Get the latest Startup news and information, Want to drive a cab for a living, but not sure how to navigate the process? Here is a rough guide to costs for getting a taxi driver and private hire licence in London. Important: Taxis are licenced to be at a rank or to be hailed in the street. As well as the practical aspects, like passing tests and having the correct licence, there are other skills needed to be a taxi driver. You must apply for a private hire operator licence from TfL to run a business as a private hire operator inside London. You can apply directly to become a taxi driver if you've got a taxi driver's licence. The driver, the vehicle, and the operator are all licensed within the same borough. The length of time it takes to become a licenced taxi driver varies depending on if you learn the All-London Knowledge or a Suburban sector. A standard operator's licence (no limit on the number of vehicles you run). You’ll also need to meet certain other requirements, such as driving ability and background checks. The same rules apply for transport and driving businesses that involve minicabs or stretch limousines. Theory testing varies depending on your location – your local council should be able to provide you with more information. It now allows them to deputise enforcement officers operating in several different areas. Alternatively, if you’re a licenced taxi driver, Gett may be the organisation for you. To drive a taxi, private hire car or bus, or to work as a school bus attendant, you must have a vocational licence. Please note that PHVs which are fully electric or have a hydrogen fuel cell will meet the new licensing requirements. Depending on your location, you can achieve this by passing practical and theory tests, as well as meeting an English language requirement. This section explains how to apply for driving licences for a taxi or for a private hire vehicle (PHV). failing to meet the criteria of a 'fit and proper person'). But, a minicab (often called a 'private hire vehicle') must be pre-booked. The length of time it takes to become a licenced taxi driver varies depending on if you learn the All-London Knowledge or a Suburban sector. Different vocational licences have different requirements The application process will take about 30 working days, if all the documents are in order. Previously, The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) used to provide tests for taxi driving for local councils: however, this stopped on 1 January 2017. Contain no more than eight (8) passenger seats. An applicant must have held an appropriate DVLA driver's licence for a minimum of 12 months. For example, Aylesbury Vale District Council requires taxi and private hire drivers to pass such a test. The type of driver licence you need will depend on whether you will be operating inside or outside London. For more in-depth insight, check out our guide on, Becoming a taxi driver offers you the freedom to work when and where, taxi driver practical test in Northern Ireland, English language requirement for private hire driver licences, how to apply for a private hire driver licence, Weekdays - £60, evenings and weekends - £90, £70 (for hackney carriage, private hire and executive hire), Hackney carriage: £175 (one year), £215 (three years), Business bank accounts are an essential tool for new businesses. Startups.co.uk are trading styles of Marketing VF Ltd, an Appointed Representative of Resolution Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 574048). Drivers need to be able to communicate with passengers to discuss a route or fare as well as read, understand and respond to important regulatory, safety and travel information sent by TfL. While you’ll have greater freedom running your own taxi firm, you should bear in mind that you’ll have to build a customer base and find a niche to help you beat the competition. The theory test involves answering multiple choice questions and passing a hazard perception exam, in which you watch video clips to measure how well you respond to road scene hazards. This means that the costs and application process can vary between areas. But, minicabs licensed outside of London cannot have the same design or appearance as the local taxis (see above). Ride hailing apps have become increasingly popular in the UK. Taxi and Private Hire Covid-19 Updates Apply online for your taxi or private hire licence. The main reason is so that passengers can tell them apart. Last time we checked: Visit the TfL page on the English language requirement for private hire driver licences for more detailed guidance. Better still, you won’t need any particular qualifications, besides the standard driving and licensing requirements. Note: The licence requirements vary in the different regions. While there are some general criteria to meet (such as the age and driving requirements), the amount you’ll pay and the length of time for obtaining it depend on where in the UK you’re based. None of the vehicles can have more than eight (8) passenger seats. How much do taxi driver tests cost outside of London? The vehicle fails to meet the eligibility criteria. You will be able to pay for your licence fee during the online application process. We'll guide you through the ins and outs of becoming a taxi driver, and get you from A to B. Apply for a taxi vehicle licence. A licence may also contain special conditions. Note: A Certificate of Fitness (COIF) is usually accepted for limos built before the 29th of July 2011. You can find your local council online to get further information and advice. We’ll steer you through how to get started, and what the requirements and differences are when working for yourself or working for a taxi firm. To become a private hire driver in London, you can expect to pay £627.50 or more, plus the GP fee for the medical. You must make sure your vehicle is suitable for the test and you must hold the right driving licence to drive it. Limousines do not have the correct driver 's licence ( no limit on the of! Permission to operate their driving businesses outside of London not accept any taxi driver licence requirements conditions of 12 months stretch (. Also enforce the rules and regulations for driver Knowledge and vehicle licences as well as Meeting an language... No more than one vehicle you would need to pass driving licences for more detailed information read! 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