Driver licences - hackney carriage and private hire

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:

• Hold a full DVLA driving licence for at least 3 years.
• Have the right to live and work in the UK.
• Be of good character and a 'fit and proper person' to hold a licence. To establish this you will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check. If you have resided outside the UK for any period longer than 3 months in the previous 3 years you will also need a Certificate of Good Conduct from the embassy of that country. Any information disclosed will be considered in line with the Councils Suitability Policy.
• Be medically fit which means meeting the DVLA Group 2 standards. In most cases you will have to undergo a medical examination with someone who has access to your full medical history.
• Have knowledge of the local area and appreciation of the duties and obligations placed on you by the law and Councils conditions. To access this you will be required to pass the Councils maths and English assessment and Knowledge Test.
• Pass a practical driving assessment with either Diamond Advanced Motoring or Blue Lamp Trust to ensure your driving is to the required standard for a professional driver.
• Attend our safeguarding training within 3 months of your licence being granted.
  

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.

Downloads

• New driver application form
• Driver renewal application form
• Adult Education information
• Medical form
• Private hire vehicle conditions
• Hackney carriage vehicle conditions
• Hackney carriage byelaws
• Notification of conviction form
• Suitability policy
• A Guide to DBS
• DBS Policy statement