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Hackney Carriage Drivers' Licences

To become a Hackney Carriage driver all applicants must be considered "fit and proper" and a Criminal Records Bureau check is carried out on each applicant. Hackney Carriage drivers may also drive Private Hire vehicles.

Please read in full the Hackney Carriage Driving Licence Application Notes below for detailed information of the application process and all requirements.

The Council has amended the lifespan of these licences, and all new applications will be for 3 year licences.

Hackney Knowledge Test

The first step in applying for a Hackney Carriage licence is to take the Knowledge Test.  

The fee for the first test will be £15.00.  Each subsequent test will attract a further fee of £15.00.

 Please read the Hackney Carriage Knowledge Test guidance notes below:

Licence Application Form

After passing the Knowledge Test, drivers may apply for a Hackney Carriage Driving Licence.

You will also need to complete a Criminal Records Bureau check form. Each form has a unique reference number and so is not available to download, but you can request one to be sent to you by emailing us at licensing@charnwood.gov.uk or calling us on 01509 634562. Please find below a CRB evidence checklist which may be of use.

You will also need to complete a DVLA D796 form as part of the application process. Please find below the relevant form.

Medical Forms

In addition, all new applicants will be required to undergo a full medical, and produce the medical report. Applicants are advised that the medical form needs to be completed by the doctor carrying out the medical examination. Guidance notes are included in the form, which applicants are advised to read beforehand.

Driving Standards Agency (Dsa) Driving Test

All new applicants will also have to pass the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) driving test, specifically designed for Taxi and Private Hire drivers. Further details on this test can be found in this DSA leaflet:

A number of local driving schools offer pre-test driver training in the area:

Derek Brutnell – 01509 216102
Graham Campbell – 01509 646616 (available weekends only)
Keith Flahey – 01530 223967
Michael Gubb – 01509 560315
Mark Mc Keon – 01509 558898
Mark Milton – 01509 233380
Garry Needham – 01509 234961
Steve Sentance – 01509 231623
Jane Wright – 01509 814777
McConnell’s Driver Training - 07787 566591

For all Drivers both New and Renewal Applications:

It is a requirement that all drivers complete a recognised and accredited Qualification for Taxi Drivers during the course of their first 3 year licence. The current QCF qualification is being offered by Stoke College with classroom based training taking place in Loughborough. For course information and college locations please contact Licensing on 01509 634562 or by emailing licensing@charnwood.gov.uk.

Applicant's Endorsement Form

A copy of the following Endorsement Form must be completed by applicants who do not hold a current passport.

PENALTY POINTS SCHEME

A Penalty Points System for Drivers and Operators was introduced by the Council on Friday, 04 February 2011. From this date onwards points can be issued by means of a written notice issued by an Enforcement Officer. The points for specific offences are listed in a table shown on the website. Any points issued remain on a Driver or Operator’s Record for a “rolling” period of 12 months, i.e. 12 months from the date of issue of the points.

Any driver accruing 12 or more points within the rolling 12 month period will be subject to a hearing, which may lead to a written warning, a caution, a period of suspension or even revocation.

 Full details of this Scheme are available on request or by viewing the Council Website.

 Please note; Penalty points accrued under this scheme DO NOT count as endorsements on the DVLA licence, only on the Hackney Carriage drivers licence or Private Hire drivers licence issued by Charnwood Borough Council.

Last updated: Thu 15th December, 2011 @ 13:10

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