Private hire

Introduction

We have a responsibility to ensure that drivers of private hire vehicles are fit and proper persons to hold their licence.

Drivers are issued with a badge which must be worn at all times when carrying out their duties, we only issue licences after the driver has been checked to make sure that he or she:

• has a valid driving licence
• is a fit and proper person
• understands the relevant laws
• has a good knowledge of the Peterborough area with a good standard of driving

Apply for a new private hire drivers licence

If you wish to become a private hire driver you need to:

• be at least 18 years of age
• hold a current full UK driving licence and have held this for more than one year

To become a private hire driver you will need to complete an online application for a licence.

You will need the following documents as you will be required to upload them during the online application process. You will be required to present the originals when invited to an interview with a Peterborough City Council licensing officer:

• Enhanced disclosure certificate - If you are a member of the disclosure update service then you can provide your current enhanced disclosure and reference number in place of the full enhanced disclosure certificate. Self-enrol and apply for an enhanced DBS check.
• Taxi general competency certificate from Peterborough Regional College - due to Covid-19, courses may be rescheduled or cancelled. Please contact the College for further information.
• Medical form signed by a medical practitioner
• Driving Assessment Pass Certificate from an approved provider
• DVLA driving licence (photo card)
• DVLA driving licence check summary and code
• Passport style/size photo for ID badge
• Proof of right to work in UK for example a British passport - A list of acceptable documents has been published by the Home Office, further information can be found on GOV.UK's Right to Work checklist
• If not continuously resident in the UK for the last 5 years a Statement of Good Conduct will need to be uploaded further information can be found on GOV.UK's Record checks for overseas applicants

If you are unable to verify your documents with the Post Office, please contact the Licensing Team for further instructions.

The approved Driving Assessment test providers are listed below:

All three providers offer both Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Driving Assessment Tests and are not listed in any particular order.

Applicants are responsible for arranging, booking and paying for the test with one of the providers listed below. Pass certificates from other providers will not be accepted. You are also responsible for ensuring you read and understand, the providers test requirements and ensure you bring everything required for the test, e.g. roadworthy licensed vehicle, valid driving licence etc. The providers are duty bound to report to us, any behaviour which may affect an applicant’s ‘fit and proper’ status.

• Blue Lamp Trust
• Green Penny

For more information please read the private hire driver conditions, private hire policy and current taxi fees in our supporting documents.

Renew private hire driver licence

If your private hire driver licence is due to expire in the next 30 days you will need to renew your licence online.

Should you wish to renew your badge then your completed application and payment should be submitted before the expiry date of your current badge. If your application and all documents are not received before the expiry date, you will be classed as de-licensed and will be required to apply as a new driver should you wish to continue to drive for hire and reward purposes.

You will need the following documents as you will be required to upload them during the application process: 

• Enhanced disclosure certificate - If you are a member of the disclosure update service then you can provide your current enhanced disclosure and reference number in place of the full enhanced disclosure certificate. Self-enrol and apply for an enhanced DBS check.
• Medical form signed by a medical practitioner
• DVLA driving licence (photo card)
• DVLA driving licence check summary and code
• Passport style/size photo for ID badge
• Proof of right to work in UK for example a British passport - A list of acceptable documents has been published by the Home Office, further information can be found on GOV.UK's Right to Work checklist

If you are unable to verify your documents with the Post Office, please contact the Licensing Team for further instructions.

For more information please read the private hire driver conditions, private hire policy and current taxi fees in our supporting documents.

Apply for a private hire vehicle licence

If you wish to licence a new private hire vehicle you will need to complete an online application. Your vehicle will need to be inspected at our appointed testing station. You will need to bring your vehicle inspection pass sheet with you when you collect your vehicle licence plate. Collection of the vehicle licence plate is arranged through appointment only. 

We have a responsibility to ensure that private hire vehicles are safe, in a good condition and well maintained. In line with our Licensing Policy, we have set requirements that your vehicle must meet in order to be licensed. Please read through this checklist before applying to ensure that the vehicle you are presenting is suitable to be licensed.

• Your vehicle must meet the criteria set out in the 2022 Vehicle Requirements document (opens PDF)
• The vehicle must be Type M1 approved. This is found in Section J of the V5C log book. If you do not have the full V5C log book, you can view this information online.
• If the vehicle is not Type M1 approved (i.e. it is a Type M2 or N1) and has been converted, then a VIVA Certificate issued by the DVSA must be presented with the application. The VIVA Certificate ensures that the vehicle has been converted to a standard suitable to safely convey passengers.
• The vehicle must be insured for the carriage of passengers for Hire & Reward purposes.
• Vehicles which accommodate more than 8 passengers cannot be licensed as a private hire vehicle.

For more information, please read the private hire driver conditions, private hire policy and current taxi fees in our supporting documents.

