How to become a licensed Hackney Carriage or Private Hire driver in the Rochford District.
Before making an application, you must read our Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy and the Carriage and Private Hire, Driver, Vehicle and Operator Licence Conditions as this gives information on the following:
- Our driver training and safeguarding requirements;
- The criteria relating to convictions and disclosure and how to obtain the appropriate certificates for both here in the UK and time spent abroad (if you have lived abroad for a period of six months or more since the age of 10);
- Immigration and Right to Work in the UK;
- Medical Requirements.
To apply for a New Combined (Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Licence).
To start the application process, you need to
- Download and read the Combined Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Driver Licence Process and Check list.
- Read the combined knowledge test information.
- Complete the application at www.rochford.gov.uk/DriverLicence.
- Make an appointment for your knowledge test / suitability check and document check at http://www.rochford.gov.uk/LicensingSelfBooking and selecting First Knowledge Test.
To apply for a New Restricted Private Hire Driver Licence (This licence is restricted to school contract and chauffer work only).
To start the application process, you need to
- Read the Restricted Private Hire Driver’s Licence The Knowledge Test Information.
- Download and read the Restricted Private Hire Driver’s Licence Process and Check list.
- Complete the application at www.rochford.gov.uk/DriverLicence.
- Make an appointment for your knowledge test / suitability check and document check at http://www.rochford.gov.uk/LicensingSelfBooking and selecting First Knowledge Test.
Apply to Renew your Rochford Drivers Licence
To renew your licence please:
- Complete a tax check for a taxi, private hire or scrap metal licence - GOV.UK
- Complete the application at www.rochford.gov.uk/DriverLicence
- Submit your updated Disability Awareness Training and Safeguarding Training to licensing@rochford.gov.uk
- Complete the Taxi Plus DVLA mandate emailed to you when your application is received.
- If you are not on the Disclosure and Barring Service update service please make an application for a New Enhanced DBS at https://www.taxiplus.co.uk/im-a-driver selecting Rochford District Council and register the certificate with the DBS Update Service - GOV.UK
Processing and timescales
Although we are dependent on other agencies providing us with information, we aim to determine your application as soon as possible.
Renewal applications will be processed within four weeks of a complete application being received.
New applications will be processed within six to eight weeks of receiving a complete application and all tests being passed.
Further Questions
If you have any further questions about the process or becoming a licensed driver with Rochford Council after reading the above and our Policies and conditions, please contact Licensing using this form.