Taxi and private hire vehicles
Apply for a new licence
Working as a driver in a taxi (hackney carriage) or private hire vehicle means you must have had a licence granted by the local authority.
All new and existing drivers must follow the standards set by North East Lincolnshire Council.
View the Hackney carriage and private vehicle hire policy (Word, 120KB)
All licensed drivers registered with North East Lincolnshire Council are listed on the public register. The public register is available to view at the Municipal Offices, Town Hall Square, Grimsby, DN31 1HU.
Eligibility
A taxi or private hire vehicle can only be driven by someone who has had a licence granted by the council.
For the council to check you’re suitable for working with members of the public you must have:
- NVQ Level 2 Award in Introduction to the role of the professional Taxi and Private Hire Driver
- Application Fee (including licence for 3 years)
- DBS Disclosure via UCheck
- Immigration Check
- Medical
- Full Driving Licence issued by the GB DVLA, EEA or Northern Ireland (held for at least 12 months) – This will be checked online each year.
- Application Form
- 1 Passport Photograph
- 2 References
- Knowledge Test
- Attend a 2-hour CSE Briefing (further information available from licensing department)
- Certificate of Good Conduct may be required
- Declaration of Tax Obligations
How to apply
You must contact the licensing team to request an application form and book an appointment with an officer. At the appointment you will go through your application form, complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check and pay any fees.
Before your appointment you must see your GP for a medical, and you must have your application signed by the owner of the business you intend to work for.
At your appointment
You will need to bring a:
- completed application form
- medical certificate from your GP
- credit or debit card, cheque or postal order but not cash to pay the fees. The Hackney Carriage Office does not take cash
- original documentation to confirm your identity for the DBS check
- the names of two referees, one of which must be a current or previous employer, and the other must be a person of professional standing
For a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check you must have your National Insurance Number, and full postal address of homes where you have lived in the past 5 years. An original document from group 1, and 2 more original documents from either group 1 or 2. Documents must show the current name address and date of birth.
Application Guidance
Includes a step-by-step guide to applying and a list of accepted documents for a DBS check.
Guidance for new applicants (Word, 62KB)