Hackney Carriage and Private Licensing

New driver

You can apply for three types of taxi licence: Hackney Carriage, Private Hire, and Restricted Private Hire.

Difference between taxi vehicle types

Restricted private hire licences are set to one operator, and only special event / private hire executive vehicles or only transporting children to school.

We do not licence Uber, Bolt or FREENOW as operators so you cannot work for these companies using a Broxbourne private hire driver or vehicle licence.

To make an application you must first speak with a Licensing Officer on 01992 785593. Full details of the application process and criteria are contained in our Hackney carriage and private hire handbook.

You must:

  • be aged 21 or older
  • have held a full UK or EC driving licence for at least three years
  • be able to work legally in the UK
  • be medically fit
  • give your permission for thorough background checks

A criminal record will not always stop a licence being issued. You can read the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Convictions Policy. The Council's Privacy Policy provides more information on how we deal with any information you provide.

After you have spoken to the licensing officer you will have to:

  • provide a completed application form - £148.50. You must include a photo of your driving licence, passport and one recent passport photograph. Print, sign and return all pages of the application to taxi@broxbourne.gov.uk. We cannot accept applications that do not contain all of the pages. If you are not able to print the form, you can complete it on-line, save as a document, and email it to taxi@broxbourne.gov.uk. You will then be required to sign the form when you attend your Knowledge Test. The photograph will need to be posted to the Council or handed in at reception with your name on the back
  • pass a local Knowledge Test - £42.50. There is an additional optional fast track fee of £16. This is a formal, handwritten test and not multiple choice. It includes tests of random routes and local landmarks based on your knowledge of the area, as well as conditions and legislation (for which you will need to study the Council's handbook, provided above)
  • complete our new Driver Disability and Safeguarding Course - the cost is set by the provider
  • arrange with the Licensing Office for an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to be completed - £44. Once the certificate is issued you are required to join the DBS update service within 28 days of the issue date
  • If you moved to the UK after you were 18 years old, you will need to provide a letter of good conduct from the country you previously resided in
  • arrange a medical examination - the cost is set by the GP practice
  • arrange a driving standards test with either Green Penny or Blue Lamp Trust - the cost is set by the provider

If you do not hold a British passport, you will need to complete a right to work check with the Home Office.

Forms