Driver licence
You need a licence from us to drive a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle in South Gloucestershire.
Check the cost of a driver licence: taxi licensing fees and charges.
The guidance below is for new applicants, for how to renew a driver licence go to our licence renewals page.
To work as both a hackney carriage (taxi) and private hire driver, you should apply for a dual licence. You can also apply to only work as a private hire driver.
A driver licence can be granted for up to 3 years.
If you want to use your own vehicle you will also need a vehicle licence.
Eligibility
To become a taxi driver you must:
- have had a full UK driving licence for at least 3 years
- have the right to work in the UK
- meet our ‘fit and proper’ person criteria
How to apply
There is a 2 stage process:
- You must pass all the necessary pre-application requirements
- You then complete an application form and submit it in person with the required supporting documentation
You should also read our hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy.
Pre-application requirements
You will need to complete the assessments, checks and training in the order listed below.
If you cannot expand the sections below, try refreshing your browser.
1. Learning and suitability assessment
This is an in-person training session which costs £175.50.
It covers:
- safeguarding
- equality duty
- law and conditions
- plying for hire
- customer care and safety
- English language proficiency
- vehicle maintenance
It will take around 3 hours and is held at our Broad Lane offices in Yate.
You need to pass a written and verbal test at the end of the assessment.
To make a request email taxilearning@southglos.gov.uk and include your full name, address, date of birth, phone number and include a photo or scanned image of the front and back of your current driving licence.
Once we receive your email we will phone you as soon as we can to conduct a suitability screening questionnaire.
Terms and conditions about the learning and suitability assessment
2. Child safeguarding awareness training
This is an in-person training session.
This 2 hour session is to give all drivers the knowledge and understanding of how to recognise and deal with issues around child exploitation.
There is a written test which you need to pass.
You must bring your driving licence photocard and the original copy of your learning and suitability assessment pass certificate, otherwise you will not be able to take part in the training.
3. DBS enhanced disclosure check and update service subscription
You need to get an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check to prove you do not have a criminal history that would stop you from being a taxi driver.
For your DBS check you will need to apply online on the TaxiPlus website. Find answers to common questions about the process.
Once you receive your DBS certificate, you must sign up for the DBS update service and stay signed up while you are licensed. You need to do this within 28 days of the issue date on your certificate.
If you have recently moved to the UK or have been out of the country for 6 months or more read the guidance on GOV.UK If you have any questions email taxis@southglos.gov.uk
4. Driving assessment
You must pass a driving assessment. This has to be booked with one of our approved providers:
Booking details and costs are stated on each service provider’s website.
5. DVLA Group 2 medical
You need to have a Group 2 medical assessment by a registered medical practitioner.
You need to book an appointment with a medical practice that provides them.
The medical practitioner needs to record their assessment on a D4 form.
We do not accept medical certificates issued by Doctors on Wheels following guidance from DVLA.
.
Completing your application form
Once you have passed all the assessments, checks and training the next stage is to email taxis@southglos.gov.uk to arrange an appointment so that you can submit your application form and pay the application fee.
Include your full name, address and phone number.
At the appointment you will have to show us your supporting documentation, pay the application fee and declare any convictions, cautions and endorsements.
The application fee can be paid by debit or credit card or by cheque. We do not accept cash or American Express.
Supporting information required
You will need:
- a fully completed application form
- evidence of passing the learning and suitability assessment dated less than 3 years ago
- your child safeguarding awareness training certificate
- your enhanced DBS disclosure dated less than 2 months ago
- proof that you have signed up to the DBS update service
- your medical certificate (Group 2) dated within 4 months of the date you submitted your application
- your practical driving assessment certificate
- your passport or birth certificate
- your valid driving licence
- proof of your address dated within the last 3 months (such as a utility bill, bank statement, benefit statement, credit card statement – mobile phone bills are not accepted)
- proof of your National Insurance number for example P60 or a payslip
- proof of your right to work in the UK
- a passport-sized photo of yourself
Only original documents will be accepted.
If you are unsure about what evidence you need to provide for any of the above ask at the time of booking your licensing office appointment.
Convictions, cautions and penalty points
You must declare any convictions, cautions and penalty points (endorsements) during the application process. We will assess whether a licence can be issued or if it needs to be referred to the licensing sub-committee for a decision.
If your application is referred to the licensing sub-committee, all documents will need to be verified before a decision. You will need to wait for their approval before returning to collect your paper licence and driver badges. If your application is refused, you will receive a refund of the application fee.
Change of circumstances
You must notify us in writing as soon as possible of any change of circumstances, including:
- address
- name
- employer or business
- diagnosis of a medical condition
Email taxis@southglos.gov.uk