Under the provisions of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 we are responsible for licensing private hire operators, vehicles and drivers who work within the Wakefield District.
The purpose of this licensing is to safeguard the fare paying, travelling public by ensuring that vehicles are safe, reliable and comfortable, operators are efficient and that drivers are considered suitable.
To be licensed as a Private Hire or Hackney Carriage Driver you must:
Apply for a Licence
Read 'how to apply' and the 'requirements and guidance' section of our
application form. It is important you read this information thoroughly as it contains important information regarding the application process and the documents required to make an application. Failure to produce the correct documents will result in your application being refused.
Applications must be submitted in person, between 10am and 3pm at the Licensing Office.
The licence fee must be paid at the time of application by cash or debit/credit card. Fees are dependent on the licence type and duration.
In most cases licences are issued for 3 years, unless special circumstances require a licence to be issued for a shorter period.
Considering your application
We will use the results of the various tests and checks carried out during the application process to determine whether or not you are a "fit and proper person" to hold a licence. We will check any information disclosed on your DBS Certificate or Certificate of Good Conduct and consider what weight to attach to it. Each case is decided on its own merits and in line with the driver
'Suitability Policy'.
Conditions
There are a number of
conditions and
byelaws attached to both types of driver licences and you will need to be fully aware of them before you begin driving.
Operator's licence
If you intend to start a business to make bookings for private hire vehicles then you will require an
Operator Licence.
Online Register
If you wish to see further information on licences granted you can view these on the
online register.
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