Apply for a private hire/Hackney carriage/dual badge driver's licence
To apply, you must have held a full UK driving licence for at least 12 months.
If you have lived in the UK for less than 5 years, you need to provide a certificate of good conduct (opens in new tab) from the country (or embassy of the country) you lived in within this period.
Read the documents below before applying.
- Hackney carriage and private hire information and licence conditions (download PDF 305.2KB)
- Hackney carriage and private hire licensing handbook (download PDF 816.9KB)
If you need more help you can:
- watch our short 'how to guide' video (opens in new tab)
- read the applying for a private hire/Hackney carriage drivers licence video transcript (download DOCX 26.81KB)
- contact the Licensing Team
- use WALIS, our chatbot
Licensing and Safety Committee
You may need to go before the Licensing Committee if you have any motoring or criminal convictions or a revoked licence. They will consider your application on an individual case by case basis.
If the committee refuses your application your application fees will not be refunded. If you need any further help, email us.
What happens if you don't have a licence
By law, you must have a licence and we can take action against private hire or Hackney carriage drivers who breach regulations. Unlicensed drivers or vehicles can be reported.
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