Private Hire Drivers Licence New Application
Fit and Proper Persons
In order to be given a licence you must show that you are a ‘fit and proper person’.
We require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. This will include disclosure, not only of previous convictions, but also matters of concern in relation to children or vulnerable adults. In the case of taxi drivers the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does not apply so previous convictions are never ‘spent’ and must be declared.
If an applicant has previous convictions it does not necessarily mean they will be barred from being a licensed driver.
The definition of what is a fit and proper person is not set in law but the generally accepted test is;
“Would you allow your son daughter, mother, spouse or other person you care about get into this vehicle with this person alone?”
If you wish to apply to be a Driver you must be at least 21 years of age and have held a full driving licence for more than 12 months.
New Private Hire Drivers Application Process
You are required to pass the knowledge test before you can apply to be a Private Hire Driver. The test is a full one day course please click on the link below that will take you to the knowledge test page
Knowledge Test Information Page
Once you have passed the knowledge test you can then submit your full application, including DBS please see below
Changes to proving your right to work in the UK as a licence holder
From Wednesday 6 April 2022, some hackney carriage of private hire licence holders will need to evidence their right to work in the UK using the Home Office online checking service and provide a code to the local authority as part of the application.
This is because employers will no longer be able to accept physical biometric cards.
This includes holders of:
Biometric Residents Permits (BRP)
Biometric Residents Cards (BRC)
Frontier Worker Permit (FWP)
If you hold one of the cards or permits listed above you can prove your right to work online.
Application Process
You will need to download the form below and collect a DBS form from the Reception Desk at the main Thanet Council Office.
Once you have completed the application form, DBS form and had a medical you will need to email – licensing@thanet.gov.uk – to arrange for an appointment for your paperwork to be checked.
The following will be considered when the application is being evaluated:
- Criminal records check every 3 years – Disclosure & Barring Service Code of Practice
- Medical to Group 2 standard every 3 years
Download New Driver Application Form
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Once you receive your DBS back you will need to sign up the DBS Update Service as it will make your renewal process quicker and easier.
Fees From 1st April
Fee £265.20 split as set out below
Fee – £205.20
Badge – £20:00
Enhanced DBS Check £40.00 – this form & DBS Privacy Statement can be collected from the Reception, Thanet Council Office, Cecil St Margate
Payment must be made in advance of your appointment using the BACs details below
BACS Details
National Westminster Bank PLC
Sort code – 60-14-05
Bank account – 67834000
Payee – Thanet District Council
Reference – NAME
Further Information