Taxi and Private Hire Licensing

Taxis (Hackney Carriages), and Private Hire Vehicles together with their drivers and Private Hire Operators are licensed by local authorities.

Licensing provides a visible assurance to the public that the vehicle has been checked for safety and that the driver has been checked medically, and is a fit and proper person to hold a licence. Drivers take a street knowledge test, a medical and have a criminal record check undertaken on them before their licence is issued.

The Licensing Service issues driver, vehicle and operator licences. Licences are issued in the interests of public safety, however we are also concerned with the provision of an excellent customer service to licence holders and service users.

• Download our list of Private Hire Operators.
• View our Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing Policy.

For further information and to apply for a licence please use the following links:

• view information on the difference between Taxi (Hackney Carriage) and Private Hire Vehicles
• view information on what to look for from your driver
• view information about public safety
• view our checks and tests page for more information about Taxi and Private Hire licences.

County lines

To help safeguard vulnerable children and protect them from gangs, the Home Office, Institute of Licensing and CrimeStoppers are working to increase awareness among taxi and private hire vehicle drivers, and licensing staff, of the signs to spot a potential victim. 

The signs to spot are:

• a child, normally 14 - 15 years old, but can be as young as 12 travelling a long train journey alone
• they may be from another area, so may not be familiar with an area (may look lost) and may have an unfamiliar accent for the local area
• they may be travelling during school hours or unusual hours (e.g. late in the evening)
• an obvious relationship with controlling, older individuals
• suspicion of self-harm, physical assault or unexplained injuries
• excessive receipt of texts or phone calls.

Visit the GOV.UK website to view the posters that the Home Office have produced to help taxi and private hire vehicle drivers and booking staff recognise the signs to spot potential victims.

Visit the CrimeStoppers website to report your concerns if you spot a vulnerable young person.

Last updated: 18/03/2024 14:01