Liverpool City Council - hackney carriages


 

Hackney carriage Taxi Driver

How can I make an application to become a hackney carriage driver?

An application must be made in person to the Licensing Office. You will need to ring Liverpool Direct on 0151 233 3015 to arrange an appointment, and you will need to bring to the interview the following items:-

  • A full valid UK driving licence, which must have been held for at least 12 months;
  • A passport or birth certificate;
  • A fee of £78.00 This includes payment for a street knowledge test, criminal records disclosure, and DVLA mandate.                                                         

How long does it take to get licensed?

In can take six to eight weeks, depending on how long it takes you to pass the street knowledge test.  We also must wait until we hear from the Criminal Records Bureau about you, and we will need to recieve a satisfactory medical examination.

Where can I go for my medical?

Any general practicioner can carry out the medical examination. If you prefer you can use your own GP and they will charge you a fee for doing so. If you do not have a GP or do not wish to use your GP you can contact a medical centre on the attached list (PDF [9.4Kb] opens in new window) and they will carry out the examination at a fee of £40.00

Where can I get a medical form?

A medical form can be downloaded here (PDF [30Kb] opens in new window)

Can I hold both hackney carriage and private hire driver's licences at the same time?

Yes. The requirements for both licences are the same and cost twice as much. 

Smoke Free- New Legislation
 
It will be illegal from the 1 July 2007 for any person (driver or passenger)to smoke in a licensed taxicab or private hire vehicle. All licensed vehicles will display a standard non smoking sign in accordance with the new regulations.The proprietor is responsible for displaying the signs on the vehicle ensuring that any driver in their employment is aware of the smoke free regulations in their workplace and when driving a vehicle for the use of public transport.   The ban is national and applies to all taxis and private hire vehicles in England and Wales. The enforcement authority for this ban is Environmental Health.
For further help and advise on this matter visit smoke free england

Will criminal or driving convictions affect an application?

Yes. However, guidelines apply and each case is dealt with on its merits.  Further details can be found in the notes for 'guidance to applicants for drivers licenses', which is issued when you first apply and will be discussed with you at your appointment.

Fees for Hackney Carriage and private hire vehicles and drivers

  1. Hackney carriage vehicle licence renewal: £150
  2. Private hire operators licence: £150 1year
  3. Private hire operators licence: £720  5 year 
  4. Private hire vehicle licence with plate: £155
  5. Private hire vehicle licence renewal:   £150
  6. Street knowledge test booking fee: £35
  7. Drivers licence new final instalment : £15
  8. Drivers licence renewal: £ 50  1 year
  9. Drivers licence renewal: £125 3 year
  10. Drivers licence transfer:£25
  11. Duplicate licence :£15
  12. Replacement plate:£15
  13. Duplicate badge (each):£5 
  14. Replacement plate mounting bracket :£10
  15. Criminal Records Disclosure:£36
  16. DVLA mandate (new drivers only):£7  
  17. Adminstrationn fee plate owner transfer:£40                                                

 

Guidance notes and conditions

Guidance notes and conditions for hackney carriage drivers can be downloaded below:

    This page contains Adobe PDF documents. If you have problems accessing PDFs you can:

  For further information, please contact us:

 Post
The Licensing Service,
Room 219,
Municipal Buildings,
Dale Street,
Liverpool, L2 2DH.

Telephone
0151 233 3015

Email
licensing@liverpool.gov.uk

If you would like this information in another language or format please ask us.

Ring 0151 225 3489/225 3480 or email us Licensing@liverpool.gov.uk