Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Licence

Policy

Oadby and Wigston Borough Council is the statutory Licensing Authority for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles, drivers and operators within its Borough

The legislation creates three types of licence:

1. Vehicles (Hackney Carriage and Private Hire).

2. Drivers (Hackney Carriage and Private Hire).

3. Operators (Private Hire only).

It is a criminal offence for anyone to act as the driver or proprietor of a vehicle used as Hackney Carriage or Private Hire vehicle or to operate a private hire vehicle within the Borough of Oadby and Wigston without first obtaining a licence from the Council.

Further information on how to apply for the respective licences can be found by clicking the links on the right-hand side.

The Council has adopted a policy which can be read here:

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy (PDF Document, 871.97 Kb)

This policy outlines how the Council will licence drivers, vehicles and operators.

Anyone wishing to enter the trade as a driver, owner of a vehicle or operator is advised to read the Council's Policy in the first instance as the Council is unable to give applicants bespoke legal advice on how to make their applications.

Please also read: Statutory Guidance - Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards (PDF Document, 277.37 Kb)

Renewal of combined drivers badge

Prior to completing a renewal drivers application form you will need to have submitted an enhanced DBS application through TaxiPlus via the below link:

https://www.taxiplus.co.uk/councils/oadby-and-wigston

Once your online DBS application has been submitted via TaxiPlus, you will receive a unique form reference number which you will need to enable you to complete the driver’s application form.

APPLY FOR A RENEWAL DRIVER’S BADGE LICENCE HERE

Applications are to be submitted at least six weeks prior to the licence expiry date and will be processed within 10 working days of all aspects of the application being complete

Oadby and Wigston Borough Council issue combined Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver Licences allowing licensed drivers to drive either a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Vehicle. Licences last for three years after which time the licence holder must renew or cease to act as a licensed driver.

The Council will not grant a licence unless they are satisfied that an applicant is a fit and proper person. The application process is designed to enable the Council to make that decision and these procedures are explained in the Council’s Policy.

We are now accepting new applications for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver licences.

The Process

Stage 1: Competency Test

All new applicants will need to undertake the competency test before submitting a full application.

The test carries a fee of £55.00, and you have three attempts within a 12 month period to pass the test. If the test is failed three times within this period you must wait another 12 months before trying again.

Once you are a licensed driver with Oadby and Wigston Borough Council the test will not need to be taken again.

There are eight sections to the test, and the passing score is 80%. The sections are:

• Writing a Receipt (written test)
• Legislation
• Conditions
• Locations
• Highway Code
• Numeracy
• Road Signage
• Shortest Routes

Failure to attend the test without cancellation, and late arrivals, will result in a failure and count towards your three attempts. You will forfeit the fee paid and will have to pay again if you wish to rebook.

Requests for a different date must be made by email to our Licensing Team via licensing@oadby-wigston.gov.uk who will confirm the next available date.

No maps can be taken into the test, and you must bring a photocard driving license for ID.

Book your competency test

Tests can take up to one hour, and applicants must arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the test. Late arrivals will not be admitted and will count as a test failure.

When going through the competency test booking form, we will confirm further details of the test.

Results of the test can take up to two weeks.

By carrying out the test first, this will prevent an applicant from submitting documents or making additional payments that are not required if the competency test was to be failed.

Stage 2: Full Application

On successfully passing your competency test, you will then be able to complete a full application. The documentation you will need to provide and criteria are:

• Driving Licence
• DVLA Driving Licence Check
• Proof of ID
• Proof of Address
• Proof of English proficiency, if English is not first language
• Medical Practitioner signed Group 2 Medical Certificate
• Safeguarding training and new online Disability Awareness training
• Application fee

Please note that the Home Office has updated its immigration status checking guidance. You can view the updated document here.

Applicants will have to provide evidence of their competency of verbal and written English, where English is not their first language.

A Functioning Level 2 English test is designed to demonstrate your ability to read, write, speak, listen and communicate in English and is the equivalent of a GCSE English Level 4 or 5 (Grade C).

There are a number of providers that provide this training (including but not limited to):

• Leicester College (Various sites)
• North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College (South Wigston Campus)
• Think Online Training
• Learn Direct
• AQA
• QualHub

Applicants are required to pass a driving assessment conducted by The Blue Lamp Trust and provide a Group 2 medical certificate signed by a Medical Practitioner who has access to their medical records stating that they are physically and mentally fit to drive.

Your medical can be undertaken by your own GP, or an outside company such as D4Drivers or Motor-Medicals. If your medical appointment is not with your own GP, you will need to take a ‘summary of your medical records’ with you to your appointment. This can be obtained from your GP Surgery.

Additionally, the applicants will be required to undergo a DVLA driving licence check and will need to complete a Safeguarding and a Disability Awareness course. Both courses are online and run by the Blue Lamp Trust.

Prior to completing a drivers application form you will need to have passed a taxi competency test (for new applicants only) and submitted an enhanced DBS application through TaxiPlus via the below link:

https://www.taxiplus.co.uk/councils/oadby-and-wigston

Once your online DBS application has been submitted via TaxiPlus, you will receive a unique form reference number which you will need to enable you to complete the driver’s application form.

APPLY FOR A NEW DRIVER’S BADGE LICENCE HERE

Please note: where an application is withdrawn or refused the Council reserves the right to levy a reasonable and proportionate administration fee to cover the costs of processing up to the point of withdrawal or refusal. Where a licence is suspended or revoked, there will be no reimbursement of the application fee.