee is £300. 

The cost of a 1 year private hire/taxi licence is £137. The renewal fee is £112.

The cost of the enhanced DBS check is £44.

The DVLA fee is £6. 

View on our full list of fees.

Renewal

To renew your private hire/taxi driver's licence you will need to fill out the online form below:  

• Private hire/taxi driver's licence renewal form