Private hire driver
How can I make an application to become a private hire driver?
You must apply in person to the Licensing Office. You will need to ring Liverpool Direct on 0151 233 3015 to arrange an appointment. 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 the fee for street knowledge test, criminal records disclosure and DVLA mandate (new drivers only).
Advice on application and advisory booklet will be given to all applicants.
How long does it take to get licensed?
It can take up to six or eight weeks depending mainly on how long it takes an applicant to pass the street knowledge test , the response time from the criminal records bureau, and obtaining 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
and they will carry out the examination at a fee of £40.00
Where can I get a medical form from?
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 englandWill criminal or driving convictions affect an application?
Yes. However guidelines apply and each case is dealt with on its merits.
Fees for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles and drivers
- Hackney carriage vehicle licence renewal: £150
- Private hire operators licence: £150 1yr or £720 5 yr
- Private hire vehicle licence with plate: £155
- Private hire vehicle licence renewal: £150
- Street knowledge test booking fee: £35
- Drivers licence new final instalment: £15
- Drivers licence renewal: £50
- Drivers licence transfer: £25
- Duplicate licence: £15
- Replacement plate: £15
- Duplicate badge (each): £5
- Replacement plate mounting bracket: £10
- DVLA Mandate: £7
- Criminal Records Disclosure: £36.
Guidance notes and conditions
Guidance notes and conditions for private hire drivers can be downloaded below:
This page contains Adobe PDF documents. If you have problems accessing PDFs you can:
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What is a private hire operators' licence?
A Liverpool private hire operator's licence allows the holder to receive bookings (by telephone or other means) and to send private hire vehicles for pre arranged hire. Both the vehicle and driver sent to complete the booking must be a licensed Liverpool private hire driver, and a Liverpool licensed private hire vehicle.
Planning permission is required purely to make sure that if your business is run from your home address, it will not cause any nuisance or obstruction to your neighbours.
If you need advice, contact our planning and building control department on 0151 233 3021
What type of work requires a private hire operator's licence?
Any pre-booked work, including airport transfers, hen or stag night or any other work of a similar nature.
Vehicles with seats equipped to carry up to eight passengers should be booked via a private hire operator's licence.
Anything above eight passenger seats requires a licence to be obtained from V.O.S.A. Details can be obtained by visiting their website www.vosa.gov.uk
How to get started in your own business
In order to run your operator's licence lawfully, you must have the following licences:-
To obtain a private hire operator's licence you should make an appointment to attend at the one stop shop located in the Municipal Buildings Dale Street. If you do not obtain an appointment you will not be seen. Please ring 0151 223 3015 for an appointment which you must attend in person.
Guidance notes and conditions for private hire operators can be downloaded below:
The application forms and guidance documents are available in PDF format for downloading. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these documents. Find out more about this on our Help page.
Contact us
For further information, please contact us:
Post
The Licensing Service,
Room 219
Municipal Building,
Dale Street,
Liverpool,
L69 2DH.Telephone
0151 233 3015.Fax
0151 225 3493.
licensing@liverpool.gov.ukIf 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