Taxi and private hire licence conditions

If you are applying for a taxi or private hire licence, there are conditions that need to be met for the licence to be granted.

Vehicle licence conditions

A vehicle licence cannot be granted if your vehicle is not insured.

Your vehicle will need to be tested to satisfy the licensing authority that it is suitable in type, size and design for use as a taxi or private hire car and is safe for such use. You can read our guidance booklet for further information.

View the taxi licence standard conditions (PDF 39KB) that will apply to the operator of a taxi and the private hire vehicle standard conditions (PDF 40KB) that apply to the operator of a private hire vehicle.

Driver licence conditions

A taxi or private car hire driving licence can only be granted to you providing you have held, during 12 continuous months prior to the date of the application, a licence authorising you to drive a motor car.  

You must be physically fit for the purpose of obtaining the licence so you may be asked to submit to a medical examination (drivers aged 70 and over will be required to produce a medical certificate). View guidance for disclosure of medical fitness (PDF 343KB).

View disclosure of convictions guidance (PDF 421KB) to check if you need to make any declarations in your application. If your driving licence is suspended by any court, your taxi or private hire car driver’s licence will automatically cease to have effect during the period of suspension.

View the taxi driver’s licence standard conditions (PDF 107KB) that apply to the driver of a taxi and the private hire car driver’s licence standard conditions (PDF 96KB)  that apply to the driver of a private hire vehicle.