How to apply for a Hackney carriage or private hire drivers licence
Licence summary
Under Section 46 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 (legislation.gov.uk) no person shall, in a controlled district such as that of Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, act as a driver of any Hackney carriage.
Under Section 46 of the Local Government (Misc Provs) Act 1976 (legislation.gov.uk) no person shall act as a driver of a private hire vehicle without having a current licence.
Under the law, a council must satisfy itself that all applicants for Hackney carriage and private hire licences are 'fit and proper persons'.
We have considered how we may carry out our legal responsibility to ensure that all drivers and operators meet the required standard and are also free of relevant convictions. Please see the fees and how to apply procedure that has been adopted for all applicants for hackney carriage and private hire drivers licences.
Applicants must also demonstrate basic standards of spoken English and numeracy without the use of an interpreter.
Right to work in the UK
The Immigration Act 2016 has placed greater responsibility on the council when granting drivers and operators licences.
On 1 July 2021, new rules for right to work checks were brought in, so European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss citizens need to provide evidence of their lawful immigration status in the UK.
For all applications (grant and renewal applicants) must produce documentation that proves they have the right to work in the UK.
More information on the right to work checks (GOV.UK)
Tax checks
Since 4 April 2022, there are new rules on tax checks that new and existing Hackney carriage and private hire drivers will have to do when applying for a driver's licence.
Before you apply, please read new rules on tax checks from 4 April 2022
Last updated: 19/03/2024 15:21
