Taxi licences
Hackney carriage and private hire vehicle licensing
Latest News
Private Hire 6 monthly checks – November 2019
Please be advised that no visual is needed for private hire vehicles this month all that will need to be done is your Compliance Check. Please bring this and confirmation of your continuing insurance into the Gateway to be updated by the 30th November.
On Wednesdays between 9.15am and 12.30pm a member of the Licensing Team will be available in the Gateway to assist Gateway Staff.
Hackney Carriage and Private Hire driver application forms
Application forms for new and renewal applications are now available on this website.
DBS forms can be picked up from the Gateway and information regarding the Visitor Ambassador Training can be obtained from the Visitor Information Centre.
Changes to the Law regarding Wheelchair Users
From 06 April 2017 taxi and private hire vehicle drivers will be obliged by law to:
- transport wheelchair users in their wheelchair
- provide passengers in wheelchairs with appropriate assistance
- charge wheelchair users the same as non-wheelchair users
The new rules will apply in England, Wales and Scotland affecting only vehicles that are designated as wheelchair accessible and will apply to both taxis and private hire vehicles. Taxi drivers face a fine of up to £1,000 if they refuse to transport wheelchair users or attempt to charge them extra in a change to the law announced 07 February 2017 by the Transport Minister Andrew Jones.
Licensed Drivers
Don’t forget to bring your DBS check into the Gateway as soon as you receive it in order for your licence to be updated and issued.
We no longer receive copies direct. If this is not done your licence could be suspended.
A licence is required for vehicles seating up to 8 passengers and which can be used to pick up people in the street or from a taxi rank
Applications must be accompanied by the following documentation:
- provision of suitable vehicle insurance
- certificate of compliance – list of approved garages
- proof of ownership
- visual examination & meter test
Download Application Forms
Renewal
Annual renewal required forms can be downloaded below.
Private Hire prompt renewal – before 31st May – £202.00
Private Hire late renewal – 1st June onwards – £282.00
PermalinkA licence is required to drive a hackney carriage vehicle
The following will be considered when the application is being evaluated:
- Criminal records check every 3 years
- Medical to Group 2 standard every 3 years
- Undertaken and passed Knowledge test – there is a £26.00 charge for each test taken
How do I apply
Click here to download Private Hire Application Form
Click here to download Hackney Carriage Application Form
Relevant Fees: £246 (this includes)
- Driver application fee (£174.00)
- Enhanced DBS check (£44.00) – this form is available from the Gateway Margate
- Initial knowledge test – (£26.00)
- Badge – (£2.00)
The completed forms and supporting documents need to be handed in at Thanet Gateway, Cecil Street, Margate, Kent.
Initial Issue
Initial issue is for 1 year
Renewal
Renewal, including further criminal records check and medical, after initial 1 year issue is for 3 years
PermalinkA licence is required to drive a hackney carriage vehicle
The following will be considered when the application is being evaluated:
- Criminal records check every 3 years
- Medical to Group 2 standard every 3 years
- Undertaken and passed Knowledge test – there is a £26.00 charge for each test taken
How do I apply
Click here to download Private Hire Renewal Form
Click here to download Hackney Carriage Renewal Form
Relevant Fees: £136 (this includes)
- Prompt renewal fee
- Enhanced DBS check – this form can be picked up from the Gateway Margate.
The completed forms and supporting documents need to be handed into Thanet Gateway, Cecil Street, Margate, Kent
PermalinkA Licence is required to act as an Operator for private hire vehicles
Procedure
- (Planning to be informed of intention before licence is issued)
Applications must be accompanied by the following documentation:
- relevant fees
How do I apply
Please contact us for the relevant fees
Renewal
Five yearly renewal
Please contact us for the relevant fees
- download the application form here
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Knowledge Test dates and times for 2019
Wednesday 04 December 2-4pm
Knowledge Test dates and times for 2020
Tuesday 07 January 1-3pm
Tuesday 04 February 1-3pm
Wednesday 04 March 1-3pm
Tuesday 07 April 1-3pm
Tuesday 05 May 2-4pm
Tuesday 02 June 2-4pm
Tuesday 07 July 2-4pm
Tuesday 04 August 2-4pm
Tuesday 01 September 2-4pm
Tuesday 06 October 2-4pm
Tuesday 03 November 2-4pm
Tuesday 01 December 2-4pm
Visitor Ambassador Courses 2019
Please phone 01843 577577 to book your place
Wednesday 20 November 10am-12noon
Wednesday 18 December 10am-12noon
Visitor Ambassador Courses 2020
Please phone 01843 577577 to book your place
Wednesday 15 January 10am-12noon
Wednesday 19 February 10am-12noon
Wednesday 18 March 10am-12noon
Wednesday 15 April 10am-12noon
Wednesday 20 May 10am-12noon
Wednesday 17 June 10am-12noon
Wednesday 15 July 10am-12noon
Wednesday 19 August 10am-12noon
Wednesday 16 September 10am-12noon
Wednesday 21 October 10am-12noon
Wednesday 18 November 10am-12noon
Wednesday 16 December 10am-12noon
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