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Driver Licence

If you are planning a career in the Taxi trade and you wish to drive either a Private Hire or Hackney Carriage vehicle you need to obtained a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver licence issued by this authority.

Before a licence is granted we have a duty to ensure that the applicant is a 'fit and proper' person.  This is assessed in the following ways:

That.....

  • he/she is medically fit
  • he/she has attained the age of 21 years
  • he/she has held a full driver's licence (not a provisional licence) granted to the applicant under Part III of the Road Traffic Act 1972 authorising him/her to drive a motor car for at least twelve months prior to the date of the application
  • he/she must pass a police criminality check carried out by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) to ensure safety to the public
  • Character references

Please view the council's guidance to Relevant Convictions under related documents on this page.

Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)

When you apply for a grant of a drivers licence, you will need to complete a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) form.  With your CRB form, you will need to provide original documentation which must be evidenced by an Officer at the Council.  The documents can be photocopied whilst you wait or they will be sent back to you recorded delivery for a safe return.   

The following documentation must be provided:

At least one of the following to be submitted

  • Valid passport
  • Original Birth Certificate
  • Valid photo identity card

and at least two of the following

  • Marriage certificate
  • Non-original birth certificate
  • P45/60 statement
  • Bank or building society statement
  • Utility bill (electricity gas etc)
  • Other addressed correspondence

Please be aware that we normally allow approximately up to 8 weeks from receipt of your application for return of these checks as this is the average time that they take.

Applying

Applicants should first read the policy and conditions relating to Hackney Carriage/Private Hire (386 kb pdf) drivers to ensure they fully understand the requirements relating to drivers.  

Once the application form has been completed, you need to make an appointment to visit our offices, bringing with you the following documentation:

  • the completed application form
  • your DVLA Driving Licence showing your current address
  • your passport or birth certificate
  • 1 colour passport type photograph taken within the last month
  • the relevant fee (see the schedule of fees under useful links on this page) 
  • name and address of two referees. This must be a person that is not related to you, a person that is not already working in the taxi trade or a member or employee of West Somerset Council.
  • completed CRB form and documentation listed above
  • Medical Certificate (the form is available under related documents)
  • 'Taxi Test' pass certificate from the Driving Standards Agency

For information and how to book the DSA Taxi Test go to  www.businesslink.gov.uk/taxi.

Change of Details

If you move house or change your name for any reason, you must notify the Council of those changes.  You may use the form under related documents for this purpose.

For further information or guidance please fill in the general enquiry form on the right hand side of this page or contact customer services on 01643 703704.

It should be noted that this authority is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and to this end may use the information you provide in the application form for the prevention and detection of fraud.  It may also share the information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes