How to apply for a Hackney Carriage/ Private Hire Driver’s
Licence
Every taxi licenced by the Council must also
be driven by a driver licenced by the Council. The driver will
be provided with a badge with their photograph on which must be
worn at all times whilst on duty.
Becoming a licensed driver is not necessarily
a quick or easy process. There are procedures in place to ensure
that anyone issued with a driver badge meets the criteria and is a
fit and proper person.
Below is a step by step guide to becoming a
licensed driver with Melton Borough Council:
Request from us, or download below, the
appropriate forms. These are:
You should also be familiar with the
Melton
Borough Council local conditions booklet
Once you have fully completed the Application,
DVLA and CRB forms, contact us to arrange to hand them in. You
must also bring in some identification, as detailed in the CRB
guidance booklet. Without the ID we cannot accept your application.
Note that the addresses on your ID must match your current address.
We cannot accept any applications without payment of the
appropriate fees (see below).
You must have held a European Driving
Licence for 3 years at the time of application.
You are required to obtain from a GP a
completed and signed medical certificate. The form to be completed
is obtainable from us but the arrangements for making the
appointment with payment of any costs incurred are met by the
applicant.
At some stage of the application
process, and before your licence can be granted, you will need to
take the Local Knowledge Test for new drivers. This test is made up
of three parts; the first is to test your knowledge of the
local Conditions of Licensing booklet, the second tests
your knowledge of the town streets and nearby transport links and
the third is a test of your knowledge of the Highway Code. Please
contact us to arrange a mutually convenient time to take the test.
The fee for the test must be paid in advance and the receipt
brought with you. Please see below for a link to
the Revision Notes for the Hackney Carriage &
Private Hire Driver's Test.
If a Hackney/Private Hire Driver’s Licence is
granted you will be required to produce your standard driving
licence, if we do not already hold a copy, at the time of
collection.
The Hackney/Private Hire drivers badge is
valid for one year, whereas the CRB, DVLA and medical checks last
for 3 years before requiring renewal, apart from drivers aged over
65 who must obtain an annual medical before their licence can be
renewed.
The licence we issue to drivers is a combined
licence which entitles the holder to drive both Private Hire
vehicles and Hackney Carriages. It will enable you to drive a
vehicle licensed by Melton Borough Council.
There are conditions attached to being a
licensed driver and these prescribe how you must conduct yourself
when working and these are all in the Conditions
of Licensing booklet. Should there be a breach of these rules
your Hackney/Private Hire Driver’s Licence may be suspended,
revoked or not renewed.
Costs
Licence application: £63
DVLA certificate: £5
CRB enhanced certificate: £44
CRB Standards Certificate £26
Knowledge test: £10
Your doctor will also charge you for your
medical certificate.
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