Renew a private hire vehicle licence

If your private hire vehicle licence is due to expire in the next 30 days you will need to renew your licence online.

Your vehicle must be less than ten years old. There are also mileage restrictions depending on the age of your vehicle.

You will need the following documents as you will be required to upload them during the application process.

• Vehicle insurance certificate
• V5C Log book

For more information please read the private hire driver conditions, private hire policy and current taxi fees in our supporting documents.

Apply for a new private hire operator licence

If you would like to become a private hire operator you can apply online. You will need to provide:

• A list of the vehicles you intend to operate (include vehicle owner, vehicle registration, vehicle licence number if already licenced with Peterborough City Council, proof of suitable insurance)
• A list of the drivers you intend to operate (include driver name and driver badge number as issued with Peterborough City Council)
• A copy of your complaints procedure
• A copy of your customer service procedure
• Any other relevant training documents for training to be provided to drivers fulfilling bookings
• A basic criminal records check certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service for any company directors and any persons with significant control
• Proof of right to work in UK, for example a British passport - A list of acceptable documents and further information can be found on GOV.UK's Right to Work checklist. This needs to be provided for company directors and any persons with significant control.

Depending on the number of vehicles you wish to operate, you may also require planning permission for your premises. If you intend to operate a radio communications system you will also need a licence from Ofcom.

For more information please read the private hire operator conditions, private hire policy and current taxi fees in our supporting documents.

Renew a private hire operator licence

If you wish to renew your existing private hire operators licence you can apply online.

You will need the following information / documents as you will be required to provide / upload them during the online application process.

• Tax check code for operator - you can find further information in the HMRC Tax Factsheet on the GOV.UK website (opens PDF)
• A basic criminal records check for any new company directors or persons with significant control
• Right to work evidence for any new company directors or persons with significant control
• A list of the vehicles you intend to operate (include vehicle owner, vehicle registration, vehicle licence number if already licensed with Peterborough City Council, proof of suitable insurance)
• A list of the drivers you intend to operate (include driver name and driver badge number as issued with Peterborough City Council)
• A copy of your complaints procedure
• A copy of your customer service procedure
• Any other relevant training documents for training to be provided to drivers fulfilling bookings

For more information please read the private hire operator conditions, private hire policy and current taxi fees in our supporting documents.

Tax conditionality

The Government is putting in place new tax requirements for applications to certain licences from 4 April 2022. This is supported by a new digital service developed by HMRC. It helps people in the taxi, private hire and scrap metal industries to complete a new tax check.

Most people are registered to pay tax and this is about ensuring everyone pays the tax they should. HMRC is working with industry bodies to make this as straightforward as possible. The check should take a few minutes every few years and is to confirm that someone is appropriately registered for tax.

Changes for new applications

If you are applying for a licence for the first time (or if you previously held a licence but it expired more than one year ago), you will not need to complete the tax check. However, the licensing authority must ensure that you have read the HMRC guidance on what you need to do to be properly registered for tax in the future. You will need to confirm you have done this before the licensing authority can process your application.

Changes for renewal applications

The rules are changing if you’re an individual, company or any type of partnership applying for a licence for a:

• Hackney carriage driver
• Private hire driver
• Private hire vehicle operator

If you make an application on or after 4 April 2022, you will need to complete a tax check if you’re:

• Renewing a licence
• Applying for the same type of licence you previously held, that ceased being valid less than a year ago
• Applying for the same type of licence you already hold with another licensing authority

You must carry out the tax check yourself. You cannot ask a tax agent or adviser to do this on your behalf.

The tax check will ask questions about how you pay any tax that may be due on income you earn from your licensed trade.

After you have completed the tax check you will be given a 9-character tax check code.

You will need to give the code on your application to the licensing authority, so they can confirm you have carried out a tax check. The licensing authority will not be able to grant you a licence if you do not provide a valid tax check code with your renewal application.

Notify us of a change

If you have recently changed address, sold your vehicle to another private hire driver or replaced your vehicle we will need to vary your licence. Please download the relevant form below, print, complete, make payment online and send application form to us.

Pay for

Please use the links below to order and pay for sundry items and services. No prior application is required. On receipt of your payment and when we have verified your entitlement, a member of our licensing team will contact you to arrange delivery/collection.

• Meter seal
• Private hire replacement door stickers
• Replacement drivers badge
• Replacement drivers licence
• Replacement exemption certificate
• Replacement vehicle plate and bracket

Supporting documents

Report an accident

If you are a taxi driver and need to report an accident then please click on the following link.

Book a vehicle inspection test

Your taxi or private hire vehicle will need to be tested at our Aragon testing centre to make sure it is safe for the travelling public.

Contact the licensing team

If you require further information or guidance, or to discuss a complaint, please contact our licensing team by calling 01733 453491 or by email at licensing@peterborough.gov.uk.