Applying for a Taxi Licence
If you wish to become a taxi driver or to turn your own vehicle into a taxi, there are certain requirements that potential drivers and vehicles must meet before a licence can be issued.
Skills Required for Drivers
To be a private hire or a hackney carriage driver, you will need;
- Good driving skills and an awareness of road safety
- A detailed knowledge of the area of North Hertfordshire, including street names, major landmarks and one-way systems
- Good verbal communication skills
- Good numeracy skills for handling cash
- The ability to deal with angry or drunken passengers
- An awareness of disabled access issues
There are also courses available for drivers who wish to gain a qualification 
in taxi driving.
Before driving a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle all drivers must first obtain the corresponding drivers badge. Requirements for all applicants to fulfil include undergoing an enhanced CRB check, doctors medical and knowledge test. The initial licence is issued for a duration of six months during which the driver must pass the Driving Standards Agency Assessment. Subsequent licences can be issued for one, two or three years duration.
Further information about applying for a taxi drivers licence (hackney carriage and private hire) can be found on the taxi drivers licence page. If you would like some useful information about taxi driver safety, details can be found on the safety advice for taxi drivers page.
Vehicle Requirements
There are many conditions to consider prior to purchasing a vehicle to be used as a hackney carriage or private hire in particular North Hertfordshire District Council's vehicle age policy. All new vehicles must be under the age of five years from date of first registration to be initially licensed. The renewal of a vehicle licence may continue beyond the age of five years subject to six-monthly testing at the Council's nominated testing station in accordance with the Council's vehicle age policy. Further assistance on this procedure is available from the Licensing Department or online in the Council's Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy. All vehicles must be tested by the Council's nominated testing station at the North Hertfordshire Homes depot in Letchworth Garden City. Hackney carriages must carry a roof sign and meter. Other conditions are available on request or online in the Council's Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy. Vehicle licences are issued for a maximum duration of one year.
Further information about applying for a taxi vehicle licence (hackney carriage and private hire) can be found on the taxi vehicle licence page.
Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Assessment Information
Further information can be found at www.businesslink.gov.uk/taxi
If you are interested in a private hire operators licence, the following web page provides details of the process.
