Drivers

We are responsible for licensing the following who work within the Wakefield District:

• private hire operators
• vehicles
• drivers

This is under the provisions of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

We will make sure that:

• vehicles are safe, reliable, and comfortable
• operators are efficient
• drivers are considered suitable

The purpose of this licensing is to safeguard the fare paying, travelling public.

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
• to establish this, you must undergo an Enhanced DBS check
  • if you have lived outside the UK for more than 3 months in the past 3 years, you will also need a Certificate of Good Conduct from the embassy of that country
  • any disclosed information will be evaluated according to the Council's Suitability Policy
    
    
• be medically fit which means meeting the DVLA Group 2 standards 
  • in most cases you will have to undergo a medical examination
  • this must be 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
  
  
• pass a practical driving assessment with either Diamond Advanced Motoring or Blue Lamp Trust 
  • this will make sure your driving is to the required standard for a professional driver
    
    
• it is a requirement that a driver will have successfully completed the Suitability Training prior to a licence being issued

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. It contains detail about 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. This is to determine whether 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. 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.