Apply for a drivers licence

A combined private hire and hackney carriage driving licence, also known as a dual driver licence, is a type of licence issued by local authorities that allows a driver to legally operate both:

• Hackney carriages (taxis that can be hailed on the street or picked up from taxi ranks)
• Private hire vehicles (which must be pre-booked through a licensed operator and cannot be hailed or picked up from ranks)

It is an offence to drive, or employ someone to drive, a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle in the borough without a licence issued by the council.

Who can apply for a licence

Drivers Must:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Have held a driving licence for over 12 months
• Show that they are a fit and proper person

It is an offence to mislead the council by giving us false information.

How Do I Apply?

We recommend that you follow the order of proceedings outlined below.

Application process for a new combined driver licence (PDF, 196 KB)

• You must obtain an Enhanced DBS Certificate. It is a pre-requisite that you are signed up to the DBS online updates service. The original certificate must also be obtained and kept safe. For information on the DBS updates service, See here: DBS Update Service - GOV.UK
  • You must complete your Disclosure and Barring Service check online at:- www.personnelchecks.co.uk/taxis/high-peak-borough-council.
  • If you have a query about your DBS application, please contact: hello@taxiplus.co.uk
  • We do not accept any alternative qualifications.
• Download and complete the New Driver application form. (PDF, 243 KB) (opens new window)
• If you are planning to be a Private Hire Driver, you must obtain an offer of work from a licensed operator.
• Have a Driver Medical Form (PDF, 96 KB) completed by your GP or a nominated medical professional. We strongly suggest you get this completed last to avoid needing a further test if you encounter any delays. This Must be dated within 3 months from the date of your application being made.
• Evidence of completion of the NVQ or BTEC Level 2 qualification for professional taxi drivers. If an applicant does not have an NVQ or BTEC Level 2, they can only apply for a 1-year licence and must complete the qualification in the first 12 months of their licence.
• Pay the Fee by calling 0345 129 7777 to make payment via card. Please wait for an operative to answer your call and quote code '17404177' when asked. Our fees are listed here: Fees and charges

You must also book your appointment for the knowledge test by emailing Licensing@highpeak.gov.uk. Once you have booked we will provide you with a sample paper for revision.

When you come for your knowledge test appointment we will also check all of your original documents.

Please ensure you bring the following with you:

• Completed and signed application form
• Passport
• Driving Licence, Full Photocard
• A passport style colour photograph of yourself for a photo ID Badge. (must clearly show your head and shoulders in front of a plain white background)
• Proof of current residential address in the UK (e.g. Utility Bill, Bank Statement etc dated within 3 months)
• Proof of Right to Work, this is detailed within your application form
• Original DBS Certificate - Linked to DBS update service
• Safeguarding Course Certificate (taxi plus ONLY)
• Completed Medical Document

Please note that we WILL NOT take knowledge test appointments unless you have everything in the list above. Please ensure all original documents are brought to the appointment.

Approving your application

The application process can take up to 12 weeks from start to finish, and requires you to attend the offices at least once to submit original documents and take a local Knowledge Test.

Once we have received your completed application pack and ALL accompanying documents, we aim to process the application within 2 weeks. This does not include your referral to licensing committee, if required.

Convictions

Within Taxi and Private hire licensing ALL convictions (both spent and unspent) should be disclosed. No conviction is ever considered as spent.

If you have any relevant convictions, you may be required to attend a further appointment with a licensing officer to discuss the circumstances. It may then be necessary for you to appear before the Licensing Committee who will determine your application.

If you have a general enquiry about the licence application process, please contact the Licensing Team at licensing@highpeak.gov.uk

Renewals

How to renew your drivers or vehicle licence.