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.

You may also need to provide:

• your passport
• your DVLA driving license
• 2 passport sized colour photos
• a satisfactory medical certificate from your doctor
• your valid driver's licence
• payment for the licence
• A Blue Lamp Trust safeguarding training certificate
• A Blue Lamp Trust driving test certificate

As part of your application you will need to complete an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) with Ucheck, a link will be sent to you to set it up. You will then be required to maintain your certificate via the update service at an annual cost of £13.

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. Find out more about how to get a Blue Lamp Trust assessment certificate.
• A Blue Lamp Trust safeguarding training certificate

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. 

Fees

The cost of the enhanced DBS check is £47.20.

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